The treason trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu recommenced on Monday following a five-month hiatus, reigniting interest in a case that has captured international attention regarding the country’s political environment.
Lissu, the chairman of the opposition party Chadema, has been detained since April 2025 on charges of treason, an offense that is punishable by death in Tanzania.
Outside the Dar es Salaam courthouse, Lissu accused prosecutors of intentionally stalling the proceedings to prolong his detention. He claimed they aimed “to waste time, keeping me in remand custody even longer.”
The trial had been on hold since February as prosecutors contested a decision permitting the inclusion of additional evidence. Last month, Tanzania’s Court of Appeal rejected this challenge, enabling the case to proceed.
Chadema characterized the hearing as a crucial examination of Tanzania’s dedication to democracy, legal principles, and political liberties. They contended that the prosecution has been employed to stifle legitimate opposition.
The trial comes in the wake of extensive criticism regarding Tanzania’s approach to managing protests related to last year’s elections. Supporters of Lissu claim that President Samia Suluhu Hassan is reinstating the oppressive strategies linked with former President John Magufuli, a charge that has been consistently refuted by the government.
