Tanzanian police arrested two prominent opposition leaders Monday to prevent anti-government protests in Dar es Salaam, according to party and police statements.
Freeman Mbowe, chairman of the main opposition party CHADEMA, was detained on the street, while his deputy Tundu Lissu was taken from his home. The arrests came as the party planned demonstrations against alleged killings and abductions of government critics.
Police reported that 14 individuals, including Mbowe and Lissu, were arrested for defying a ban on the protests.
CHADEMA stated on social media platform X that Mbowe was apprehended in the Magomeni area upon arrival to lead a peaceful protest. The party added that Lissu was taken away in a convoy of 11 vehicles without disclosing his destination.
This marks the second arrest for both leaders within a month, following brief detentions along with hundreds of supporters in a previous incident.
Rights campaigners allege that President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government is targeting opponents ahead of local elections in December and a national vote in 2025. The government has not immediately responded to these claims but has previously stated its commitment to democracy and intolerance of brutality.
Lissu, who survived an assassination attempt in 2016 when he was shot 16 times, has been a vocal critic of the government.
The arrests follow the recent abduction and murder of another senior CHADEMA member, whose body was found showing signs of beating and acid burns.
These events highlight escalating political tensions in Tanzania as the country approaches crucial election periods.
