Fresh concerns have emerged regarding the safety of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, following an urgent alert posted on his X account on July 26, 2026. The statement, issued by an administrator, highlighted credible threats to Lissu’s life amid his prolonged detention.

Extended Detention Without Trial

Lissu, who leads the opposition party CHADEMA and is a former president of the Tanganyika Law Society, has been held at Ukonga Central Prison in Dar es Salaam since his arrest on April 9, 2025. His arrest followed a public rally in Mbinga, and he faces treason charges under Section 39(2)(d) of Tanzania’s Penal Code, alongside cybercrime allegations.

Treason in Tanzania is a non-bailable offense punishable by death, although the country has not executed anyone since 1994. Despite this, Lissu has remained in detention for over 470 days without a fair trial or timely resolution of his case.

International Pressure Intensifies

Lissu’s continued detention has drawn widespread international condemnation. Amnesty International has labelled his arrest unjust and demanded his immediate release. The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, in Opinion No. 74/2025, declared his detention arbitrary, citing violations of rights including liberty, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and the right to a fair trial.

Further, the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) on July 10, 2026, called on the Tanzanian government to resolve Lissu’s detention through legal and political channels within 30 days and to free others detained for peacefully exercising their rights.

Concerns Over Detention Conditions and Legal Proceedings

Supporters of Lissu have voiced worries about his prison conditions, which reportedly include constant CCTV surveillance, restricted confidential access to lawyers and family, and repeated court delays. Initial reports indicated he was held alongside death-row inmates before being moved to more isolated quarters under continuous monitoring.

Legal challenges remain ongoing. Lissu’s constitutional petition regarding limitations on private lawyer consultations is set for hearing on September 16, 2026. Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal has experienced multiple postponements in reviewing additional prosecution evidence.

The urgent statement concluded with a plea to Tanzanian authorities: “Protect Tundu Lissu. The world is watching.”