Tanzania Opposition Leader Tundu Lissu Calls Treason Trial Political as Defence Begins
Tundu Lissu, Tanzania’s main opposition leader, brands his treason trial as politically motivated as he starts his defence in court.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 21, 2026
2 min read
Tanzania's opposition chief, Tundu Lissu, has described the treason charges against him as politically driven as he opened his defence in court on Friday.
Lissu, who leads the Chadema party, faces allegations of inciting a boycott of last year's elections, a charge that carries the death penalty. He was detained in April 2025 and has a history of activism, including surviving an assassination attempt in 2017.
Security was tight at Kisutu magistrate's court in Dar es Salaam, where Lissu’s supporters and foreign diplomats gathered. The court had earlier confirmed that the prosecution presented a case after hearing 17 witnesses.
Representing himself, Lissu requested the court to summon key government figures, including President Samia Suluhu Hassan, to testify in his defence. He also raised concerns about restrictions on his access to lawyers and witnesses during detention.
In his opening statement, Lissu argued that the trial stems from his advocacy for constitutional and electoral reforms, which conflicts with those in power. He highlighted his reputation as a defender of democracy and rule of law both locally and internationally.
Last year, ahead of the November elections marked by violence, Lissu’s party ran a "No Reforms, No Elections" campaign, leading to his arrest. Chadema supporters in court chanted slogans demanding a new constitution and Lissu’s release as the trial was adjourned to August 24 for continuation.
The government reports over 500 deaths linked to election unrest but has not clarified responsibility. Lissu’s party accuses President Hassan of reverting to the repressive methods seen under her predecessor, John Magufuli.
