Tanzanian Police Arrest Top Opposition Leaders
Tanzanian police detained two of the country’s top opposition leaders, Freeman Mbowe and Tundu Lissu, on Monday, according to their party Chadema. Mbowe was arrested on the street, while Lissu was taken from his home ahead of a protest in Dar es Salaam against alleged government critic killings and abductions.
Reason Behind the Protests
The protests were called by Chadema after party leader Ali Mohamed Kibao was found dead, with opposition accusing security agents of being behind his murder. President Samia Suluhu Hassan ordered investigations but prohibited the protests, leading to arrests and defiance.
Government’s Track Record
Previously, Lissu and Mbowe have faced multiple detentions, including incidents of police blocking party rallies. Lissu survived an assassination attempt in 2017 and returned to Tanzania after a ban on opposition rallies was lifted in 2020.
Current Political Landscape
President Hassan’s more liberal stance compared to her predecessor is noted, but concerns over repression tactics remain. Human rights activists and foreign governments have voiced worries over the situation before upcoming local elections.
Despite the challenges faced by the opposition, the fight for democracy and freedom of expression in Tanzania continues.