A Tanzanian high court has ruled that the treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu will go ahead after finding that he has a case to answer—a decision that could see the Chadema party head face the death penalty if convicted.
The Treason Charges Against Lissu
Lissu, who leads the main opposition Chadema party, was detained in April 2025 and charged with treason for allegedly inciting the public to boycott last year’s elections.
The charge carries a potential death penalty, making this one of the most high-stakes political trials in Tanzania’s recent history.
Court Ruling: A Case to Answer
Delivering the ruling on Friday at the high court in Dar es Salaam, Judge Dunstan Ndunguru stated:
“The court rules that the prosecution established a case which the accused needs to answer.”
The decision by a three-judge bench came after prosecutors presented evidence and 17 witnesses testified against Lissu.
Heightened Security and Diplomatic Presence
Security was significantly heightened at the high court on Friday, with:
- Lissu supporters packing the courtroom
- Foreign diplomats in attendance, underscoring international interest in the case
The heavy security presence reflected the tense political climate surrounding the trial.
Lissu Represents Himself, Names High-Profile Defence Witnesses
Lissu, who is representing himself in the trial, has listed several high-ranking government officials he intends to call as defence witnesses, including:
- President Samia Suluhu Hassan
- Other senior government figures
He has asked the court to “summon them” to testify on his behalf.
Prison Access Concerns
Lissu also raised concerns about his ability to prepare a proper defence, telling the court:
“I need to meet my lawyers and witnesses but they are not allowed to visit me in the prison.”
He asked the judges to address the access restrictions that are hindering his legal preparations.
Background: A History of Repression and Survival
Tundu Lissu is a long-time campaigner for democracy who:
- Returned from exile in 2023 after years abroad
- Has faced multiple arrests over the years
- Survived an assassination attempt in 2017 when he was shot multiple times outside his home in Dodoma
His political career has been defined by relentless opposition to authoritarian rule in Tanzania.
The 2025 Elections and Deadly Unrest
The treason charges stem from Lissu’s party campaign “No Reforms, No Elections”, which demanded electoral reforms ahead of the November 2025 polls.
The election period was marked by deadly repression of protests, with:
- The opposition and rights groups alleging thousands were killed by security forces
- The government acknowledging more than 500 deaths without assigning responsibility
- International criticism over the scale of violence
President Samia Suluhu Hassan won the last election with a controversial 98 percent of the vote—a result widely disputed by the opposition.
Samia’s Leadership Under Scrutiny
Lissu’s party has accused President Hassan of a return to the repressive tactics of her predecessor, John Magufuli, who was known for his authoritarian rule and crackdown on dissent.
While Hassan initially promised a more open and democratic Tanzania, critics argue that the 2025 election cycle marked a significant reversal of those commitments.
What Happens Next?
With the court ruling that Lissu has a case to answer, the trial will now proceed to the defence phase, where Lissu will present his case and call his listed witnesses—including the President.
Key questions remain:
- Will the court summon President Hassan?
- Will Lissu be granted access to his lawyers and witnesses?
- How will the international community respond to the trial’s outcome?
International Reaction
The trial has drawn close scrutiny from foreign diplomats and human rights organisations, who view it as a bellwether for democratic freedoms in Tanzania under President Hassan.
Any conviction could trigger fresh international condemnation and potential sanctions, while an acquittal could signal a rare victory for opposition politics in the region.
A Defining Moment for Tanzanian Democracy
The decision to proceed with Tundu Lissu’s treason trial marks a defining moment for Tanzania’s judiciary and its commitment to democratic principles.
With the death penalty hanging over him, Lissu’s fight is not just for his own freedom—it is a test of whether Tanzania can uphold the rule of law in the face of political repression.
All eyes are now on the defence phase, as the nation watches to see whether the courts will allow the opposition leader a fair trial—or whether this becomes another chapter in Tanzania’s troubled history of silencing dissent.
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