Tundu Lissu ends hunger strike in Tanzania

Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu has ended a brief hunger strike after prison authorities permitted him to meet privately with his brother and legal counsel. Lissu, the leader of the Party for Democracy and Progress (CHADEMA), began refusing food earlier in the week to protest restrictions on court-ordered confidential legal consultations.

Lissu has been detained for over 18 months and faces treason charges that carry a potential death sentence. His legal team expressed concerns regarding his health during the protest, noting his reliance on medication. A final judgment in his case is scheduled for November 6.

The detention of Lissu and reports of abductions involving government critics have drawn international scrutiny toward the human rights record of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. While the Tanzanian government has rejected accusations of widespread abuses and stated its commitment to human rights, the opposition continues to call for electoral reforms.