Tanzania opposition members face terrorism charges amid protest crackdown

Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, says more than 50 of its officials have been arrested and charged with terrorism after a planned July 7 "Saba Saba" protest was blocked by a heavy police presence. Deputy Chairperson John Heche warned the charges are meant to intimidate critics, noting that party chairman Tundu Lissu also faces terrorism accusations and has been denied bail. He added that terrorism offences in Tanzania carry sentences of ten years to life imprisonment.

The arrests follow the disputed October 2025 general election in which President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared winner with 98% of the vote. Post‑election protests were met with a ban on political rallies and a security crackdown that, according to the government, left about 500 dead, while opposition and human‑rights groups claim the death toll may run into the thousands. Chadema argues that participating in a peaceful demonstration is a constitutional right, not a terrorist act, and it will defend all detained members while urging supporters to aid their families.