Tundu Lissu treason trial in Tanzania

Overview

The treason trial of CHADEMA Chairman Tundu Lissu in Tanzania has progressed through several stages in the High Court in Dar es Salaam. The charges stem from allegations that Lissu incited the public to boycott the 2025 General Election, an act prosecutors claim was intended to disrupt the electoral process.

During the proceedings, the court experienced delays. On August 14, 2026, the trial was adjourned after State Attorney Ajuaye Nzegeli informed the court that the 18th witness required a medical appointment at Muhimbili National Hospital. Lissu, who is representing himself, opposed the adjournment, citing a previous court order requiring the prosecution to present at least two witnesses per day and accusing the state of ignoring such directives.

Following testimony from 17 witnesses, a three-judge panel led by Judge Dunstan Ndunguru ruled that the prosecution had established sufficient evidence for Lissu to face trial. Lissu, charged under Section 39(2)(d) of the Penal Code, has denied all accusations, characterizing the trial as a political attempt to prevent his participation in the electoral process.

As part of his defense, Lissu has requested the court to issue summonses to several high-ranking officials, including President Samia Suluhu Hassan, former Vice-President Philip Mpango, and the Inspector-General of Police. If convicted, Lissu faces a penalty that could include the death sentence.

Entities

Dunstan Ndunguru · Tundu Lissu · Chadema · Muhimbili National Hospital · Samia Suluhu Hassan

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] The High Court ruled that Tundu Lissu has a case to answer in his treason trial. thechanzo.com · newscentraltv.com · dailynews.co.tz · ntvkenya.co.ke
[● 4 SOURCES] The prosecution called 17 witnesses during the trial. thechanzo.com · newscentraltv.com · dailynews.co.tz · ntvkenya.co.ke
[● 3 SOURCES] Lissu is charged with treason under Section 39(2)(d) of the Penal Code. thechanzo.com · dailynews.co.tz · ntvkenya.co.ke
[● 3 SOURCES] The charges stem from remarks allegedly made on April 3, 2025, regarding the 2025 General Election. thechanzo.com · dailynews.co.tz · ntvkenya.co.ke
[● 3 SOURCES] A conviction for treason in Tanzania can carry the death penalty. www.tzaffairs.org · newscentraltv.com · ntvkenya.co.ke
[○ 1 SOURCE] Lissu has requested summonses for 11 witnesses, including President Samia Suluhu Hassan. thechanzo.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Lissu maintains the treason charges are fabricated to prevent his election participation. www.tzaffairs.org
[○ 1 SOURCE] The court ruled that laws allowing prosecution witnesses to testify in absolute secrecy are unconstitutional. www.tzaffairs.org

Timeline

1 day ago

[POLITICS] 7 sources
Tundu Lissu ordered to present defense in Tanzanian treason trial
Tanzania's High Court has ruled that opposition leader Tundu Lissu must present a defense in his treason trial, after judges found the prosecution's evidence sufficient to proceed.
8 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Tundu Lissu treason trial adjourned until Monday
The treason trial of CHADEMA Chairman Tundu Lissu has been adjourned to August 17, 2026, after a prosecution witness missed court due to a medical emergency.

Sources

dailynews.co.tz · globalpublishers.co.tz · information.tv5monde.com · mwanzotv.com · newscentral.africa · ntvkenya.co.ke · thechanzo.com · tzaffairs.org

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history