# Tundu Lissu treason trial in Tanzania

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tundu-lissu-treason-trial-in-tanzania
> Updated: 2026-08-21T08:43:14.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

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.

## Claims

- The High Court ruled that Tundu Lissu has a case to answer in his treason trial. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The prosecution called 17 witnesses during the trial. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Lissu is charged with treason under Section 39(2)(d) of the Penal Code. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The charges stem from remarks allegedly made on April 3, 2025, regarding the 2025 General Election. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A conviction for treason in Tanzania can carry the death penalty. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Lissu has requested summonses for 11 witnesses, including President Samia Suluhu Hassan. (single source)
- Lissu maintains the treason charges are fabricated to prevent his election participation. (single source)
- The court ruled that laws allowing prosecution witnesses to testify in absolute secrecy are unconstitutional. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-21: 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.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tundu-lissu-to-face-treason-trial-in-tanzania

### 2026-08-14: 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.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tundu-lissu-treason-trial-adjourned-until-monday

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Cite as: Tundu Lissu treason trial in Tanzania. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tundu-lissu-treason-trial-in-tanzania