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Tundu Lissu, a prominent figure in Tanzanian politics known for his resilience, having survived an assassination attempt in 2017 where he was shot 16 times, currently faces significant challenges. As leader of the main opposition party, Chadema, Lissu is now embroiled in a treason case, which carries a potential death sentence. Despite these serious accusations and the inherent risks, he remains determined to push the government for critical reforms leading up to the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in October. This article examines Lissu’s political journey, the charges against him, and the broader context of Tanzanian politics.
Tundu Lissu’s Fight for Political Reform in Tanzania
Despite facing what he believes are politically motivated charges and navigating a challenging political landscape, Lissu is unwavering in his mission. His party faces disqualification from the impending elections, and he has been in custody for the past two weeks. The question remains: can he endure this adversity?
Lissu’s Determination and Leadership
In a past interview, Lissu emphasized that achieving reforms requires courage and proactive engagement, both “on the streets and in the villages.” This conviction fueled his ambition to assume leadership of Chadema.
- Fiery Critic: Lissu has openly criticized the previous leadership of Chadema, accusing former chairman Freeman Mbowe of being overly conciliatory toward the government.
- Leadership Challenge: In a competitive party election, Lissu successfully ousted Mbowe, taking the helm of Chadema.
Treason Charges and Legal Battles
After only three months as Chadema’s leader, Lissu was apprehended and detained following a speech where he allegedly incited public rebellion and disruption of the elections.
- Legal Proceedings: Lissu was not permitted to enter a plea on the treason charge but denied a separate charge related to disseminating false information.
- Rallying Cry: Ahead of his arrest, Lissu organized gatherings nationwide, advocating for “no reforms, no elections,” arguing that the existing system favors the ruling CCM party.
- Court Appearance: He is scheduled to reappear in court soon and is ineligible for bail due to the nature of the treason charge.
International Legal Support
Robert Amsterdam, Lissu’s international lawyer, has affirmed his commitment to defending democracy through this case. However, the task is complicated by CCM’s historical dominance in Tanzanian elections and internal divisions within Chadema regarding Lissu’s strategies.
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Challenges Facing Chadema and the Opposition
Chadema’s challenges extend beyond Lissu’s legal battles. The party is currently prohibited from participating in the October election due to its refusal to sign the electoral commission’s code of conduct.
Electoral Code of Conduct Controversy
The electoral commission states that the code of conduct aims “to ensure that political parties and their supporters behave well… and maintain peace and harmony” during the elections. Chadema views this code as a tactic to suppress the opposition, fearing continued state repression.
- Previous Incidents: A senior Chadema official was abducted and killed amid a series of abductions targeting government critics.
- Local Elections: During local elections, Chadema reported that numerous candidates were prevented from participating, resulting in the ruling party securing approximately 98% of the seats.
- Government Response: The government has refuted claims of unfair elections, asserting that they were conducted according to established regulations.
Calls for Reform and Intervention
Lissu’s calls for reforms are echoed by organizations such as Human Rights Watch, which has urged the government to cease political repression. The Catholic Church has also joined the appeal for Lissu’s unconditional release and for fair elections.
Despite promises of security and fairness by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, arrests of opposition figures have persisted. The BBC has sought government comments on these issues.
Political Context and Historical Repression
While President Samia Suluhu Hassan initially ushered in greater political freedoms following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, concerns are rising. Political analyst Nicodemus Minde suggests that Tanzania is reverting to the repression and state-sponsored violence reminiscent of Magufuli’s era, during which Lissu survived an assassination attempt.
Demands for Electoral Reform and Internal Divisions
Lissu has articulated key reforms necessary for ensuring fair elections, including:
- Independent Electoral Commission: The formation of an independent national electoral commission with members unconnected to the government, as enshrined in the constitution.
- Burden of Proof: Shifting the burden of proof in electoral disputes to the commission, requiring them to demonstrate the fairness of the vote.
Differing Strategies Within Chadema
Lissu’s aggressive strategy has led to internal divisions within Chadema. The G-55 faction advocates for a more moderate approach, favoring participation in elections while engaging in dialogue with the government.
This strategy aligns with that of ACT-Wazalendo, the second-largest opposition party, which, along with other smaller parties, has signed the code of conduct, unlike Chadema.
Lessons from Kenya and Potential Outcomes
Lissu draws inspiration from Kenya’s mass protests that compelled the government to reconsider tax increases. He believes Tanzanians need to push harder for democratic reform. However, the effectiveness of such a strategy remains uncertain, given the public’s reluctance to openly challenge the government.
Amsterdam suggests that government intransigence may galvanize Chadema supporters to engage in civil disobedience, employing all available legal and political means for change.
Political analyst Thomas Kibwana critiques Lissu’s approach, arguing that the limited time before the parliamentary term ends in June may not allow for meaningful reforms before the October election. He suggests that Chadema might benefit from waiting until after the election.
Fulgence Massawe, director of a legal rights organization, acknowledges the obstacles to Chadema’s reform efforts but affirms the party’s right to challenge its exclusion from the elections in court.
Minde warns that if Chadema remains excluded, the ruling party is likely to expand its parliamentary majority, potentially diminishing Chadema’s role as the primary opposition party.
Ultimately, Lissu and his party have consciously chosen to accept these risks in their pursuit of political reform.