Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has issued a stern warning to foreign activists, particularly from Kenya, accusing them of attempting to interfere in Tanzania’s internal affairs and cause “chaos.” Her remarks follow the deportation of prominent Kenyan lawyers and human rights defenders, including former Justice Minister Martha Karua, who had arrived to observe the treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. “If they have been contained in their country, let them not come here to meddle,” Samia said Monday at the launch of Tanzania’s new foreign policy in Dar es Salaam. “We will not give a chance to anyone to come and destroy us.”
The deportations have drawn strong condemnation from local and international human rights groups, with the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition calling the arrests “arbitrary” and politically motivated. Lissu, vice-chair of the main opposition party Chadema, was arrested on 9 April after calling for electoral reforms with the slogan: “No reforms, no election.” He faces charges of treason and publishing false information, including accusations of inciting rebellion and alleging police misconduct. If convicted, he could face the death penalty. He denies all charges.
On Monday, Lissu appeared in court in Dar es Salaam amid tight security and was greeted by hundreds of supporters. His legal team objected to prior attempts to hold virtual hearings, insisting on transparency. The case was adjourned to 2 June after prosecutors requested more time to complete investigations. Critics accuse President Samia’s government of reverting to the authoritarian tactics of her predecessor, John Magufuli, despite earlier praise for opening political space after she took office in 2021. The government has denied the allegations, insisting it is upholding the rule of law.
In addition to Lissu’s arrest, the Chadema party has been disqualified from participating in the upcoming general election, after refusing to sign the electoral commission’s mandatory code of conduct—a move widely seen as a crackdown on opposition activity. The rising political tensions, coupled with recent reports of abductions and killings of government critics, have triggered regional and international concern over the state of democracy and human rights in Tanzania. While Kenyan Chief Justice David Maraga was allowed to attend the court session, other high-profile activists, including Willy Mutunga, were detained or turned back at the airport.
