Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu has begun a hunger strike in protest against prison authorities’ alleged refusal to allow him access to his lawyers, escalating a dispute over his legal rights ahead of a major court ruling. Lissu, chairman of the opposition party Chadema, began refusing food on Monday after his legal team was reportedly denied entry to Ukonga Prison, where he is being held in Dar es Salaam.
The protest follows an October 16 High Court ruling that found prison officers had breached regulations by allowing themselves to overhear confidential discussions between Lissu and his lawyers. The court ordered authorities to ensure private legal consultations while allowing officers to maintain visual supervision for security reasons. Lissu has been detained since April 2025 and faces a treason charge linked to allegations that he encouraged the public to prevent Tanzania’s 2025 general election from taking place. He denies the allegations, and his defense has argued that the prosecution failed to establish its case.
His trial concluded in September after both sides presented their final submissions. The High Court has scheduled its verdict for November 6, 2026. If convicted, Lissu could face the death penalty under Tanzanian law. The case has drawn attention to political opposition and due-process concerns in Tanzania, particularly after Chadema was barred from participating in the 2025 election, which President Samia Suluhu Hassan officially won by a landslide. Lissu’s hunger strike adds to pressure on prison authorities to comply with the court’s ruling as the opposition leader awaits the outcome of his treason trial.
