Tanzania’s main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, has been granted permission to represent himself in his treason trial after raising concerns over violations of his legal and human rights while in prison. Lissu, a senior figure in the opposition CHADEMA party, was arrested on April 9 after addressing a public rally calling for electoral reforms ahead of Tanzania’s general elections scheduled for October. The 56-year-old politician has been charged with treason—a serious offense in Tanzania—after criticizing the lack of an independent electoral commission and laws that heavily favor the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has held uninterrupted power since the country gained independence in 1961.
Appearing before the Kisutu Magistrate’s Court in Dar es Salaam on Monday, Lissu said he had been denied private access to his more than 30 defense lawyers, forcing him to hold conversations over the phone in monitored rooms. “This is the 68th day since I was arraigned and charged with treason, yet my legal team has been blocked from meeting me confidentially,” he told the court. In response, Chief Magistrate Franco Kiswaga allowed Lissu to conduct his own defense and communicate directly with prosecutors unless he later opts to appoint legal representation. Kiswaga also instructed the prosecution to expedite its investigation and scheduled the next hearing for July 1.
Lissu further accused prison authorities of mistreating him, including placing him in a section designated for death row inmates despite not having been convicted. He also said he had been denied the right to worship and other basic privileges granted under Tanzanian law. This is not the first time Lissu has faced political persecution. In 2017, he survived an assassination attempt after being shot 16 times by unidentified gunmen in Dodoma. He later spent three years in exile in Belgium recovering from his injuries before returning to Tanzania in 2020 to run for president.
His arrest and the charges against him have drawn sharp criticism from local and international human rights groups, who accuse President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government of using repressive tactics to silence dissent. The administration has denied any political motivation behind the case, insisting that legal processes are being followed. Lissu’s case is expected to become a focal point in the lead-up to the 2025 general elections, with observers watching closely for signs of political repression and the integrity of Tanzania’s democratic institutions.
