Tanzanian authorities released several leaders of the main opposition party, CHADEMA, and hundreds of their supporters on Tuesday. The release followed mass arrests stemming from a banned youth meeting in the southwestern city of Mbeya. Police had prohibited the meeting, scheduled for Monday, citing concerns about potential disruptions to peace.
The arrests drew condemnation from human rights organizations. Amnesty International, for instance, labeled the detentions as part of a broader effort to intimidate the opposition in the lead-up to local government elections later this year and a national election in 2025.
Despite President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts to loosen media and opposition restrictions since her 2021 ascension, concerns persist about arbitrary detentions. Police arrested over 500 CHADEMA supporters over the weekend, including party Chairman Freeman Mbowe and Vice Chairman Tundu Lissu.
Police Commissioner Awadh Haji defended the arrests, suggesting they were a necessary step to prevent unrest inspired by recent youth-led protests in neighboring countries. These protests, initially sparked by rising taxes in Kenya, have since spread to Nigeria and Uganda, raising concerns about potential copycat demonstrations in Tanzania.
While CHADEMA’s top leadership has been released, reports indicate some youth-wing supporters in Mbeya remain in custody.
The arrests underscore the ongoing tension between the Tanzanian government and the opposition, particularly as the country approaches key elections. Human rights groups are urging authorities to end arbitrary detentions and promote a more open political environment.
