Tanzanian police on Sunday August 11, 2024 arrested opposition leader Tundu Lissu and other opposition politicians, a Chadema party official has said.

They were arrested in the southwestern city of Mbeya, where the party was due to hold a rally on Monday August 12, 2024 to mark International Youth Day.

The arrest was confirmed by Chadema’s director of communications and foreign affairs John Mrema, who posted on X.

This was after Police announced a ban on the Chadema youth gathering, over allegations that the party was planning violent demonstrations.

The Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema) party leaders were reportedly beaten severely by police before being taken to an undisclosed location, according to party officials.

Chadema youth wing had noted that about 10,000 youngsters were expected to meet in Mbeya to mark International Youth Day under the slogan “Take charge of your future”.

One of the Chadema leaders, Freeman Mbowe, strongly condemned the arrests.

“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all our leaders, members, and supporters who were arrested in various parts of the country,” Mbowe posted on X.

“The party is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to inform the public of every development step by step.”

According to political analysts in Tanzania, the crackdown on the opposition politicians may derail President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s reconciliation process with the opposition.

Tundu Lissu has been a vocal critic of the Samia Suluhu government. 

His recent declaration to challenge President Samia in the 2025 elections had heightened tensions in Tanzania.

Meanwhile, human rights advocate Onesmo Ole Ngurumwa warned that the government’s actions threaten to undermine national unity and democratic reforms in the country.