Tanzania opposition leader Tundu Lissu’s treason trial resumes

The treason trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu resumed on Monday after a five-month pause, reviving a case that has drawn international attention over the country’s political climate.

Lissu, chairman of the opposition Chadema party, has been in custody since April 2025 after being charged with treason, an offense that carries the death penalty in Tanzania.

Outside the Dar es Salaam courthouse, Lissu accused prosecutors of deliberately delaying proceedings to keep him behind bars, saying they wanted “to waste time so that I can continue to remain in remand custody.”

The trial had been suspended since February while prosecutors appealed a ruling allowing additional evidence. Tanzania’s Court of Appeal dismissed that challenge last month, clearing the way for the case to move forward.

Chadema described the hearing as a critical test of Tanzania’s commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and political freedoms, arguing the prosecution has been used to suppress legitimate opposition.

The trial follows widespread criticism of Tanzania’s handling of protests surrounding last year’s elections. Lissu’s supporters accuse President Samia Suluhu Hassan of reviving the repressive tactics associated with former President John Magufuli, an accusation the government has consistently denied.