Tanzanian opposition leader jailed in ‘politically motivated’ case

On November 6, 2026, Tundu Lissu, the leader of Tanzania's main opposition party Chadema, was sentenced to four years in prison for incitement after being cleared of treason charges. The 58-year-old had been detained since April 2025 when he was arrested over a speech where prosecutors claimed he urged supporters to "block the election" and "mobilize rebellion." Despite his conviction on an uncharged offense, Lissu dismissed the trial as politically motivated and accused judges of following orders from President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The ruling comes amid widespread condemnation of political freedoms in Tanzania; President Hassan won the October 2025 election with 98% of the vote, a result criticized by opposition parties including Chadema. Hundreds died during post-election protests, with at least 518 people killed, according to a government-appointed commission.