Joseph Isangura
In a landmark legal development that could reshape Tanzania’s political discourse, opposition leader and CHADEMA party chairman Tundu Lissu has been granted the right to represent himself in court in an ongoing treason trial, currently underway at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court.
The court, led by Senior Resident Magistrate Franko Kiswaga, accepted Lissu’s formal request to act as his own legal representative—a rare but constitutional privilege in Tanzanian law. The move came after a powerful courtroom moment in which more than 30 prominent lawyers, including figures from across East Africa, introduced themselves in Lissu’s defence.
“From this moment forward, the prosecution shall direct its arguments and responses directly to the accused,” ruled Magistrate Kiswaga. “This court recognises Mr. Lissu’s right to self-representation, unless he decides otherwise at any point during the proceedings.”
Kiswaga also ordered that prison and court officers must not obstruct Lissu from receiving any legal materials or documentation from his legal team during proceedings—a directive grounded in Tanzania’s Prison Management Regulations under Rule 13, which guarantees the rights of detainees to access legal counsel.
Lissu, a former Member of Parliament for Singida East, is facing treason charges following public statements in early 2025 in which he criticized the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), and called for a national boycott of elections under the slogan “No Reforms, No Elections.” Prosecutors argue that these statements amounted to incitement against the government—a serious offense under the country’s Penal Code.
The case has sparked both local and international concern over shrinking democratic space and increasing state pressure on opposition parties. Several international observers, including Kenyan legal heavyweights such as former Chief Justices Willy Mutunga and David Maraga, and politician Martha Karua, flew to Dar es Salaam in April to show solidarity. However, they were denied access to court premises—an incident that drew criticism from Amnesty International.
Lissu is no stranger to adversity. A fierce critic of the government, he survived an assassination attempt in September 2017 when unknown gunmen shot him 16 times outside his home in Dodoma. He spent several years in exile in Belgium receiving medical treatment before returning to Tanzania in 2020 to contest the presidential election against President John Magufuli.
His return to politics, despite facing multiple threats and legal obstacles, has made him a symbol of resilience among supporters and a thorn in the side of the establishment.
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The case continues amid tight security and nationwide attention. Legal experts say that while self-representation is legally permissible, it is often a risky path in politically sensitive trials. Yet for Lissu, the move appears to be more than legal strategy—it is also a powerful statement of autonomy and defiance.
According to Human Rights Watch, this trial is emblematic of Tanzania’s struggle with democratic freedoms under increasing state surveillance and legal pressure.
If convicted of treason, Lissu could face a lengthy prison sentence or even the death penalty, depending on the court’s ruling. But for now, the courtroom remains a stage where one of Tanzania’s most defiant voices will speak not through lawyers—but with his own words.
