Tanzania High Court Rules Tundu Lissu Has Case to Answer in Treason Trial

A three-judge panel of the High Court of Tanzania, led by Justice Dunstan Ndunguru, has ruled that CHADEMA Chairman Tundu Lissu has a case to answer in the treason case against him.

The ruling was delivered today, August 21, 2026, in Treason Case No. 19605/2025, paving the way for Lissu to begin presenting his defence against the charges.

The decision follows submissions heard by the court on August 17, 2026, after the prosecution completed the presentation of evidence from its witnesses.

During the previous hearing, Lissu asked the court to acquit him under Section 312(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA), arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against him.

Lissu argued that the evidence presented by the prosecution did not meet the required legal threshold to warrant him being called upon to defend himself.

However, in its ruling delivered on Friday, the three-judge panel said it had carefully considered the charge sheet, testimony from prosecution witnesses and relevant legal principles before determining that a case had been established against the accused.

The court said the prosecution had presented evidence indicating that Lissu allegedly developed an intention to mobilise the public to disrupt the election with the aim of forcing the government out of power.

Among the evidence considered by the court were statements allegedly made and published by Lissu, including the words: “…this position indicates rebellion… therefore, we are going to make things very difficult.”

The judges said the evidence, together with various legal authorities considered during the proceedings, provided sufficient grounds for requiring Lissu to answer the charges.

The ruling means that the case will now proceed to the defence stage, where Lissu will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations and challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution.

Lissu has previously indicated that he intends to exercise his right to defend himself and is expected to appear as his own witness during the defence stage.

The treason proceedings have attracted significant public attention, with CHADEMA leaders, supporters and members of the public closely following developments in the case.

The next stage will now focus on Lissu’s defence as the court continues hearing the treason case.