MWE Correspondent
The European Parliament has issued a strong call for Tanzania to uphold democratic principles and human rights ahead of the country’s general elections scheduled for October 28, 2025.
Central to the Parliament’s concerns is the recent arrest and treason charges against Tundu Lissu, the chairperson of CHADEMA, Tanzania’s main opposition party.
Lissu was arrested on April 9, 2025, in Mbinga following a peaceful rally advocating for electoral reforms. He was subsequently charged with treason, a crime that carries the death penalty in Tanzania. The European Parliament’s resolution, adopted on May 7, 2025, calls for his immediate and unconditional release, emphasizing the need for transparent legal proceedings and the protection of political freedoms in the country. (European Parliament)
In addition to Lissu’s case, the European Parliament expressed concern over the disqualification of CHADEMA from participating in the upcoming elections. On April 12, 2025, Tanzanian authorities barred the party from contesting after its officials refused to sign the election code of conduct, citing the government’s failure to undertake necessary electoral reforms. (European Parliament)
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The resolution also highlights the broader issue of political repression in Tanzania. In August 2024, over 500 CHADEMA supporters, including senior leaders, were arrested ahead of a planned youth conference in Mbeya. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, condemned these arrests as efforts to intimidate the opposition. (Reuters, Reuters)
The European Parliament’s resolution urges Tanzanian authorities to:(Log in or sign up to view)
- Ensure transparent and fair legal proceedings for Tundu Lissu.
- Protect political freedoms and the right to peaceful assembly.
- Safeguard the rights of marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community.
- Allow CHADEMA to participate in the upcoming general elections.
These concerns are echoed in the Freedom House 2025 report, which notes a decline in political rights and civil liberties in Tanzania, citing restrictions on opposition parties and civil society organizations.
In response to the EU’s resolution, Tanzanian authorities have reiterated their commitment to democratic processes. The Joint Communique of the 2024 Partnership Dialogue between the EU and Tanzania reaffirmed mutual commitments to respect fundamental rights and freedoms, as well as democratic values and good governance.
Very good , lets him be released as soon as possible . The government is too emotional and simply cannot take criticism but only applauds. Politics is a tough game and once you delve into it you must be ready to embrace all that comes with it. I hope my comment will be taken in good faith. because i come in peace.#Freelissutundu
Interesting and i think the call to release Lissu makes lots of sense.When they talk democracy , they are bearers , when they give aid, they are financiers Over to the government, their money is sweet , conditions are hard..
Lissu is in prison , CCM are on the street yet they are breathing trouble hahaha
frankly these Europeans give us loans to fix our many economic woes. So they have every right to ntervene
Our parliament is busy talking bout Simba and Yanga .No one really cares about Lissu’s case, They seem tired of his frequent arrest
i have read comments of people asking why EU care. They care about where their monies go.. Better for them to recognized a pull scale of democracy than a half -baked on. Elections are just around the corner all these are really so unfortunate, after Chadema won’t win haha