Joseph Isangura
Chadema Vice Chairman Tundu Lissu has announced his decision to initiate legal action against Millicom, the former parent company of Tanzania’s mobile network provider Tigo, and the Tanzanian government for their alleged involvement in an assassination attempt on his life
Lissu has instructed his lawyer, Bob Amsterdam, to begin the legal proceedings. The move comes after revelations in a UK court suggested that Tigo, while still under Millicom’s ownership, had shared Lissu’s communication and location data with Tanzanian authorities around the clock in the days leading up to the attack.
Lissu was shot 16 times at his residence in Dodoma on September 7, 2017, in a brutal incident that shocked the nation. He subsequently underwent 25 surgeries in Kenya and Belgium as part of his recovery process.
At the time of the attack, Lissu was serving as the Member of Parliament for Singida East and was a vocal critic of the government. His injuries forced him to seek medical treatment abroad, during which he also highlighted human rights violations in Tanzania at international forums.
Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam, Lissu explained why he had not pursued legal action against Millicom earlier.
“I didn’t go to court because I didn’t have enough evidence. But now we have sufficient evidence to file the case,” Lissu said.
The UK court documents have provided what Lissu believes to be the missing link in his case against Millicom and the Tanzanian government. The details of the court proceedings, including claims of data sharing, have raised concerns about the privacy and safety of opposition figures in the country.
Lissu’s announcement has sparked debate in Tanzania, with supporters of the opposition party Chadema calling for a thorough investigation into the incident and the role played by both Millicom and the Tanzanian authorities. Many are demanding accountability and transparency in the handling of the case.
Millicom, which has since sold its stake in Tigo, has yet to comment on Lissu’s allegations. The Tanzanian government, too, has remained silent on the matter.
Read More; Millicom Faces Serious Allegations In Lissu Case
The attack on Lissu, a prominent lawyer and politician, drew widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally. Human rights organizations and foreign governments called for a full investigation into the incident, but the case has remained unresolved.
As Lissu prepares to take legal action, the case is expected to attract significant attention, potentially impacting diplomatic relations and raising questions about corporate responsibility and state surveillance in Tanzania.
The outcome of the legal proceedings could have far-reaching implications for both Millicom and the Tanzanian government. For Lissu, the case represents a chance to seek justice and hold those responsible for the attack accountable.
