MWE Correspondent
The main opposition party in Tanzania, Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), has announced plans to convene an emergency Central Committee meeting in Dar es Salaam to discuss the recent wave of unrest that erupted in several regions of the country on October 29, 2025.
Speaking on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, after reporting to a police station in Dar es Salaam, the party’s Vice Chairman John Heche confirmed that preparations for the meeting had already begun. He said the party’s secretariat had been instructed to make the necessary arrangements immediately, noting that the meeting would provide an opportunity to examine what transpired and decide on the next course of action.
“Our party has resolved to call the Central Committee meeting as soon as possible,” Heche said. “We shall thoroughly discuss what happened and determine the steps to be taken on our part.”
Heche, who was among several senior CHADEMA officials recently released on police bail, emphasized that their release was unconditional and had no political compromise behind it. “We want the public to know that we were released without any political agreement or conditions. We maintain that we have committed no offence,” he stressed.
The unrest followed the country’s general elections held on October 29, 2025, which sparked protests in cities like Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Arusha. Demonstrators took to the streets alleging widespread electoral irregularities and heavy-handed actions by state security forces. According to reports from international observers and local rights groups, clashes between police and protesters led to several deaths and injuries, although the exact figures remain unclear.
In the aftermath, many political leaders and opposition supporters were detained, prompting calls for accountability and restraint from the international community. Analysts say the decision by CHADEMA to convene its Central Committee reflects both a need to regroup internally and to demonstrate resilience amid what they describe as an increasingly restricted political environment.
Political observers believe the meeting will serve as a defining moment for the opposition party as it reviews its strategy following the disputed election. The discussions are expected to cover the handling of post-election protests, the safety of party members, and CHADEMA’s next political moves ahead of potential legal and parliamentary battles.
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Tanzania’s political climate has remained tense since the protests broke out, with human rights advocates urging authorities to uphold citizens’ rights to free expression and assembly. The unrest has drawn parallels to previous periods of political tension in the country’s history, particularly during transitions of power.
Heche’s statement underscores CHADEMA’s determination to continue advocating for political transparency and fairness despite growing challenges. As the party prepares for its high-level meeting, all eyes are now on how its leadership will respond to the ongoing crisis and whether their actions could help restore public confidence amid widespread frustration.
The date and agenda of the Central Committee meeting have not yet been officially confirmed, but insiders suggest it will take place in the coming days in Dar es Salaam. Many expect the gathering to be one of the most consequential in CHADEMA’s history, potentially shaping the direction of Tanzania’s opposition politics for years to come.
