Joseph Isangura
A scheduled indoor meeting by Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, was forcefully stopped by police in Kinondoni District today, just minutes before it was due to start — sparking fresh debate over political freedoms ahead of the country’s general elections later this year.
The meeting was to be held at the Millennium Tower, a well-known high-rise located in the Kijitonyama area of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city. Opposition officials had invited members of the press and party supporters to hear remarks from John Heche, the party’s Vice Chairman for Mainland. However, police intervened before Mr Heche could arrive at the venue.
Inside the fifth-floor conference hall, Brenda Rupia, the party’s Director of Communications and Publicity, was seated at the main table when three police officers — two in plainclothes and one in uniform — entered. They identified themselves as officers from the Kinondoni Regional Police and the Dar es Salaam Special Police Zone, asking pointedly, “Who is in charge here?”
Ms Rupia stood and took responsibility. Officers then cited a court order which they claimed prohibited the meeting. When asked if she was aware of it, Rupia replied calmly that she was there “as Brenda” and did not believe her presence or actions were unlawful.
The situation escalated quickly. One of the officers declared, “This is not a negotiation. You are ordered to end this now.” Journalists and other attendees were instructed to vacate the premises immediately. Moments later, reporters were escorted out of the building under police supervision. Outside, two police trucks and several armed officers stood guard to ensure compliance.
Although no physical copy of the alleged court injunction was displayed at the scene, sources say the High Court of Tanzania had issued an order earlier this month, freezing Chadema’s internal operations following a lawsuit filed by party members over alleged procedural irregularities and marginalisation of the Zanzibar wing.
The move is the latest in a series of incidents targeting Chadema and its leaders. In recent months, several of the party’s rallies and press briefings have been disrupted by authorities. Their national chairman, Tundu Lissu, is currently battling treason charges stemming from remarks he made about democratic reform and government accountability.
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Chadema has also accused the National Electoral Commission (NEC) of bias, following its controversial decision to block the party from participating in the upcoming elections over alleged procedural violations — a move that drew criticism from civil society organisations and international observers.
Political analysts warn that the use of police and courts to limit opposition activities could further erode democratic principles in Tanzania. “If meetings can be stopped without transparent legal processes, then what hope is left for open political dialogue?” asked one analyst from the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) in a statement last week.
As of now, Chadema has not released an official statement about today’s disruption. However, on social media, party supporters have described the incident as “yet another clear attempt to suppress democracy.”
With general elections scheduled for October 2025, eyes are now on the judiciary and law enforcement bodies, as Tanzanians — and the international community — closely monitor the country’s commitment to pluralism and fair political competition.
