Tanzania: Opposition leader shot in Dodoma September 7

Event

Opposition political officials reported that Tundu Lissu, a member of the Chadema opposition party, was shot multiple times in Dodoma on Thursday, September 7. According to a statement released by the Chadema party, the attack occurred at midday at Lissu's home in Dodoma. Lissu is currently being treated at Dodoma's main public hospital and is reportedly in stable condition. Protests against the shooting may occur in the coming days.

Context

Lissu is a Member of Parliament, the chief whip of the Chadema party, and a lawyer. He claims that the government has arrested a number of senior party members in an effort to silence opposition to the president. He has been arrested on several occasions, most recently in Dar Es Salaam in July, allegedly in retaliation for calling President John Magufuli a dictator.

Advice

Individuals in Tanzania are advised to maintain a low profile and avoid talking about sensitive topics in public or on social media.

On a separate note, the majority of Western governments advise their citizens against travel to the eastern province of Kigoma (along the Burundian border) due to an unstable political and health environment, as well as to the Rwandan border (Kagera province).​