Tanzania: Opposition leader arrested in Dar es Salaam July 20

Event

Police officials said that Tundu Lissu, a member of the Chadema opposition party, was arrested in at the airport in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, July 20, before boarding a flight to Rwanda. The authorities did not provide a specific reason for why he was arrested or indicate when he will be released. However, Chadema members have claimed that it was likely retaliation after Lissu called President John Magufuli a dictator while speaking with reporters on Monday, July 17. Protests against Lissu’s arrest 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.

The government has been accused of taking a number of steps to limit free speech and prevent public criticism. Under the Media Services Act of 2016, officials can shut down media organizations that violate their license by confiscating their printing machines. Local journalists claim that the law is meant to muzzle the freedom of the press. In 2016 the government also banned all opposition protests

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).