Two leaders from Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, were among 14 members briefly detained on Monday as police moved to prevent a banned demonstration in Dar es Salaam.
Chadema announced on X that its chairman, Freeman Mbowe, was taken into custody while preparing to “lead a peaceful protest.” Meanwhile, police visited the home of deputy leader Tundu Lissu with a convoy of 11 vehicles, arresting him as well.
Critics express concerns that these detentions signal a potential return to the oppressive governance reminiscent of former President John Magufuli’s era.
The demonstrations were organized to protest recent killings and abductions of opposition officials in Tanzania.
Last week, President Samia Suluhu Hassan cautioned against any demonstrations, emphasizing that her administration would not tolerate actions that threaten law and order. Despite police declaring the protests illegal, the opposition has pledged to go ahead with their plans.
Mbowe told journalists shortly before his arrest that “we’re paying the full price of democracy… as opposition leaders we have to show the way”.
Local news outlet The Citizen reported that journalists covering the protest were also taken into custody.
On Monday morning, police cordoned off the residences of the two Chadema leaders in Dar es Salaam and interrogated individuals about their potential participation in the protest, according to the party’s statement.
Later that day, Chadema announced that Mbowe and Lissu were released on bail, though the party did not disclose the specific charges that authorities intended to file against them.
Since Saturday, riot police have been stationed on major roads throughout Dar es Salaam.
Last year, President Samia lifted restrictions on opposition gatherings and promised to revive competitive politics. However, recent events have led some to believe that the commitment to enhance political freedom may be waning.
Human rights organizations and critics are apprehensive that the president’s approach is designed to intimidate her political opponents as the country approaches local government elections in November and the general elections in October 2025.