Tanzania’s opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, returned to court as his treason trial resumed after a five-month pause, in a case that has attracted international attention to the country’s political climate.
Lissu, chairman of the opposition Chadema party, has been in custody since April 2025 after being charged with treason, an offence punishable by death in Tanzania.
Speaking outside the courthouse in Dar es Salaam, Lissu accused prosecutors of deliberately delaying the proceedings to prolong his detention.
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He said the delays were intended “to waste time so that I can continue to remain in remand custody.”
The trial was suspended in February after prosecutors appealed a ruling that allowed additional evidence to be presented. Tanzania’s Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal last month, clearing the way for the proceedings to resume.
Chadema described Monday’s hearing as a critical test of Tanzania’s commitment to democracy, the rule of law and political freedoms.
The oppositeion party has accused the government of using the prosecution to suppress legitimate political opposition.
Lissu’s trial comes amid continued criticism of Tanzania’s handling of protests linked to last year’s elections.
His supporters have accused President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration of reviving repressive tactics associated with former President John Magufuli.
The government has consistently denied the allegations.
