Tanzania's opposition leader charged with treason

Tundu Lissu, Tanzania's opposition leader, has been charged with treason. This follows his arrest after a rally in southern Tanzania.

The charge relates to his campaign for electoral reform. His slogan is "No Reforms, No Election."

Elections are scheduled for October. Lissu plans to challenge President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

When Samia took office in 2021, she was praised for easing authoritarianism. However, she has faced criticism for targeting opposition members with arrests and abductions.

Lissu argues that free and fair elections are impossible without reforms. He wants changes to the electoral commission's composition.

He believes it should not include people appointed by Samia. Authorities claim his campaign incites public unrest against the election.

Lissu has faced multiple arrests in the past. In 2017, he survived an assassination attempt where he was shot 16 times.

Afterward, he went into exile but returned briefly in 2020 to run against Magufuli. He left again after alleging election irregularities.

Lissu returned in 2023 following some reforms that allowed more opposition freedom.

On Thursday, police used tear gas on Chadema supporters during a blocked press conference about Lissu's arrest.

Supporters told the BBC they would continue demanding electoral reforms before the elections.

One supporter expressed surprise at police harassment during peaceful rallies. They believe the ruling party, CCM, is behind these actions and will fight for change.

Rights groups condemned the use of force against protesters. They accused the government of silencing critics through state institutions.

A lawyers' association called Lissu's arrest an abuse of power and a sign of intolerance.

Lissu's treason case has been postponed until April 24th.