Tanzania’s opposition party, CHADEMA, has condemned an ongoing illegal police operation targeting its members, leaders, and ordinary citizens across the country.
In a public statement released on Tuesday and signed by the party’s Director of Communications and Publicity, Brenda Rupia, CHADEMA said hundreds of people have been arrested over the past several days without clear reasons, legal procedures or access to their families and lawyers.
Opposition says the wave of arrests has continued for several days, with police officers reportedly moving through various regions detaining individuals linked to the opposition.
According to the party, many of those arrested have not been informed of the reasons for their detention and have not been given the opportunity to communicate with their families or lawyers.
The organisation claims that the manner in which the arrests are being carried out contravenes the principles of the rule of law, human rights, and multi-party democratic governance, all of which are guaranteed under Tanzania's Constitution.
CHADEMA further alleges that its members and leaders arrested before and after October 29, 2025 remain in police custody at various stations across the country, without being taken to court within the time limits stipulated by law.
The party argues that this is a direct violation of constitutional provisions requiring suspects to be charged in court promptly or released unconditionally.
The statement also raises concern about individuals reportedly arrested by people identifying themselves as police officers, but whose locations remain unknown.
The party says that to date, some detainees have not been traced to any recognised police facility, heightening fears that they may be held incommunicado.
The opposition insists that such incidents undermine public trust in the country's law enforcement institutions and jeopardise fundamental civic freedoms.
“The police have continued hunting down citizens in various places, arresting them without following legal procedures, and often without clear reasons,” the statement reads.
It adds that denying suspects access to family members and legal representation is a violation of their rights and an affront to democracy.
The opposition party is demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals detained contrary to the law.
It is also calling on the Police Force to publicly explain the whereabouts of all those reported missing, and to adhere strictly to the Constitution and established legal frameworks.
“The party calls on the Tanzania Police Force to release, without conditions, all citizens, members and leaders who continue to be unlawfully detained,” the statement says, stressing that continued silence from authorities will only escalate public concern.
The party further states that it is ready to deploy legal representatives to assist affected members and families.
It emphasises that the Constitution and Tanzania’s legal system guarantee the right to due process, and it is urging the authorities to demonstrate respect for these provisions.
In addition, it has appealed to the international community to monitor the unfolding situation closely.
The party argues that global attention is necessary to safeguard democratic principles and ensure that human rights are upheld without discrimination. “CHADEMA urges the international community to continue following closely what is happening in Tanzania to ensure that rights and freedoms remain protected,” the statement concludes.
The statement comes amid increasing political tension between the opposition and state authorities. The party maintains that it will continue to push for accountability, transparency and the full protection of constitutional rights for all Tanzanians.
