The treason trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu has been postponed once more, with prosecutors citing safety risks in Dar es Salaam and the inability of witnesses from Ruvuma and Mbeya to travel. The delay prevents the court from hearing the fourth prosecution witness as initially scheduled.
CHADEMA, Lissu’s political party, confirmed on Monday that the proceedings could not continue, marking the second adjournment after a similar postponement on November 3 caused by security complications.
During the hearing, State Counsel Thawabu Issa told the High Court that the Prisons Department could not present Lissu, as the Officer-in-Charge at Ukonga Prison raised concerns about his safety. The prosecution also explained that witnesses from Ruvuma and Mbeya were unable to attend court for the same reason.
“According to the explanation given in court, State Attorney Thawabu Issa informed the court that they had communicated with the Officer-in-Charge of Ukonga Prison, who stated that Tundu Lissu was not brought to court due to security concerns. Additionally, the prosecution informed the court that witnesses who were supposed to testify could not travel from the regions of Ruvuma and Mbeya, also due to security reasons in Dar es Salaam,” CHADEMA said.
The prosecution requested a 14-day extension under Section 302 of the Criminal Procedure Act to make new arrangements, but Justice Dastan Ndunguru declined, instead adjourning the case for two days to November 12, 2025.
The court instructed that all witnesses and Lissu must be present on the new date.
Lissu, who leads CHADEMA, was arrested in April 2025 after calling for electoral reforms at a public rally before the October elections. He faces treason charges, with authorities alleging he encouraged rebellion and disruption of the voting process.
The repeated postponements occur against the backdrop of a wider clampdown on opposition voices following post-election violence.
CHADEMA’s deputy secretary general, Amani Golugwa, remains in custody, while police are seeking nine other party officials.
More than 200 people have now been charged with treason in connection with the unrest.
CHADEMA and human rights groups report that over 1,000 people were killed by security forces during the demonstrations. The government disputes these claims but has not provided its own figures.
Opposition parties have rejected the election outcome, claiming it was rigged. President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with 97 percent of votes amid reports that main opponents were prevented from contesting and instances of ballot manipulation were observed by election monitors.
Tanzania imposes the death penalty for treason, although no executions have taken place since 1995.
