Chadema has accused Airtel Tanzania of blocking a phone number used to raise funds for the party’s anniversary without explanation.
The opposition party said the action undermines democratic activity and called for the immediate reopening of the Airtel Money account, insisting that transparent fundraising is not a crime.
In a public statement issued on Thursday from its headquarters in Dar es Salaam, Chadema said the phone number belonging to its Director of Communications and Publicity, Brenda Rupia, was blocked on January 19, 2026.
According to the party, the number had been used to collect contributions for celebrations marking the party’s anniversary.
Chadema said the telecommunications company had failed to give clear reasons for the decision.
“After making communication with Airtel leadership, they have refused to explain why the number was blocked,” the statement said, adding that the company instead demanded that the affected individual go to their offices anywhere in the country.
The party questioned this requirement, saying it contradicted Airtel’s own push for digital services.
The opposition party said the move was surprising given that the company has been encouraging digital services for its customers as part of a strategy to reduce congestion in their branches.
In unusually strong language, the opposition party condemned Airtel’s actions and warned against what it described as political misuse of private companies.
“Chadema strongly condemns this action and demands that Airtel Tanzania stop involving itself or being used by political systems to suppress democracy and violate citizens’ rights,” the statement said.
The party also raised concerns about user privacy and consumer protections. It said it was important for Airtel Tanzania to protect the privacy and rights of users of its services, arguing that the blocking of the number raised serious questions about the treatment of customers.
Chadema demanded the immediate reopening of the Airtel Money account linked to the blocked phone number.
“We demand Airtel Tanzania to immediately reopen the Airtel Money account, because collecting contributions transparently for legitimate purposes is not a crime,” the statement said.
The party insisted that the purpose of the fundraising was widely known and lawful. “The nation is well aware of the objective of these contributions and there is no valid reason to block this democratic activity,” it added.
The statement framed the issue as part of a broader struggle over political freedoms, particularly the ability of opposition parties to organise and mobilise resources.
Chadema said blocking fundraising efforts undermined open participation and lawful political activity.
Despite the dispute, the party said it would not be deterred. “Chadema will continue to fight for rights, transparency and democracy without fear or wavering,” the statement concluded.
The statement was issued on Thursday, January 22, 2026, and was signed by Gaston Garubindi, the party’s Director of Legal and Human Rights Affairs.
Airtel Tanzania has not publicly responded to the accusations contained in the statement. Chadema did not indicate whether it planned to pursue legal action but signalled that it expected the telecommunications company to reverse its decision without delay.
The dispute adds to ongoing tensions between opposition parties and institutions they accuse of restricting political space, as Chadema maintains that lawful fundraising and communication activities are central to democratic participation in Tanzania.
