Tanzania's Voice for Democracy Silenced
Tundu Lissu is one of Tanzania's most courageous voices for democracy and the rule of law. His fearless advocacy, even after surviving an assassination attempt, continues to inspire millions. As his voice remains unjustly silenced, we call for his immediate release and the protection of fundamental human rights.
A patriot to be respected, a democrat to be celebrated — and a leader to be heard
Tundu Antiphas Mughwai Lissu is a Tanzanian lawyer, human rights defender, and politician who serves as the Chairman of Tanzania’s main opposition party, CHADEMA (Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo). He is not a traitor to be condemned, but a patriot to be respected and a democrat to be celebrated; not a criminal to be imprisoned, but a leader to be heard.
Born: January 20, 1968, Mahambe village, Ikungi District, Singida Region, Tanzania
Education: LLB (Hons) University of Dar es Salaam (1994); LLM with distinction, University of Warwick, UK (1996)
Profession: Advocate of the High Court of Tanzania (enrolled 2003); former President of the Tanganyika Law Society (elected 2017)
Political career: Joined CHADEMA in 2004 (Director of Legal & Constitutional Affairs and Human Rights); MP for Singida Mashariki (2010–2019), Chief Whip of the Official Opposition, Shadow Minister for Legal & Constitutional Affairs and other key portfolios
Tundu Lissu has faced relentless persecution by successive CCM administrations — through repeated arrests and malicious prosecutions meant to silence his advocacy for justice, democracy, and human rights. Despite this, he remains completely free of any criminal record and continues to stand uncompromised in the principles he holds dear.
His persecution has spanned four presidencies:
On September 7, 2017, after weeks of harassment and arrests, unidentified gunmen attacked Lissu outside his official residence in Dodoma and shot him 16 times at close range. He survived after emergency treatment in Dodoma, prolonged care in Kenya and Belgium, and 25 surgeries. The attack was never credibly investigated, and his statutory medical benefits were unlawfully withheld.
Following President Magufuli’s death and assurances of safety and political opening under President Samia, Lissu returned to Tanzania in January 2023, welcomed by thousands. After CHADEMA’s candidates were mass-disqualified in the 2024 local elections, the party launched the “No Reforms, No Election” campaign demanding electoral reform.
On April 9, 2025, he was detained after addressing a reform rally in Mbinga. He now faces treason charges — the most serious offence under Tanzanian law, punishable by death — alongside alleged cyber offences. Today, he remains imprisoned on charges widely viewed as politically motivated.
Disqualified from the presidential ballot, triggering mass protests across Tanzania.
Elected International Democracy Union (IDU) Vice Chairman representing Africa and appointed to the IDU International Executive Committee.
Detained after calling for electoral reforms at a rally in Mbinga. Charged with treason and alleged cyber offences, facing the death penalty.
Elected the 4th Chairman of CHADEMA, succeeding Freeman Aikaeli Mbowe after 21 years of leadership.
After mass disqualification of CHADEMA candidates in local elections, the party unanimously pivoted to a nationwide struggle for electoral reform.
National dialogue collapsed after CCM rejected CHADEMA’s proposals for constitutional and electoral reforms.
Returned home after five years in Belgium, following assurances of safety and political opening. Welcomed by thousands of supporters.
After years of recovery and dozens of surgeries, returned to Tanzania as CHADEMA’s presidential candidate. Post-election threats forced him back into exile.
Elected Vice Chairman in absentia while still recovering in Belgium. Earlier that year, he was stripped of his parliamentary seat while hospitalized abroad.
Shot 16 times outside his official residence in Dodoma. Survived after emergency treatment and 25 surgeries in Kenya and Belgium.
Elected President of the Tanganyika Law Society; his tenure was cut short by the assassination attempt later that year.
Won the newly created Singida Mashariki constituency seat, later re-elected in 2015. Became a leading opposition legislator and constitutional reform voice.
Joined CHADEMA as Director of Legal & Constitutional Affairs and Human Rights, later serving as party Attorney General and Central Committee member.
Worked with LEAT defending land, environmental, and artisanal miners’ rights; later continued advocacy internationally while based in Washington, D.C.
A politically motivated prosecution to silence the opposition
Tundu Lissu faces fabricated treason charges that carry the death penalty. His detention is a clear attempt to silence Tanzania's democratic opposition.
These charges stem from Lissu's social media posts calling for electoral reforms and boycotting rigged elections.
"This is not security; it is deliberate humiliation of my human dignity." - Tundu Lissu
Tundu Lissu was arrested after launching a "No Reforms, No Elections" campaign calling for transparent electoral processes. In any democracy, advocating for free and fair elections is a fundamental right—not treason. The timing of his arrest, just months before the October 2025 elections, and his subsequent disqualification from the ballot, reveal these charges as a deliberate attempt to eliminate political opposition and silence one of Tanzania's most prominent democratic voices.
Global condemnation of Tundu Lissu's detention
International recognition for his courage and commitment to democracy
Awarded by the International Democracy Union for his exceptional courage and unwavering commitment to democratic values in the face of persecution and physical danger.
Recognized globally as a prominent human rights defender and advocate for the rule of law in Tanzania and East Africa.
Honored by multiple international organizations for his tireless work promoting transparent governance and free elections in Tanzania.
Stay informed about Tundu Lissu's case and Tanzania's democracy crisis
Lissu argues that the state’s use of a fully concealed witness violates the core principles of a fair trial, as it prevents effective cross-examination and judicial assessment of the accuser's credibility....
Read More →
Despite the releases, opposition leader Tundu Lissu remains behind bars, while hundreds have been charged with treason and other crimes....
Read More →
N Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on Tuesday urged investigations into the killings and other violations committed in the context of the 29 October elections in Tanzania, as reports emerged that bodies may have been taken by security forces to undisclosed locations.
Read More →International news coverage of Tundu Lissu's treason trial and the fight for democracy in Tanzania
Your voice matters. Help us free Tundu Lissu and restore democracy in Tanzania.
Join thousands demanding Tundu Lissu's immediate and unconditional release.
Sign NowWrite to your government representatives and urge them to pressure Tanzania diplomatically.
Get TemplateWhen a voice like Tundu Lissu's is suppressed, it is an attack on the freedom of us all. We cannot remain silent.
Sign the Petition TodayJoin the movement for Tundu Lissu's freedom and Tanzania's democracy
Stay updated on social media