No respite for Tanzania opposition leader as state applies to hold him longer

Tanzania’s Chadema Chairman Freeman Mbowe

Tanzania’s Chadema Chairman Freeman Mbowe at Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court in Dar es Salaam on August 6. PHOTO | ERICKY BONIPHACE



What you need to know:

  • Tanzanian opposition leader Freeman Mbowe will remain in custody at the Ukonga Prison on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam. 
  • Mbowe, the chairman of opposition party Chadema is facing terrorism-related charges.
  • The case has drawn wide concerns locally and internationally on continued harassment of the opposition and is seen as the biggest litmus test so far for President Samia Suluhu’s resolve to restore Tanzania’s democratic space and political tolerance.