Why Tundu Lissu’s treason trial is a litmus test for Tanzania’s democracy
Tanzanian opposition leader and former Chadema presidential candidate Tundu Lissu appears at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court in Dar es Salaam on April 10, 2025.
The treason trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu kicked off this week in a tense atmosphere brought on by the country’s upcoming general election. It could also be a litmus test of its democratic credentials that the high-profile case provides in relation to the October 29 polls.
A panel of three judges is presiding over the hearing, which started at the High Court in Dar es Salaam on September 8, away from the broader public view after courts banned livestreaming of the proceedings. It also imposed other tight restrictions on mainstream media coverage.
