Big Trouble in Tanzania: Mass Protests as Leaders of the opposition get arrested in Dar-es-Salaam

Democratic reforms in Tanzania seems to take a nosedive, as state machinery gets mobilized to crush the opposition during peaceful demonstrations.

They were marching in protest against recent cases of abductions and killings in the East African Country.

Former Tanzania’s Presidential Candidate Tundu Antipas Lissu and the Chairperson of the main opposition party, Freeman Mbowe are being held by the police in Dar-es-Salaam following mass arrests that occurred in the City.

The Tanzanian government has been mobilizing police units from all over the country into the commercial capital after the opposition groups announced that they were to stage mass demos on Monday, September 23, 2024.

The police followed Tundu Lissu to his home and arrested the charismatic politician as he was coming out of the gates, ready to join others in the demonstrations.

Earlier on, the former Member of Parliament for Arusha City, Godbless Jonathan Lema was arrested while on his way from the Northern Region heading to Dar-es-salaam.

Freeman Aikaeli Mbowe, the Chairperson of the Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) political party was also arrested alongside his wife, Dr Lilian Mtei and daughter, Nicole Mbowe in Dar-Es-salaam.

The opposition were protesting against cases of killings, mass abductions and mysterious disappearance of politicians, activists and people who are active on social media platforms speaking against what they describe to be an oppressive regime.

Apparently CHADEMA, whose one of the top officials was killed after being abducted from a bus, accuses the security forces of being behind the acts.

They further claim that President Samia Suluhu, has been downplaying the entire scenario.

The Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) through the Bar Association’s Chairperson, Boniface Mwabukusi stated that they were closely following the development and were against the arrests that go against people’s constitutional rights.

Other than the opposition leaders, the police have also been arresting various people across the country.