Hundreds of members and supporters of Tanzania’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, who were arrested last weekend, have been released on Tuesday.
West Africa Weekly reported that CHADEMA loyalists were arrested on Sunday and Monday by government-sponsored security agents due to a prohibited youth gathering in the southwestern region of the country, as reported by both police and party representatives.
Local sources said more than 500 supporters and members were arrested, including the party’s Chairman, Freeman Mbowe and Vice Chairman, Tundu Lissu.
Amnesty International and other Human Rights organisations have condemned the arrests, arguing that the incumbent government was intimidating and harassing the opposition in anticipation of the local government elections scheduled for later this year and the national election set for 2025.
Authorities prohibited the gathering in the city of Mbeya that the youth wing of CHADEMA intended to conduct on Monday, citing concerns that it could potentially “disturb the peace.”
“We will not allow a small number of criminals to undermine peace by emulating the unrest occurring in neighbouring countries,” Police Commissioner Awadh Haji said on Monday, alluding to the recent youth-led protests in Kenya that have sparked similar demonstrations in Nigeria and Uganda.
Additionally, CHADEMA spokesperson John Mrema verified that the party’s senior leadership had been released; however, he noted that unverified reports indicated that some supporters from the youth wing in Mbeya remain in custody.
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