Tanzanian Police Arrest Opposition Leaders, 12 Others in Protest Crackdown

Tanzanian police have arrested two top leaders of the Chadema party, the main opposition group in the country. 12 other members were also arrested as police blocked a banned protest in Dar es Salaam on Monday.

Chadema chairman Freeman Mbowe was detained while preparing to lead a peaceful protest, while the party’s deputy leader, Tundu Lissu, was arrested at his home in a convoy of 11 police vehicles. This is according to the party’s statement on X (formerly Twitter).

The National Chairman of Chadema, Hon. @freemanmbowetz, has been arrested by the Police Force in the Magomeni area, Dar es Salaam, today, Monday, September 23, 2024, when he arrived at the location to lead a peaceful demonstration,” the group disclosed via one of many posts shared in Swahili.

The demonstrations were organised to protest alleged recent killings and abductions of opposition officials, but police had declared the protests illegal. Despite the ban, the opposition vowed to proceed, leading to the crackdown, which many have described as repressive.

Chadema’s spokesperson, John Mrema, also stated that around 500 youth supporters were detained en route to an International Youth Day event. Media reports indicated journalists covering the protests were detained as well. Additionally, riot police were reportedly deployed in Dar es Salaam to block access to the leaders’ homes on Monday morning and question people about their involvement in the protest.

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