Tanzania arrests opposition leaders linked to election unrest

Tanzania’s authorities have arrested several key opposition figures over what they describe as links to last month’s election-related unrest, while a manhunt is underway for others, including senior officials of the main opposition party, Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema).

Chadema Deputy Secretary General Amani Golugwa was arrested on Saturday, November 8, 2025, and is facing charges that include treason.

Police have also listed Secretary General John Mnyika and party spokesperson Brenda Rupia among those wanted for questioning in connection with the disturbances that rocked major cities including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, Mbeya, Shinyanga, Geita, Songwe, Ruvuma, Mara, Dodoma, Kilimanjaro and Iringa.

Police spokesman David Misime on Friday night released a statement directing ten individuals to present themselves at the nearest police station.

Among those named are former MP Godbless Lema, preacher Josephat Gwajima, Machumu Maximillan Kadutu, Deogratious Cosmas Mahinyila, Boniface Jacob, Hilda Newton, and Award Kalongana.

Gwajima, a popular cleric whose church was deregistered earlier this year following his public criticism of the government, was also ordered to surrender.

“The police force directs the named persons to report to the nearest police station immediately upon receiving this notice,” Misime stated.

Golugwa’s arrest brings to three the number of senior Chadema officials currently in custody.

Party leader Tundu Lissu is already detained on treason charges, while deputy leader John Heche was arrested before the October 29 general election.

The crackdown follows the arraignment of about 240 people in various courts on Friday over alleged involvement in the post-election chaos.

Authorities say the violence, which erupted on election day, led to deaths and destruction of property across several regions.

According to Misime, the police, working with other security agencies, are pursuing additional suspects believed to have organized or financed the unrest.

Tanzania’s opposition claims that thousands were killed when security forces moved to quell protests following the vote.

Official figures on the fatalities have not been released, though authorities have accused “foreign actors” of fueling the violence.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) reported that as many as 3,000 people may have died, though this figure has not been independently verified.

The Commission further alleged that internet restrictions have hindered independent investigations.

The Kenyan government has since engaged Tanzanian authorities to address concerns about the safety of its nationals.

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi said he held talks with Tanzanian Foreign Minister Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, focusing on protecting Kenyans living and working in Tanzania.

Meanwhile, the African Union has declared that the election, which returned President Samia Suluhu Hassan with nearly 98 per cent of the vote, “did not meet AU principles and standards for democratic elections.”