Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu and several other Chadema Party leaders were arrested in Mbeya, south-west Tanzania, ahead of an International Youth Day rally scheduled for August 12.
The police, who have since banned the gathering, arrested Lissu, along with Chadema Secretary-General John Mnyika and Nyasa Zone Chairman Joseph Mbilinyi.
The arrests followed a visit by police officers, including the Regional Police Commander (RPC) and Regional Crime Officer (RCO), to the Chadema Nyasa Zone offices.
The officers initially sought to interrogate leaders of Chadema’s youth wing, Bavicha, citing concerns that their activities posed a threat to public peace.
Despite initial agreements to only question the Bavicha leaders, the police later arrested everyone present at the office.
The detainees were taken to Utengule Police Station in Mbalizi, a distance from where they were originally detained.
“The police had previously stated that the Chadema youth activities had signs of threatening public peace.
“After discussions, it was agreed that only the Bavicha leaders would go with the police for questioning. However, the police unexpectedly changed their stance and arrested everyone present at the office,” the party’s Director of Protocol, Communications and Foreign Affairs, John Mrema, explained.
Chadema has condemned the actions of the police and the restrictions imposed on their members who were travelling to Mbeya to mark International Youth Day 2024.
The party accused the police and the Deputy Registrar of Political Parties, Sisty Nyahoza, of unjustly prohibiting non-CCM youth from gathering.
Chadema’s statement criticised the Registrar’s directive to the police, which they claim was based on unfounded predictions and led to the arrests and prohibition of youth celebrations nationwide.
The party’s National Chairman, Freeman Mbowe, condemned the police action on social media, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all arrested leaders, members, and supporters.
The situation remains unresolved as Chadema continues to engage with the police, including reaching out to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), to seek a satisfactory resolution.