Tanzania’s political theatre has taken a dramatic turn with the announcement that prominent opposition leader Tundu Lissu will embark on a hunger strike from his cell at Ukonga Prison. His protest is in response to what he describes as a politically driven case of treason and sedition, charges that not only threaten his freedom but could carry the death penalty.
Lissu’s arrest on April 9, 2025, in Mbinga followed a rally where he called for electoral transparency and reforms. The government alleges that his statements incited civil disobedience and posed a threat to national security. But opposition supporters and international observers have cried foul, saying the arrest is yet another attempt by the state to silence its most defiant critic.
For Lissu, this is not unfamiliar territory. He has been jailed multiple times, survived a 2017 assassination attempt, and spent years in exile. That he has chosen to protest through a hunger strike marks a new chapter in his long-standing resistance to what he calls the ruling elite’s authoritarian drift. His legal team, who visited him in prison, described his resolve as “unbreakable” but warned of the severe health risks he faces should the protest persist.
The legal proceedings surrounding Lissu’s case have already raised eyebrows. His initial hearing was postponed twice without explanation. His lawyers claim they were denied full access to case documents, while procedural inconsistencies suggest political interference. The courtroom, it seems, has become a battlefield in Tanzania’s wider struggle for democracy.
Meanwhile, public reaction has been growing louder. Supporters of CHADEMA, the main opposition party, have organised peaceful vigils outside the court. Civil society organisations and church leaders have issued statements urging the judiciary to uphold justice and refrain from acting as an extension of the executive branch. International NGOs, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have condemned the charges and called for his immediate release.
Lissu’s hunger strike could not come at a more sensitive time. Tanzania is set to hold general elections in October, and the political climate is already charged. His arrest and detention have become a lightning rod for broader grievances over shrinking civic space, restricted media, and the intimidation of opposition voices. The state’s crackdown on activists and journalists is becoming increasingly brazen, according to several watchdog groups.
The decision to go on hunger strike appears both symbolic and strategic. On one hand, it is a deeply personal act of defiance, reinforcing Lissu’s image as a man willing to sacrifice everything for justice. On the other, it is a calculated move to capture global attention. The government’s heavy-handedness may have played into Lissu’s hands, turning his prison cell into a global stage.
This is not the first time Tanzania has faced scrutiny over its treatment of political opponents. In the last election cycle, opposition parties reported widespread harassment, including the banning of rallies, censorship of campaign messages, and arrests of key figures. These actions prompted the United States and the European Union to voice concern, warning that Tanzania risked tarnishing its democratic credentials.
As Lissu’s condition worsens in prison, the government will find itself under increasing pressure to act. Whether it offers a legal compromise, accelerates the court process, or holds firm on the charges, each decision carries political consequences. If Lissu’s health deteriorates significantly, it could ignite protests and elevate tensions ahead of the elections.
For President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who came to office with promises of reform and dialogue, this case presents a defining test. Her administration’s handling of the situation could determine whether Tanzania moves toward democratic consolidation or slides further into authoritarianism. Analysts note that while she has taken steps to ease political restrictions, such gestures will be meaningless if critics like Lissu are kept behind bars on flimsy charges.
Lissu’s fate now rests not only in the hands of the judiciary but in the court of public opinion—both domestic and international. His hunger strike, grim as it is, may yet galvanise a broader movement for political accountability in Tanzania.
In the end, the image of a man refusing food in a prison cell could prove more powerful than any campaign speech. It is an act of silent resistance echoing loudly through Tanzania’s courts, its political parties, and the conscience of its people.
