The clampdown on opposition figures in Tanzania has intensified in the wake of violent protests linked to the recent elections, which saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan declared the winner with 98% of the vote.
On Saturday, November 8, 2025, the opposition party Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) announced the arrests of two senior party officials. Godbless Lema, a member of the party’s Central Committee, was taken into custody in Arusha, while Boniface Jacob, Chairperson of the Coastal Zone, was later apprehended in Dar es Salaam.
“CHADEMA wants to inform the public that the Police Force has continued to arrest our leaders,” the party stated.
Targeting of Senior Party Leadership
Earlier the same day, CHADEMA confirmed the arrest of its Deputy Secretary General, Amani Golugwa, describing his detention as part of a broader campaign against party leadership. These recent arrests bring to five the number of senior CHADEMA officials detained, following the earlier apprehensions of party chairman Tundu Lissu and Vice Chairman John Heche.
African Union Criticizes Tanzania’s Polls
The intensified crackdown comes shortly after the African Union (AU) released findings from its election observation mission, noting that the polls “did not comply with AU principles, normative frameworks, and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections.”
AU observers cited reports of ballot stuffing, multiple ballots issued to single voters, and a general environment unfavorable for peaceful conduct and acceptance of electoral outcomes.
Civil and human rights organizations have also called for urgent investigations into reports of deaths linked to the recent elections, urging the Tanzanian government to uphold democratic principles and accountability.
The ongoing arrests underscore rising concerns over political freedoms in Tanzania, particularly regarding the treatment of opposition parties and the integrity of the electoral process.
