Tanzania election turmoil: AU cites irregularities as government charges 145 with treason

TANZANIA, Dar es Salaam — November 11, 2025 (Running Africa) - According to court documents cited by Reuters, at least 145 individuals are facing treason charges linked to the unrest. Among them is Tundu Lissu, leader of the opposition Party for Democracy and Progress (Chadema), who was accused of treason in April after being controversially removed from the presidential ballot, a decision that helped ignite nationwide demonstrations.

Opposition parties, human rights groups, and international observers have condemned the sweeping charges, warning that the government’s actions risk escalating tensions and pushing the country toward further instability.

African Union election observers reported that Tanzania’s recent vote fell short of both AU principles and international democratic standards, citing widespread ballot stuffing, voter intimidation, and restrictions on opposition campaigning. Civil society groups also documented numerous incidents of violence, particularly in Dar es Salaam, where security forces were accused of aggressively suppressing demonstrations.

Wreckage of buses burnt during protests, following a general election marred by violent demonstrations over the exclusion of two leading opposition candidates, at the Mwembechai area in Kinondoni district in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, November 4, 2025. Image: REUTERS/Emmanuel Herman

Amid growing international scrutiny, Reuters reported on November 11, 2025, that Tanzanian police had released four senior opposition leaders who had been detained for allegedly orchestrating violent protests over the disputed election. Their party said the release took place late Monday night.

Those released on bail include CHADEMA Vice Chairman John Heche, who was detained on October 22 and questioned on terrorism-related allegations, according to his lawyer. Also freed was Amani Golugwa, the party’s deputy secretary-general, who had been arrested over the weekend, CHADEMA confirmed on X.

The opposition accuses the government of killing more than 1,000 people and abducting others during the post-election crackdown, claims authorities have firmly denied. Government officials insist the treason charges are necessary to maintain law and order and to punish what they describe as attempts to destabilize the country.

Human rights groups and religious leaders have condemned the government’s hard-line response. Bishop Benson Bagonza, a prominent cleric, urged the state to pursue truth and reconciliation rather than retaliation, warning that intensified repression could further deepen Tanzania’s political crisis.