- CHADEMA’s Deputy Secretary General Amani Golugwa was arrested at the airport while heading to Belgium for a democracy conference.
- Police cited failure to follow legal travel procedures, though he was later released on bail.
- The arrest follows recent treason charges against CHADEMA’s chairman, Tundu Lissu.
- Rights groups see the moves as a wider crackdown on opposition ahead of the October elections.
- The ruling CCM party is accused of using legal tactics to silence political competition.
Tanzania’s opposition politics took another blow on Monday night after Amani Golugwa, Deputy Secretary General of CHADEMA, was arrested at Julius Nyerere International Airport. He was on his way to represent the party at a pro-democracy summit in Brussels, Belgium, when authorities intercepted him, citing failure to comply with travel procedures.
Official Justification Raises Eyebrows
Police later claimed via social media that Golugwa had breached legal guidelines for exit and re-entry into the country. Although he was freed on bail hours later, the timing and manner of his arrest stirred controversy, especially within the opposition circles that believe it was politically driven.
Another Blow After Lissu’s Treason Case
This incident comes not long after CHADEMA’s top leader, Tundu Lissu, was detained and charged with treason. Lissu, who previously survived an assassination attempt and has been openly critical of the ruling CCM government, was barred from participating in the upcoming election. Authorities accused him of promoting public unrest through calls for reforms.
Crackdown on Dissent Intensifies
Observers say these arrests reflect an organized clampdown on the opposition as the election draws near. Although President Samia Suluhu Hassan once promised a more inclusive leadership after taking over from the late John Magufuli, activists now accuse her administration of stifling opposition and human rights.
Rights Groups Raise Alarm
Human Rights Watch condemned Golugwa’s arrest, calling it part of a bigger effort to silence CHADEMA and other dissenting voices. “What we are seeing is the use of law to quietly wipe out political competition,” the organization said in a statement.
Global Condemnation Builds Up
The International Democracy Union, which had invited Golugwa to its Brussels forum, also criticized the arrest. It described the act as a direct attack on democratic values and called on the global community to push back against growing political oppression in Tanzania.
Analysts Warn of a Political Shutout
Political experts now fear the ruling CCM party is using technicalities to eliminate rivals under a legal cover. Analyst Dr. Farida Mwinyi said if such trends persist, Tanzania’s 2025 elections may lack legitimacy. “This is not only about CHADEMA—it’s about whether genuine democracy will survive in Tanzania,” she said.
Opposition Vows to Keep Fighting
Despite the pressure, CHADEMA leaders insist they won’t back down. They have vowed to continue pushing for electoral reforms and fighting against state oppression, even as the space for free political activity appears to shrink rapidly.
Tanzania at a Crossroads
As election day edges closer, fears of further state crackdowns grow. Rights groups and diplomats warn that without international scrutiny and support for civil liberties, Tanzania could slide further into authoritarian rule—undermining years of democratic progress.
