Chadema wants Dar police chief dismissed after over 'brutal' crackdown

Dar es Salaam. The main opposition party, Chadema, demands six urgent actions in response to what it describes as unlawful arrests, assault and misinformation by police following a crackdown on its leaders and members in Dar es Salaam on April 24, 2025.

These demands include the removal of Commander Jumanne Muliro, disciplinary action against Muliro, a public statement from the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the filing of a private lawsuit against the former, submission of complaints to international human rights institutions, and an independent investigation by the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance.

In response, Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander, SACP Jumanne Muliro, said that so far he has not heard of the allegations against him and stressed that the police force will continue to carry out its duties according to the law.

“I have not yet heard anything, but I emphasise that we will continue to uphold the law, ensure Dar es Salaam remains safe, and carry out all our duties in accordance with the law,” he said.

Addressing a press conference in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Chadema secretary general John Mnyika accused Commander Muliro of misleading the public by claiming that only two party leaders, he himself and John Heche, Chadema’s vice chairman for Tanzania Mainland had been arrested and that no one had been assaulted.

“Commander Muliro has lied to the public by saying only two people were arrested and that no beatings occurred. In reality, 25 Chadema leaders and members were arrested and assaulted by the police, not two as he claimed,” he said.

He noted that the police’s own statement on April 25 confirmed the arrest of five people—himself, Heche, Chacha Heche (Chadema Mara Regional Chairman), Swezi, and James Msetu directly contradicting Muliro’s latest claim.

Mr Mnyika also stated that the operation targeted journalists covering the events.

As part of its response, Chadema is calling for the immediate removal of Commander Muliro from his post, accusing him of overseeing the operation and spreading false information. “The party insists that disciplinary action should be taken against him to preserve the integrity of the police force,” he said.

Mr Mnyika also urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to personally speak to the public about the events of April 24, clarify the number of people affected, and confirm whether the operation had official approval or was conducted without proper oversight.

In addition, Chadema has directed its legal team to initiate legal proceedings against Commander Muliro individually, holding him personally responsible for the treatment of party members and leaders.

“The party also plans to escalate the matter internationally by filing complaints with regional and global human rights institutions, arguing that the actions of the police amount to serious violations of fundamental freedoms,” said Mnyika.

He called on President Samia Suluhu Hassan, as Commander-in-Chief, to take swift and appropriate measures to address the situation, warning that silence from the top leadership would only embolden impunity.

Furthermore, Chadema is demanding an independent investigation by the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance, insisting that the body must fully probe the April 24 incident and act upon its findings to ensure justice is served.

“These actions are necessary to restore public trust and accountability within our law enforcement institutions,” Mr Mnyika emphasised, warning that attempts to downplay the incident would only deepen impunity.