Tanzania opposition party Chadema to detail detention and future plans after two-day standoff with police

Dar es Salaam. Chadema said on Tuesday that it will provide details on the recent detention of its top leaders and outline its next steps following a two-day confrontation with law enforcement.

Among those arrested were Chadema Chairman Freeman Mbowe, Vice Chairman (Mainland) Tundu Lissu, Secretary-General John Mnyika, and Nyasa Zone Chairman Joseph Mbilinyi, also known as Sugu.

The high-profile politicians, along with 520 other cadres, members, and supporters, were detained for allegedly defying police orders to cancel a conference planned for the International Youth Day celebrations.

The conference was set to occur in Mbeya Region, drawing participants from across the country.

The Chadema Deputy Secretary-General (Mainland) Benson Kigaila, said in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday that the party’s leaders would meet internally on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, to discuss their situation and health following their arrest.

“They will undergo medical examinations to assess their well-being after the events in Mbeya,” Kigaila said.

“They are expected to hold a press conference on Thursday, August 15, 2024, to explain what transpired and outline the party’s path forward.”

The upcoming press conference will also address losses incurred, including property seized during a break-in at the Nyasa Zone office.

According to Mr Kigaila, the detained leaders were transported separately to Dar es Salaam, arriving at the Central Police Station around 6 am. By 7 am, they were taken to their individual residences.

“We advised them to undergo medical check-ups before convening for a meeting tomorrow. Therefore, they have been released unconditionally today,” he explained.

Chadema's Director of Protocol, Communications, and Foreign Affairs, John Mrema said while some of the 520 members have returned home, others remain stranded in Mbeya.

“They are still seeking transportation to get back home as the vehicles that brought them have returned,” Mrema said.

Contacted on Tuesday, Police Force Commissioner of Operations and Training, Mr Awadhi Juma Haji said all details regarding the recent Chadema detention incident were covered in a press conference held the previous day.

“I cannot provide additional comments on the matter,” Mr Haji said. “Everything was addressed during yesterday’s press briefing. For any further issues, they should be submitted through the appropriate channels.”

He denied allegations that police had forcibly entered Nyasa Zone offices, confiscated six mobile phones and one laptop, assaulted opposition leaders, or seized property belonging to journalists.