Tanzania’s opposition leader Freeman Mbowe was arrested by police on Friday, his Chadema party confirmed, amid rising tensions ahead of local elections scheduled for November 27. The arrest came just days after authorities dispersed an opposition rally using tear gas.
Chadema, Tanzania’s main opposition party, had earlier protested the disqualification of many of its candidates from the local elections. The party called these actions “unfair” and accused the government of manipulating the process.
The elections are seen as a crucial test for President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who assumed office in 2021. While Hassan initially promised reforms and greater civic freedoms, international observers have expressed concern over a return to repressive policies.
Chadema’s communications director, John Mrema, claimed police ambushed the party’s convoy in Halungu Forest, located in southwestern Tanzania. Mrema said officers stopped the vehicles at a roadblock, forcibly opened the car doors, and arrested the party leaders, without explaining their destination or reasons for detention.
Before his arrest, Mbowe was blocked from speaking at a rally in Mlowo, where police dispersed the crowd with tear gas. Authorities justified the arrest, stating that the party had violated the campaign rally schedule, and that police were injured during the incident.
The arrests follow Chadema’s complaint over the disqualification of its candidates. The party planned to contest 65% of the available seats, but after the disqualifications, it now intends to field candidates for only 33%.
The upcoming local polls are expected to gauge the political climate ahead of Tanzania’s 2025 presidential election. Human rights groups have voiced concerns about increasing repression, especially against opposition figures like Mbowe and his deputy, Tundu Lissu. Despite these challenges, Mbowe remains determined to proceed with the elections.