Freeman Mbowe, leader of Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, was released on bail after his arrest Friday, days before local elections on November 27.
Chadema confirmed his release via X, stating Mbowe and other detained leaders were freed late Saturday. Mbowe dismissed accusations of violating campaign schedules, calling them baseless and aimed at disrupting Chadema’s campaigns.
While some party members remain in custody, Mbowe and others have been summoned for a November 29 hearing. The incident comes ahead of pivotal local elections seen as a test of Tanzania’s political climate before the 2025 presidential race.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has eased some restrictions since 2021, though activists claim arbitrary arrests persist, echoing past crackdowns under former President John Magufuli.