<
https://theconversation.com/who-is-tundu-lissu-tanzanias-opposition-leader-is-fighting-for-change-in-the-face-of-fresh-attacks-on-political-freedoms-240821>
"Tundu Lissu has become the face of opposition in Tanzania following his
defiant and unrelenting criticism of the government. Since he came into the
national limelight in 1995 when running for a parliamentary seat, Lissu has
been a champion of democracy and human rights. He has taken on the ruling
elite, exposing corruption and demanding accountability. This almost cost him
his life in 2017.
In September 2024, new evidence presented at a London tribunal revealed that
the telecommunications company Tigo had shared Lissu’s mobile phone data –
including his location – with the Tanzanian government. The implication was
that the company was assisting the government in its harassment of the
politician. Tigo’s owners have distanced themselves from these reports.
The revelations coincided with a resurgence in government crackdowns on
opposition figures.
In the most recent developments, leaders of the country’s main opposition party
Chadema (Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo) – including Lissu, who is the
party’s vice-chairperson, and chairman Freeman Mbowe – were arrested in
September 2024. This followed their attempt to organise mass protests, which
were foiled by the police. The protests had been organised to demand government
accountability after the killing of a senior Chadema official and the
disappearance of other party members believed to have been abducted by state
operatives.
I have studied Tanzania’s political party dynamics for a decade and interviewed
Lissu as part of my PhD research on the country’s democracy. Lissu’s
persistence in tackling democratic backsliding in Tanzania has made him a
formidable force, challenging the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party.
Lissu spent about three years in exile in Belgium after the 2017 shooting. He
staged a comeback as a presidential candidate in the 2020 elections. He lost to
John Magufuli in a poll marred by violence and allegations of rigging.
There have been changes in the country since Magufuli’s death in March 2021 and
a string of political reforms under President Samia Suluhu. This has created
the space for Lissu and his party Chadema to establish an opposition that now
threatens the ruling party’s six-decade hold on power. Presidential elections
are due to be held in 2025.
So who is Lissu? What’s his history and how did he became involved in
politics?"
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
