African Immigrant Rights Council

Tanzania’s Crackdown on Opposition

Published on July 15, 2024

If you are a Tanzanian seeking asylum in the United States, it is important to present evidence that shows your life or freedom is threatened due to your political beliefs, association with opposition parties, or work as a journalist or activist. Below is a summary of recent events in Tanzania that highlight a systematic crackdown on dissent, particularly targeting opposition parties and members of the media.

A. Journalists Under Fire: Silencing the Media

In 2024 and 2025, journalists in Tanzania faced escalating threats and violence, especially when covering opposition events:

• August 11, 2024: Two journalists from Jambo TV, Ramadhan Khamis and Fadhil Kirundwa, were detained in Mbeya while covering a Chadema Youth rally. They were released the next day, on condition that they not publish the event footage.
• September 23, 2024: Several journalists, including Lawrence Mnubi, Michael Matemanga, and Baraka Loshilaa, were assaulted and detained in Dar es Salaam while covering a banned Chadema protest.
• May 20, 2025: A foreign journalist and activist supporting detained opposition leaders was arrested and deported by Tanzanian authorities.

These incidents are part of a broader pattern of media suppression, violating press freedoms and silencing independent reporting.

B. Political Persecution by CCM: Crushing Opposition

The ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has been repeatedly implicated in the harassment, abduction, and arrest of opposition members and activists.

Key Events:

• July 26, 2024: Dioniz Kipanya, Chadema’s regional political secretary, disappeared in Rukwa. No official explanation has been provided.
• August 11, 2024: Mass arrests during a peaceful Youth Day event in Mbeya. Over 500 Chadema youth, five journalists, and key leaders Tundu Lissu, John Mnyika, and Joseph Mbilinyi were detained.
• August 12, 2024: The government banned all youth political gatherings, infringing on the rights to assembly and free expression.
• September 6–8, 2024: Ali Mohamed Kibao, a known opposition supporter, was abducted from a bus. His tortured and acid-doused body was found days later.
• September 13, 2024: A nationwide ban on all Chadema protests was announced, despite constitutional guarantees for political assembly.
• September 23, 2024: On the day of planned protests, major opposition leaders Freeman Mbowe, Tundu Lissu, and six others were arrested, along with three journalists.
• October 20, 2024: Aisha Machano, a senior Chadema leader, was abducted and seriously injured.
• December 2, 2024: Abdul Nondo, youth leader of ACT-Wazalendo, was abducted.
• January 13, 2025: Maria Sarungi, a high-profile activist, was abducted, heightening fears among human rights defenders.
• April 9, 2025: Tundu Lissu, a prominent opposition leader, was arrested again in Mbinga town.
• April 12, 2025: INEC barred Chadema from contesting the October 2025 elections, effectively silencing the main opposition.

These events show a well-documented pattern of state-sponsored repression and political targeting—which is vital to emphasize in any asylum case.

C. ACT-Wazalendo: Intimidation and Political Boycotts

Another major opposition party, ACT-Wazalendo, has also faced state-backed violence and intimidation:

• December 2, 2024: Youth leader Abdul Nondo was abducted—his party alleges it was politically motivated.
• March 2025: The party boycotted the Political Parties Council meetings, citing a failure to uphold multiparty democracy.
• 2024–2025: ACT-Wazalendo reported widespread harassment of its members in Zanzibar, including interference with voter registration and systemic bias from local authorities.

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Why This Matters for Asylum Seekers

If you are a member of Chadema or ACT-Wazalendo, a journalist, or an activist in Tanzania, your freedom, safety, and life may be at risk simply for exercising your political rights. These documented events can support a claim for asylum based on political persecution under U.S. immigration law.

You may strengthen your asylum case by:

• Describing personal threats or persecution you experienced.
• Showing affiliations with opposition parties or press freedom organizations.
• Referencing dates and events listed here.
• Providing corroborating news articles or human rights reports.

Remember: You do not have to suffer physical harm to qualify for asylum. The credible fear of future persecution is enough.