TANZANIA UNDER SPOTLIGHT AFTER COURT BANS OPPOSITION PARTY AHEAD OF ELECTIONS

The Pan-African Progressive Leaders’ Solidarity Network has called on the Tanzanian government to lift the ban imposed on the country’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, which has been barred from holding any political activities.
In a statement issued on June 13, 2025, the Pan-African leaders expressed concern over a June 10 ruling by the High Court in Dar es Salaam, which effectively suspended CHADEMA from conducting political activities for 14 days.
"The Government of Tanzania to immediately lift the ban on CHADEMA’s political activities, release all political prisoners, including Tundu Lissu, and create conditions for free, fair, and credible elections,” read part of the statement.
They described the court’s ruling as a clear act of suppressing democratic opposition and a disturbing step backwards for democracy in Tanzania.
They further called for a thorough investigation into recent violations of citizens’ rights across the region and urged appropriate measures to be taken to ensure that member states uphold their commitments to democratic governance.
Additionally, they appealed to the international community to focus on Tanzania’s democratic trajectory, consider targeted sanctions against individuals responsible for human rights violations, and support civil society organizations working to protect democratic space.