Tanzania: Following his Detention, Opposition Leader Freeman Mbowe was Freed on Bond

According to reports, Mbowe’s arrest was connected to an election-related gathering. He spoke to reporters after being freed at midnight, calling the charges unfounded. “We had already reached an agreement with our opposition colleagues, so this accusation of violating the campaign schedule is baseless,” he stated.

He further claimed that Chadema’s planned campaigns were intentionally disrupted by the arrest. Mbowe added that he and other party members have been called to appear before authorities on November 29 and that other party members are still being held. He plans to discuss the issue with legal counsel.

Human rights activists assert that arbitrary detentions continue despite President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s implementation of some measures to loosen restrictions on the media and opposition since taking office in 2021.

Police violently disrupted opposition gatherings under Magufuli’s leadership, and their leaders were frequently taken into custody. Notably, Mbowe and deputy Tundu Lissu, two prominent Chadema officials, were attacked by unidentified attackers; both claim that the attacks were politically motivated.

Opposition demonstrations have resumed, reflecting Tanzania’s shifting political climate under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s direction and signaling a fresh drive for political transparency and reform.