Mass Arrests and Releases in Tanzania Amid Government Crackdown

Leaders and supporters of Tanzania's main opposition party CHADEMA were released after mass arrests for a banned youth meeting. Human rights groups criticized the arrests as intimidation before upcoming elections. While President Hassan has eased some restrictions, arbitrary detentions persist.

Several leaders of Tanzania's main opposition party CHADEMA and hundreds of their supporters were released on Tuesday following mass arrests linked to a banned youth meeting in the country's southwest region, according to police and a party spokesperson.

Human rights organizations have condemned the arrests, with Amnesty International asserting they serve to intimidate and suppress the opposition ahead of local elections later this year and a national election in 2025. Since taking office in 2021, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has somewhat eased restrictions on the media and opposition, but rights groups argue that arbitrary detentions remain prevalent.

The police had banned the CHADEMA youth wing's meeting in Mbeya, citing potential disruptions to public peace. Over 500 supporters of CHADEMA, along with party Chairman Freeman Mbowe and Vice Chairman Tundu Lissu, were arrested over two days. Police Commissioner Awadh Haji commented that the ban was to prevent disturbances similar to those seen in Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda. CHADEMA spokesman John Mrema confirmed the release of top leaders but mentioned reports that some youth-wing supporters were still detained.

In June, protests in Kenya against a proposed tax hike led to significant unrest, prompting Kenyan President William Ruto to scrap the legislation and reshuffle his cabinet, yet demonstrations persisted. Amnesty International's Sarah Jackson urged Tanzanian authorities to halt arbitrary arrests and repressive measures against political opposition.

(With inputs from agencies.)