A fresh wave of political anxiety has gripped Tanzania after the main opposition party, CHADEMA, raised a public alarm over the unexplained disappearance of its firebrand leader, Tundu Lissu.
With no official statement from the government and silence from law enforcement agencies, questions continue to swirl about the whereabouts of the outspoken politician, whose absence has reignited fears of political repression and instability in the East African nation.
Tundu Lissu, has long been a thorn in the side of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, was last seen publicly four days ago in Arusha, where he had been holding a series of closed-door strategy meetings with regional party leaders. According to CHADEMA officials, Lissu was expected to travel to Dar es Salaam the following day but never arrived, and attempts to reach him have since proven futile.
Speaking at a press conference in Dar es Salaam last week,CHADEMA national chairperson Freeman Mbowe accused state security agencies of complicity in Lissu’s disappearance and demanded immediate answers.
“We are extremely concerned about the safety and wellbeing of our comrade. This is not the first time Tundu Lissu has faced threats to his life. We have credible information suggesting state involvement or at the very least, state knowledge of his current status,” Mbowe said.
The news has triggered widespread speculation and public outcry, with many Tanzanians taking to social media using the hashtag #WhereIsTunduLissu to demand transparency and accountability from the authorities. Protesters gathered in several towns, including Mwanza and Mbeya, with police reportedly dispersing crowds in some areas.
Lissu’s history with state harassment is well documented. In 2017, he survived an assassination attempt in Dodoma, where he was shot multiple times by unknown gunmen. He spent nearly three years in exile in Belgium before returning in 2020 to contest the presidency. Despite losing to incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Lissu remained one of the most prominent and vocal critics of the CCM administration.
Although President Samia had been credited early in her term with opening up political space and restoring civil liberties, recent events suggest a regression. Analysts point to a pattern of intimidation and suppression of dissenting voices, particularly ahead of the 2025 general elections.
Dr. Asha Mwakilasa, a political scientist at the University of Dar es Salaam, said Lissu’s disappearance fits into a broader narrative of political control.
“Tanzania has made some progress under President Samia, but the state’s tolerance for robust opposition remains limited. If Lissu has been detained or harmed, it could have serious implications for the country’s democratic trajectory,” she said.
The government has yet to issue a formal response. Multiple calls to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Inspector General of Police went unanswered. Meanwhile, Parliament resumed sessions without any mention of the situation, prompting opposition MPs to walk out in protest.
International actors have also begun to take notice. The U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam issued a brief statement expressing “deep concern” over Lissu’s disappearance and urging Tanzanian authorities to “uphold rule of law and ensure the safety of all political leaders.”
The European Union delegation echoed the sentiment, warning that “any harm or restriction to opposition leaders undermines confidence in Tanzania’s democratic institutions.”
Inside CHADEMA, there is a growing sense of urgency and frustration. Party Secretary-General John Mnyika told reporters the party had filed a habeas corpus petition in the High Court seeking information on Lissu’s whereabouts and demanding his immediate release if he is in state custody.
“We cannot afford to remain silent. If this government can make a leader like Tundu Lissu disappear without trace, then no citizen is safe,” Mnyika said.
Observers say the situation could significantly alter the political landscape ahead of next year’s elections. Lissu had been widely expected to announce a renewed presidential bid, and his absence could destabilize CHADEMA’s internal unity and electoral preparations.
In his last public speech, delivered in Arusha just a day before he went missing, Lissu warned of increased political interference in regional elections and urged CHADEMA members to be vigilant.
“Our democracy is under siege,” he told supporters. “But we must stand firm, because freedom is not granted — it is fought for.”
As the nation waits for clarity, fear and tension continue to mount. Civil society organizations have called for an independent investigation and greater protection for opposition figures. Human rights watchdogs, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have also demanded immediate action from Tanzanian authorities.
With no clear answers and growing national and international scrutiny, the question reverberates across the country: Where is Tundu Lissu?
