Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, has condemned President Samia Suluhu’s remarks on barring foreign trial observers, activists, and human rights defenders in the Tundu Lissu’s treason case.

In a statement on May 21, 2025, Chadema noted that such statements from the Head of State are not only troubling but also dangerous. 

“They mark a clear departure from democratic norms and raise serious concerns about the independence of the judiciary and the broader direction of governance in our country. 

“In politically sensitive cases, international observation is a safeguard, not a threat,” read part of Chadema’s statement.

The opposition party released a statement after several prominent regional figures who arrived in Tanzania to observe the Tundu Lissu trial were detained at Julius Nyerere International Airport and deported. 

These include Senior Counsel Martha Karua, former Chief Justice of Kenya Dr. Willy Mutunga, human rights defender Hussein Khalid (HAKI Africa), and activists Lynn Ngugi and Gloria Kimani.

Even more alarming is the case of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist and civic rights advocate Agather Atuhaire. 

“Such conduct-shadowing and detaining peaceful visitors has no place in a country that claims to uphold the rule of law.

“These individuals are not enemies of Tanzania. They came in solidarity, to observe, not to interfere. 

“Their mistreatment amounts to an assault on regional cooperation, an embarrassment to the nation, and a violation of our international and regional commitments under the East African Community and African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,” the party noted.

According to Chadema, shielding courtrooms from the light of international scrutiny only deepens doubts about the fairness of this politically charged case. 

The party further explained that if there was nothing to hide, there should be no reason to fear the presence of international observers.