Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu has been acquitted of treason but found guilty of the lesser offence of incitement in a ruling delivered by the High Court on Friday, November 6.

The verdict marks a significant development in the high-profile case against the chairman of the opposition party CHADEMA, who has been in detention since his arrest in April 2025.

Lissu was charged over remarks he made during a political address in which prosecutors alleged that he called on opposition supporters to prevent the October 2025 General Election from taking place.

The prosecution cited statements in which he allegedly vowed that the opposition would “block the election” and “mobilise rebellion”, arguing that the remarks amounted to an attempt to undermine the government.

However, Lissu denied the allegations, maintaining that his statements did not constitute a criminal offence. He also argued that the case was politically motivated and linked to his calls for electoral reforms.

His arrest, coupled with the alleged abduction of government critics and CHADEMA’s exclusion from the 2025 elections, contributed to tensions that culminated in widespread protests across Tanzania during the polls.

The demonstrations resulted in hundreds of deaths following clashes between protesters and security forces, with reports of police opening fire on demonstrators in several cities.

A commission appointed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan reported in April 2026 that at least 518 people had been killed during the election-related violence, attributing the deaths to protesters.

The government, however, rejected allegations by human rights organisations that security agencies used excessive force in responding to the demonstrations.

The unrest marked a major setback for Tanzania, a country that had long maintained a reputation for relative political stability in the region.