Tanzania’s High Court has allowed the government to hide the identities of witnesses in the treason case against opposition leader Tundu Lissu — a move that has sparked national and international concern.
On August 4, 2025, the High Court of Tanzania ruled that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) can use anonymous and shielded witnesses in the ongoing trial of Tundu Lissu, the national chairperson of the CHADEMA party and a former presidential candidate.
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from CHADEMA, the country’s main opposition party, which says it violates Lissu’s right to a fair trial under Article 13(6)(a) of the Tanzanian Constitution. This law guarantees that an accused person must know the evidence against them and be allowed to question witnesses.
Who is Tundu Lissu?
Lissu is a well-known critic of the government, especially the ruling party.
He survived an assassination attempt in 2017 and returned to politics with strong public support.
He was arrested earlier this year on treason charges, which many believe are politically motivated.
CHADEMA says the court’s decision reminds them of “secret courts from medieval England”, where trials lacked transparency and fairness. The party also claims that at least 27 people connected to this case have already been secretly convicted.
“This is not justice. It’s a system that turns courts into tools of repression,” said Brenda Rupia, CHADEMA’s Director of Communication and Publicity.
The party added that judges and magistrates are also being blocked from properly assessing witness credibility, since some testimonies are delivered from behind screens or via video with altered voices.
CHADEMA is now urging:
The international community
Human rights organizations
Foreign embassies
And even U.S. Congress
to take action and closely watch Tanzania’s political and judicial developments.
“Justice must not only be done — it must be seen to be done. Right now, that’s not happening,” the party said in a statement.
The trial is expected to continue in the coming weeks under heavy scrutiny. Legal experts warn that if such practices become common, Tanzania could face global condemnation and risk aid or diplomatic ties being cut, especially from Western allies.
Meanwhile, CHADEMA is preparing to challenge the ruling through appeals and public campaigns, aiming to keep pressure on the courts and government.
