A Tanzanian university lecturer, Melkisedek Kaijage, who was arrested earlier this month in connection with anti-government protests, has been formally charged with terrorism. Kaijage, who teaches political science and public administration at the University of Dodoma, appeared in a magistrate's court to request bail after 15 days in police custody, at which point the charges were altered.
He is among more than 130 individuals detained following planned demonstrations that called for democratic reforms and accountability for those killed during a post-election crackdown last year. The planned July 7 demonstrations were prohibited and did not materialize. Terrorism offenses in Tanzania are generally not eligible for bail, meaning Kaijage will remain in custody until his case proceeds to trial.
During Thursday's hearing, Kaijage was not required to enter a plea, as terrorism cases fall under the jurisdiction of higher courts. He was initially arrested a day before the planned nationwide protests and faced charges of inciting people to join them. Authorities had deployed security forces across major cities in the East African nation on July 7, issuing warnings against anyone inciting unrest.
Prosecutors now allege that Kaijage threatened to set fire to public buildings as a tactic of intimidation. Tanzanian law stipulates severe penalties for offenses such as recruiting for, facilitating, harboring, or supporting terrorists or terrorist groups, with potential prison sentences ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment for convicted individuals.
Gerald Shija, chairman of the University of Dodoma Academic Staff Association, confirmed that Kaijage had been transferred from police custody to Isanga Prison in the capital, Dodoma. Colleagues have described Kaijage as a respected academic whose popularity stems from his teaching rather than political activism.
Kaijage's case occurs amidst a broader pattern of government actions against opposition figures and critics of President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration. Last month, the government suspended political rallies nationwide indefinitely, citing security concerns. According to a commission of inquiry established by President Samia, 518 people died from "unnatural causes" during the widespread protests that followed the October 29, 2025, election results, including 197 who were shot dead. President Samia was declared the winner of that election with 98% of the vote, a result the opposition characterized as a "mockery" of democracy after her two main challengers were disqualified. At the time, the president asserted the election was fair and transparent and suggested foreign actors were involved in a plot to overthrow her.