Tanzanian Opposition Leader Plans Hunger Strike Over Denied Legal Access

Tanzania’s jailed opposition leader Tundu Lissu plans to begin a hunger strike on Monday, protesting what his lawyer described as prison authorities' refusal to grant him court-ordered private consultations with his legal counsel. Lissu, who is facing a treason charge that carries a potential death sentence, intends to cease taking his medication as part of the protest.

Lissu, the leader of Chadema, Tanzania’s main opposition party, has been detained for over 18 months. His trial is scheduled to conclude on November 6. His lawyer, Rugemeleza Nshala, stated that Lissu informed him of his decision during a prison meeting. Nshala warned Lissu of the health risks, given that Lissu relies on medication.

According to Nshala, authorities have denied private consultations with Lissu despite a court order mandating them. In some instances, access to Lissu has been entirely barred. Lissu has reportedly questioned why court decisions leading to his custody are enforced, while an order intended to protect his access to lawyers is allegedly disregarded.

As of Saturday, prison authorities, the police, and the government had not issued any public statements regarding Lissu's planned hunger strike. Lissu previously survived an assassination attempt in 2017, during which he was shot 16 times. He has spent periods in exile since then, citing threats to his life.

In May 2025, Lissu also undertook a hunger strike to protest a requirement that he appear in court remotely rather than in person. Lissu was arrested on April 9, 2025, following a rally advocating for electoral reforms ahead of that year's general election. He was charged with treason the following day.

Presidential candidates from Tanzania’s two primary opposition parties were barred from participating in the October 2025 election, an event that led to protests and fatalities. An inquiry into the election-related violence concluded in April that at least 518 people died, though the inquiry's chair noted the toll was likely higher as some families buried relatives without involving official channels. The United Nations had previously called for an investigation into the killings and reports of bodies being removed from mortuaries by police. Chadema estimated the death toll to be around 2,000, a figure the UN could not verify amid insecurity and an internet shutdown during the election period.