The opposition leader escaped a charge that carried the death penalty but was convicted of incitement over remarks made during his campaign for electoral reforms

Tanzania’s opposition leader Tundu Lissu has been sentenced to four years in prison after the High Court acquitted him of treason but convicted him of the lesser offense of incitement.

Treason not proved, court finds

A three-judge panel delivered the ruling on Nov. 6 at the High Court’s Dar es Salaam Sub-Registry.

The judges found that prosecutors had failed to prove Lissu intended to intimidate the government, a key element required to establish treason. However, they ruled that his remarks urging the public to disrupt the 2025 general election amounted to incitement.

From a death penalty charge to incitement

The 58-year-old CHADEMA chairman had faced a treason charge that could carry the death penalty. Prosecutors accused him of encouraging supporters to prevent the election and mobilize rebellion.

Lissu maintained that his statements were part of a legitimate campaign for electoral reforms and denied wrongdoing.

Lissu calls the verdict politically directed

He has been detained since his arrest in April 2025. During the proceedings, he challenged the court’s decision to convict him of an offense he said he had not originally been charged with, describing the incitement finding as politically directed.

Appeal planned

CHADEMA spokesperson Brenda Rupia said Lissu plans to appeal the conviction.

The ruling comes amid continuing scrutiny of Tanzania’s political environment following the disputed 2025 election, which was followed by deadly unrest and allegations of excessive force by security agencies.