Amani Golugwa, Deputy Secretary General of Tanzania’s main opposition party Chadema, has been released after being detained at Julius Nyerere International Airport while attempting to travel to Belgium for a democracy conference.
Golugwa, who was scheduled to represent Chadema at the International Democracy Union (IDU) meeting in Brussels, was arrested early Monday morning at around 12:45 am. According to party spokesperson Brenda Rupia, he was initially held at Dar es Salaam Central Police Station.
Police claimed the arrest was due to suspicions that Golugwa had been illegally entering and exiting the country.
However, critics say the move was politically motivated and part of a broader crackdown on opposition voices ahead of the upcoming October 2025 general elections.
Golugwa’s release comes amid intense international pressure, with the IDU strongly condemning his detention on social media, calling it an “unlawful arrest” and demanding immediate action.
“Silencing opposition voices violates the core of democracy,” the group stated on X.
The incident follows a pattern of repression targeting Chadema leaders.
Party chairman Tundu Lissu is facing treason charges, and Chadema has been barred from contesting the 2025 elections for refusing to sign an electoral code of conduct it calls flawed.
Golugwa had recently spoken out against the disappearance of a party supporter, allegedly abducted by individuals claiming to be police officers.
Chadema maintains its call for comprehensive electoral reforms and a truly independent election commission.
