Police have arrested the chairman of the main opposition CHADEMA party, Freeman Mbowe, and his vice chairman, Tundu Lissu, in Dar es Salaam today over banned demonstrations.
Mbowe was arrested along a street while addressing journalists as he prepared to lead demonstrations to protest against abductions and killings of CHADEMA members.
Lissu was taken into custody at his home before he could head out for the demonstrations. As he was being led away in a black police SUV, Mbowe said his arrest was the price to pay for fighting for justice for victims of political abductions and killings.
Heavily-armed policemen have been patrolling the streets of Dar es Salaam and elsewhere across the country over the past three days in a full display of force.
Opposition leaders said the show of force was aimed at intimidating their supporters not to join the demonstrations.
Turnout for the demonstrations in Dar es Salaam was abysmal as police arrested a handful of opposition supporters who came out on the streets.
CHADEMA officials said their senior members were being rounded up by the police to prevent them from leading the demonstrations.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has ordered an investigation into abductions and killings, but warned her political opponents that they would face stern action if they try to breach the peace.
Political tensions are rising in Tanzania ahead of local government polls in November this year and a general election in 2025.
CHADEMA is the main opponent against the ruling CCM party in mainland Tanzania, as CCM tries to extend it’s grip on power.
Tanzania’s ruling party has led the country since independence from Britain in 1961.
