Amani Golugwa, Deputy Secretary General of Tanzania’s main opposition party CHADEMA, was arrested late Monday night at Julius Nyerere International Airport as he prepared to board a flight to Belgium for a pro-democracy conference. The arrest, which authorities claim was due to “procedural violations,” is the latest in a series of actions targeting the embattled opposition ahead of October’s general elections.
Golugwa was scheduled to represent CHADEMA at the International Democracy Union (IDU) conference in Brussels. According to a police statement posted on Instagram, he was detained for allegedly “leaving and returning to the country without following legal procedures.” He has since been released on bail, the party confirmed via social media.
The arrest comes just weeks after CHADEMA chairman and former presidential candidate Tundu Lissu was detained and charged with treason. Lissu, who survived a 2017 assassination attempt and has long been a vocal critic of the ruling party, was also barred from contesting in the upcoming elections. Authorities accused him of inciting unrest through public calls for electoral reform.
Critics say these actions reflect an escalating crackdown on political dissent under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is expected to seek re-election this year. Despite early hopes of reform after she succeeded the late President John Magufuli, Hassan’s administration has faced mounting allegations of human rights abuses and suppression of political opposition.
“The arrest of Amani Golugwa is just the latest chapter in an alarming trend,” said a statement from Human Rights Watch (HRW), which has accused Tanzanian authorities of using the law as a tool to disqualify opposition voices. “There is a coordinated campaign underway to eliminate CHADEMA from the political playing field.”
The IDU also condemned the arrest, calling it “unlawful” and an “assault on democratic values.” The group urged the international community to apply diplomatic pressure on the Tanzanian government to respect civil liberties and political freedoms.
Analysts suggest that the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party is seeking to consolidate power ahead of the elections by sidelining political challengers. While the government maintains that arrests like Golugwa’s are legitimate and based on legal infractions, critics view them as part of a broader strategy to weaken democratic institutions while preserving the appearance of procedural normalcy.
“This is about more than just one party,” said political analyst Dr. Farida Mwinyi. “It’s about the future of democratic participation in Tanzania. If the opposition is dismantled through legal technicalities, the October elections will be neither free nor fair.”
The Tanzanian government has yet to respond to the latest wave of criticism from rights groups and international observers. Meanwhile, CHADEMA leaders have vowed to continue their fight for electoral reform and political freedom, despite mounting pressure and arrests.
As the election approaches, concerns are growing about potential unrest and further state-led repression. Diplomats and human rights organizations warn that Tanzania risks backsliding into authoritarianism unless the international community takes action to uphold democratic norms.
By Kelly Were
