Good morning! The Chanzo is here with a rundown of major news stories reported in Tanzania on May 6, 2025.
Lissu’s Defense Team Celebrates Win as Court Orders Him to Be Brought Physically to Court, Invites the Public to Participate
The Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court has ordered, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, that opposition leader Tundu Lissu be brought physically to court on May 19, 2025. The court also invited members of the public to attend the proceedings.
The ruling was made by Senior Resident Magistrate Geofrey Mhini, a decision that Lissu’s defense team argued has preserved the court’s integrity.
“We invited the court to be greater. It was not an easy decision, it was a decision that required the courage of the Court. We are grateful the Court listened to us,” said Advocate Peter Kibatala.
Since April 24, 2025, Tundu Lissu has been boycotting virtual hearings by refusing to appear and was planning a hunger strike to demand his day in court.
Over the weekend, Lissu’s lawyers broke down in tears over their client’s mistreatment, citing limited access, the use of virtual hearings, and police enforcement of the closure of court proceedings to the public by denying access to the courtroom.
The lawyers addressed the press following unprecedented comments from government officials; the Minister of Home Affairs and the Attorney General, who both supported the court’s use of virtual hearings. The Minister of Home Affairs, Innocent Bashungwa, said the virtual format was necessary due to security concerns, while the Attorney General emphasized that all procedures in Lissu’s case were being properly followed.
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Tanzania Government Cracks Down on Dormant Mining Licenses
The Minister of Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, has announced that the government has issued Notices of Breach to 95 large- and medium-scale mining companies for violating license conditions as stipulated by law.
Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Mavunde said the companies must respond to the allegations within 30 days so that the Mining Commission can review their cases before deciding whether to revoke their licenses.
“If they have any justifications, they should submit them. We will verify and, if satisfied, we’ll lift the restrictions. If not, we will revoke their licenses in accordance with the Mining Act, Chapter 123, particularly Section 63, which governs the issuance and revocation of mining licenses. The law clearly states that once granted a license, work must begin within 18 months,” said Mavunde.
The Notices of Breach were officially issued starting April 14, 2025, and the deadline for responses is May 13, 2025. This government action follows the failure of these license holders to begin operations since receiving their licenses.
Mavunde noted that some companies have held licenses since 2011 without conducting any activity—not even bringing a shovel to the sites they were allocated, undermining the government’s efforts to boost development in the mining sector.
“Just seven of the 95 companies hold capital worth TZS 15 trillion that is sitting idle. We cannot be a country that issues licenses to stimulate mining sector growth, only for people to sit on them claiming they are still negotiating with the government or giving other excuses,” Mavunde emphasized.
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Tanzania’s 2025 Elections: Breaking Down Warioba’s May 3rd Remarks on Justice and Peace
Several weeks ago, I reached out to a number of my friends to inquire, “Where are the elders of this nation?” I expressed my concern that, in light of numerous incidents of human rights violations, the elders had chosen to remain silent. However, I later realised I was wrong.
Listening to former Tanzania Prime Minister, Judge Joseph Sinde Warioba, on May 3, 2025, provided me with considerable perspective. Judge Warioba addressed a symposium organised by the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) regarding the political situation ahead of this year’s general election. He underscored the critical need for political and legal reforms before the elections.
Judge Warioba commenced by saying that he wished for us to engage in a discussion about the current reality as we perceive it, in order to facilitate an environment conducive to free and fair elections. He noted that this year’s election is marked by increased tension.
To show the continuity of events within the nation, Judge Warioba indicated that he would reiterate the issues he had fronted over the past five years. He referenced his plea made in December 2020 following the general election, and again in 2024 after the local government elections, noting that the only distinction lies in the developments that have transpired since then.
In this piece, I will recount his key messages by quoting and reflecting upon the significant issues he highlighted.
Judge Warioba opened his address by noting the emphasis placed on justice, peace, unity, and solidarity. While some advocate for justice, they may neglect the importance of unity, solidarity, and peace. Others focus primarily on peace, with insufficient regard for justice.
Some advocate for both justice and peace. Judge Warioba asserted that if these two principles, justice and peace, are not upheld during elections, the country may encounter serious challenges.
Judge Warioba started his discussion with Article 8 of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, which asserts that the foundation of state authority resides with the populace. Consequently, citizens must engage fully in the electoral process.
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Tundu Lissu Treason Case: Court Urges Prosecution to Expedite Investigation and Provide Status on May 19, 2025
The treason case against the leader of Tanzania’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, proceeded today, May 6, 2025, at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court before the Principal Resident Magistrate, in charge, Franco Kiswaga. He urged the prosecution to expedite the investigation and provide an update on the case by May 19, 2025.
The case started with the prosecution asking if Tundu Lissu is on the virtual hearing. In the first virtual hearing, on April 24, 2025, and subsequently on April 28, 2025, Lissu boycotted the virtual participation and demanded to be brought before the court physically.
“During the last adjournment, it was concluded that this case would be held virtually, but we don’t know the status of the accused, whether he is present and has joined through this method or not,” the prosecution counsel, Thawabu Yahya Issa, argued.
READ: After Surviving 36 Bullets in 2017, Tanzanian Opposition Leader Tundu Lissu Now Faces Treason— Which Carries the Death Penalty
The Superintendent of Ukonga Prison, Juma Mwaibako, told the court that the accused, Tundu Lissu, said he would not join the court virtually. The answer prompted the prosecution to ask the court to order the accused to appear before the court.
“According to the response from the Prisons Officer, it appears that the accused has violated a court order to attend the proceedings virtually. The Court now has the obligation to determine how to compel the accused to appear before it,” said Advocate Thawabu Yahya.
“However, today the matter was scheduled for mention only. The investigation is still ongoing, Your Honour. We respectfully request another date for mention,” he continued.
The defense side, led by Advocate Mpale Mpoki, responded to the request for adjournment from the prosecution, asking why the investigation was not yet complete.
“When I read the particulars of the offense in the charge sheet, I fail to see what else you are going to investigate. There is no need for forensic analysis, nor is there a need for a ballistic expert—everything appears to be in place,” Mpoki said.
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