The decision by the self-styled ‘G-55’ group to resign from CHADEMA has triggered profound reflections on a fundamental truth about political parties—crowds don’t always mean solidarity, and numbers don’t necessarily equate to genuine strength.
I found myself recalling a pivotal year when CHADEMA, under the then Secretary-General Dr Wilbrod Slaa, organised several internal meetings. Simultaneously, the CHADEMA Youth Council (BAVICHA) in Ubungo, Dar es Salaam, held a special symposium at the Landmark Hotel. The guest of honour was none other than CHADEMA’s then-national chairperson, Freeman Mbowe, and among the keynote speakers was the party’s Chief Legal Advisor, and now party chairperson, Tundu Antipas Lissu.
In his address, Lissu drew from South African history, quoting Nelson Mandela and the ANC’s struggle against the apartheid regime. According to Lissu, Mandela was ruthless in ensuring that infiltrators within the ANC—Black Africans working to serve the interests of the oppressive white regime—were identified and purged. It was this cleansing that allowed the liberation struggle to remain pure, strong, and true.
Lissu emphasised that CHADEMA, too, was facing a similar moment. The struggle against a repressive system could not succeed while the party continued to carry the burden of individuals who were present in body, but whose souls were absent. At that time, the person at the centre of those concerns was Zitto Kabwe, who later became the leader of the opposition party ACT Wazalendo.
In the Holy Bible, 1 John 2:19 reads: “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out that it might become plain that they all are not of us.”
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This scripture deeply resonates today. In a liberation journey that demands a particular breed of people—those with shared convictions, unified purpose, and an unwavering call to justice—the self-exit of infiltrators is a hidden blessing. It allows the party to regenerate and pursue the struggle for justice with a singular purpose, renewed strength, and one voice.
Today, under the bold leadership of Tundu Lissu, the #NoReformsNoElection (NRNE) campaign has become CHADEMA’s guiding light. With unwavering conviction, Lissu has continued the same philosophy he spoke of years ago: CHADEMA must cleanse itself. But unlike the use of brute force or violence, the party has cultivated an internal environment that compels pretenders to walk away on their own. Their exit may appear voluntary, but it is in fact a reaction to the fire of principled leadership.
Ultimately, the so-called G-55 have left—and others continue to follow—not because of a coincidence, but because they represent a different creed: one that prioritises personal gain over the foundational goals of CHADEMA. They are driven by corruption, selfish ambition, and a fear of paying the cost of the change they claim to seek. They crave status, but avoid the sacrifice that true dignity demands. These types no longer belong in today’s CHADEMA.
In today’s political climate in Tanzania, CHADEMA stands as the only real opposition to CCM and state power. It carries the hope of millions. Given this, it was always expected that the regime’s covert strategy would include disrupting the party from within—by planting agents to derail its direction and unity. The unjust detention of bold leaders like Tundu Lissu under treason charges is part of this wider scheme.
Therefore, the NRNE strategy functions like a serpent shedding its old skin—a natural cleansing. The exit of the G-55 is not a loss; it is a blessing. It enhances the party’s integrity and helps solidify its foundation as a movement of people, not of titles.
CHADEMA must never become a party for those only chasing Parliament seats, council positions, or personal power. It must remain a party of believers in systemic change, even if they themselves never benefit personally. It must be built by those ready to fight for the public interest, even when it brings them no reward.
In this sense, the departure of the G-55 is a divine favour to CHADEMA. It opens a window to grow stronger, to become more beloved by the masses, and to attract thousands of Tanzanians still searching for a political home of substance, not self-interest. It is an opportunity for CHADEMA to become a party of people like Lissu—leaders who live ahead of their time.
CHADEMA remains a beacon of hope. And as those who were mere shadows depart, its light shines even brighter.
Anderson Ndambo is a human rights defender and political analyst from Tanzania. He’s available at andersonndambo@gmail.com and on X as @Andersonndambo1. The opinions expressed here are the writer’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Chanzo. If you are interested in publishing in this space, please contact our editors at editor@thechanzo.com.
