Dar es Salaam. The high-profile treason trial of Tanzanian opposition figure Tundu Lissu saw another day of intense legal debate on Wednesday, with procedural arguments once again taking centre stage and pushing any substantive hearing further down the road.
As the nation inches closer to a general election, the ongoing case against one of its most prominent critics highlights the deep political tensions and the struggles of the country’s main opposition party, CHADEMA.
In the courtroom, the session on September 10, 2025, was dominated by detailed, technical disputes over legal procedure. Lissu, a lawyer by profession who is representing himself, continued his vigorous challenge to the court’s handling of the case.
He argued that the court was failing to adhere to the Criminal Procedure Act, raising specific objections to how the prosecution intended to use his past statements as evidence.
Citing various legal statutes and precedents, Lissu contended that his rights were being infringed upon by what he described as a disregard for established legal protocols.
READ MORE: Procedural Disputes Mark Second Day of Treason Trial Against Tundu Lissu
On the other side, State Attorney Nassoro Katuga, leading the prosecution, systematically countered Lissu’s claims. Katuga insisted that the government’s legal team was operating squarely within the law and that the court possessed the proper jurisdiction to try the case.
The back-and-forth between the two sides created a dramatic courtroom atmosphere, delving deep into the nuances of Tanzania’s evidence laws, particularly those concerning confessions and admissions.
The trial is not happening in a vacuum. It is a focal point in a politically charged environment as Tanzania prepares for its general election on October 29, 2025. While Lissu himself is not a presidential candidate in this election, his presence looms large over the political landscape.
His party, CHADEMA, has faced significant challenges in recent months, including the arrest and prosecution of its members, restrictions on political rallies, and internal divisions. The ongoing trial of one of its most vocal leaders is seen by many as a further attempt to weaken the opposition.
The case has also captured the attention of international observers and human rights organisations, who view it as a barometer of the state of democracy and the rule of law in Tanzania.
READ MORE: ‘I Will Defend Myself’: Tanzanian Politician Tundu Lissu’s Treason Ordeal Begins
The trial of a prominent opposition figure on charges as serious as treason raises concerns about the use of the legal system for political purposes. The outcome of the trial, and the manner in which it is conducted, will undoubtedly have an impact on Tanzania’s international relations and its reputation as a stable and democratic nation.
The role of social media in this trial cannot be overstated. With limited access for traditional media, citizen journalists have taken to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to provide real-time updates from the courtroom.
The detailed live-tweeting of the proceedings has allowed the public to follow the case with a level of detail that would otherwise be impossible, turning the trial into a daily online event.
This digital scrutiny is a new and powerful element in the dynamic between the state and its critics, and it ensures that the trial is being watched not just within Tanzania, but around the world.
The court is expected to continue hearing procedural arguments on Thursday before moving to the substantive matters of the case. The prosecution will first conclude its replies to the issues Lissu has raised, after which Lissu will have the opportunity for a rejoinder.
READ MORE: Tanzania’s 2025 Elections: As Campaigns Begin, Main Opposition Party CHADEMA Fights for Its Survival
Only then will the court decide on the next steps. For now, the trial remains a battle of legal wits, a procedural chess match with profound implications for the future of Tanzanian politics.
