Dar es Salaam – The treason trial of CHADEMA national chairperson Tundu Lissu was abruptly adjourned on November 10, 2025, after the prison service failed to bring him to the High Court in Dar es Salaam for a scheduled hearing. 

Senior State Attorney Thawabu Issa informed the three-judge panel that they were unable to produce Mr Lissu due to “security reasons.” The prosecution’s witnesses, who were expected to travel from Songea, Iringa, and Mbeya, were also unable to attend, again due to unspecified security concerns.

The adjournment comes in the wake of a turbulent period for the East African nation, which has been gripped by widespread protests and an internet shutdown following the controversial October 29 general election. 

The protests, described as the largest in the country’s history, erupted in response to a perceived decline in multiparty democracy and a series of abductions of opposition figures. The government responded by imposing a curfew and deploying the army, while the electoral commission began announcing results on October 30 amidst the unrest.

Mr Lissu, a vocal critic of the government, has been in remand prison for over six months. His trial has been beset by delays, with a previous adjournment on October 24 after the prosecution failed to produce witnesses. 

READ MORE: Treason Trial Against Tundu Lissu Adjourned Until Nov. 3 as Prosecution Fails to Produce Witnesses

Mr Lissu has maintained that the trial is politically motivated and designed to keep him imprisoned during the election period. The prosecution’s case suffered a significant blow on October 23 when the court rejected key video evidence and an expert report intended to authenticate it.

In a recent development, Vice President Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi assured the Southern African Development Community (SADC) of Tanzania’s commitment to a successful reconciliation process. 

Speaking at an emergency SADC summit, Dr Nchimbi stated that Tanzania is “safe and secure” and ready to receive visitors. The SADC meeting, chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, also congratulated President Samia Suluhu Hassan on her election victory.

The High Court has ordered that Mr Lissu be produced in court on November 12 for the trial to continue. The judges rejected the prosecution’s request for a two-week adjournment, instead granting a two-day postponement.