Tanzania’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, has reported police disruptions to some of its activities commemorating the party’s 33rd anniversary on January 21, 2026. These activities included tree-planting in Nkasi and branch-opening ceremonies in Mbeya.
“For our commemoration, we decided to celebrate by participating in community activities. We agreed to plant trees in areas that were affected by strong winds after heavy rains in our constituency, Namanyere Ward, Mabatini Village,” said Nkasi Kaskazini former member of parliament, Aida Khenani, who led the activity.
“In an unusual situation, this morning we received information that the OCD has stopped this activity and ordered that it should not take place. We had already incurred costs to purchase more than 1,600 tree seedlings to participate in these activities,” Khenani added.
In a statement, Rukwa region police denied the claims that party supporters were attacked, forcibly dispersed, or arrested while planting trees. “No such incident has occurred in Nkasi District or anywhere else in Rukwa Region,” the Rukwa Police said.
Meanwhile, in Mbeya, police intervened during the launch of a new CHADEMA branch in Inyala Ward. Authorities lowered the newly placed party flag and arrested CHADEMA’s Mbeya Chairperson, Masaga Karoli, along with the Chairperson of CHADEMA Youth in Mbeya, Elisha Chonya. Police stated that the arrests were made for inciting and organizing an unlawful assembly.
“The suspects were arrested on January 21, 2026, around 3:00 pm in Inyala Village. The suspect violated the legally prescribed procedure, which requires any individual or group intending to organize a public gathering or meeting to fulfill specific requirements before convening such an assembly,” the police statement read.
“In addition to the deliberate violation of legal procedures, it should be recalled that the Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) is currently restrained by court order from conducting political activities,” the statement emphasized.
The court order in question, issued on June 10, 2025, suspended all party activities for an unspecified period and prohibited the party from using any of its assets. CHADEMA has continued to contest the ruling, which stems from a routine civil suit.
The suspension of CHADEMA activities has sparked debate, particularly as the ruling party continues to hold multiple rallies and plans a major anniversary event in February. On January 17, 2026, CCM Spokesperson Kenani Kihongosi criticized CHADEMA for not holding physical events.
“Today, as we speak, they claim to be commemorating their anniversary—but where is it happening? They have no mass support. Just wait until the 5th of February, when Chama Cha Mapinduzi was founded; then you will truly see the strength of Chama Cha Mapinduzi,” Kihongosi told reporters while announcing the party tour.
Following the press briefing, CCM veteran Joseph Butiku condemned the ruling party for organizing the tour amid public mourning after the October 29 events.
“The other day, I saw a young CCM member speaking out there, in a situation of mourning, and you are announcing tours. You are a ruling party with a government, and your President is still struggling to find out what happened. On the tour, what are you going to explain, and to whom?” Butiku asked at a press conference on January 19, 2026.
He continued: “Are you going to tell someone who has lost a loved one to come to a meeting? Why don’t you wait? It’s a reckless tour; it has no meaning. But how can you do that when other political parties have been shut down? CHADEMA currently has no offices. We have many political parties, but this one has been suspended.”
In response, CCM released a statement on January 21, 2026, distancing itself and the government from the suspension of CHADEMA activities.
“The suspension of CHADEMA [activities] is the result of a decision by the High Court. Neither CCM nor the government is involved in the entire matter of CHADEMA being restricted by the High Court. Tanzanians and all people of goodwill toward our country are advised to ignore this misinformation and to refrain from any hate speech intended to destabilize our nation,” the CCM statement, signed by Kihongosi, read.
