Dar es Salaam – The High Court of Tanzania has ruled in favour of including Tundu Lissu, the national chairperson of the main opposition party CHADEMA, as a necessary party in an ongoing civil case filed against the party.
The decision was indicated during a hearing on February 17, 2026, at the High Court’s sub-registry in Dar es Salaam, with the formal ruling expected on March 3, 2026.
The civil suit, case number 8323 of 2025, was initiated by former CHADEMA vice-chairperson Said Issa Mohamed and two other members of the party’s Board of Trustees from Zanzibar. The plaintiffs allege that the party’s assets have not been managed or distributed equitably between Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.
Mr Lissu, who has been imprisoned since April 2025 while facing a separate treason trial, sought to be joined in the civil case, arguing through his legal representatives that as party chairperson and a member since 2004, he has a direct and substantial interest in the matter.
His legal team, supported by CHADEMA’s chief legal counsel, Dr Rugemeleza Nshala, asserted that any orders issued by the court would directly affect his leadership and the party’s operations.
Lawyers for the plaintiffs contested Mr Lissu’s application, arguing he did not meet the legal requirements to be considered a necessary party and questioned the validity of his affidavit, which was prepared while he was in custody. Despite these objections, the court found that Mr Lissu’s interest in the case was sufficient to warrant his inclusion.
Speaking to journalists outside the courthouse, Dr Nshala stated, “He has a significant interest in this case because any orders that are issued will directly affect him as a leader and as a member.”
The civil case is proceeding amidst a complex legal and political landscape for CHADEMA. An injunction issued in June 2025 as part of the same case had temporarily frozen the party’s political activities, a ban the party now argues has legally expired.
Mr Lissu’s ongoing treason trial continues to be a focal point of political discourse in Tanzania.
