Dar es Salaam-Twenty-three people appeared before the Mwanza Resident Magistrate’s Court on July 23, 2026, charged with terrorism for allegedly “participating in a terrorism meeting” in connection with the July 7 (Saba Saba, or Seven-Seven) protests.
The charges come a day after the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) released a statement saying that individuals across the country are being held in prolonged detention without being brought to court, even though the offences they face are bailable.
Those charged in the first case are Adam Robert Idd (23), Emmanuel Joseph Doto (25), Abdul Amani Kagwidi (27), Edward Peter Mikindo (28), Damas Bebwa Sadock (31), David Mashaka Mahendeka (31), Emanuel Antony Wambura (32), Philipo Mayingu Masatu (37), Petro Mathias Mabula (40), Hassan Mohamed Said (43), Fantson Wilson Mpango (49), a street chairperson in Ibungilo, Ilemela, Mwanza, Alphaxad Bundala Nyamwaga (57) and Abely Mwaruta Mwesa (62).
READ: Tanzania and Saba Saba Moment: A Nation in Need of New Hope
The second case names Julius Mwita Makonga (34), Fanuel John Lutana (35), Hamis Masanja Mnyimvua (35), Mohamed Said Tosha (37), Philipo Juma Kulwa (37), Philipo Ntembeji Shipuluko (38), Samwel Ngaji Kobeli (38), Deus Elias Masalago (41), Fabian Benard Nguvumali (52) and Samwel Kayange Mtani (55).
The accused were reportedly arrested between July 5 and July 7 and were initially held on sedition allegations before the terrorism charges were filed. The development comes two weeks after President Samia Suluhu Hassan issued a warning linking activism to terrorism.
“I would also like to use this opportunity to warn all those who call themselves activists by name in order to gain recognition internationally, but whose actions are, in reality, acts of terrorism,” President Samia cautioned on July 9, 2026.
“People in this group often use rhetoric that appears patriotic, but beneath the surface, it is driven by personal interests. Anyone who truly loves their country builds it rather than destroys it,” she added.
“I once again warn all those involved in such activities that every nation in the world uses the authority of the state to protect its citizens and defend its national dignity. As Tanzania, we will not hesitate to do the same,” she emphasised.
READ: President Samia’s Warning Linking Activism and Terrorism Sparks Debate in Tanzania
Individuals elsewhere in the country have also reportedly been charged with terrorism, most of them members of the opposition party CHADEMA. They include the University students from Mbeya: Noah Mwalwange, Gwamaka Mboka and Wasinyo.
Melkisedeki Kitunzi Kaijage, a University of Dodoma lecturer who is not affiliated with any party, now also faces a terrorism charge. He was earlier charged with sedition and was granted bail on July 21, 2026, after more than 13 days in remand.
Speaking to the press on Friday, July 10, 2026, CHADEMA Secretary General John Mnyika criticised the President’s remarks linking activism and terrorism, arguing that the government has increasingly used terrorism-related accusations when addressing civic issues.
“Following reports about the July 7 demonstrations that were announced on social media, as I speak now, there are CHADEMA leaders and members who are still being held at police stations. Others have been beaten and injured,” Mnyika told reporters.
“During the beatings, some were allegedly forced to write statements claiming that they had planned terrorist acts. They were also allegedly forced, through beatings, to mention the names of some CHADEMA leaders,” he said.
“The fact that these incidents occurred a few days before the President made statements about activists and terrorism creates a connection, suggesting that it is entirely possible there may have been directives from within the government to frame terrorism charges against CHADEMA leaders,” Mnyika emphasised.
The development marks an escalation of the political crisis stemming from the fallout of the October 2025 election, which saw hundreds of citizens killed, with some bodies going missing from hospitals and streets.
