Tanzania opposition leader Freeman Mbowe arrested ahead of local polls

Freeman Mbowe, one of Tanzania’s most prominent opposition figures and chairman of the Chadema party, was arrested on November 22, 2024, just days before local elections scheduled for November 27. The arrest, confirmed by Chadema’s Director of Communication and Foreign Affairs, John Mrema, occurred when Mbowe and other party leaders were ambushed by police in the Halungu Forest area of Mbozi District.

According to Mrema, the police intercepted the group at a roadblock, forcibly entered their vehicle, assaulted its occupants, and detained them. The authorities have yet to disclose the reasons for the arrest or the location of the detained individuals, leaving Chadema in the dark about their leader’s status.

This development follows Chadema’s earlier accusations of electoral malpractice. The party claimed that many of its candidates had been unfairly disqualified from participating in the elections, raising concerns about the transparency of the process.

The local elections are viewed as a crucial indicator of Tanzania’s political climate ahead of the 2025 presidential election. These polls are also a significant test for President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who succeeded the late John Magufuli in 2021. Initially lauded for promoting political openness, her administration has faced increasing criticism for a resurgence of repression, including arrests of opposition figures and alleged human rights violations.

Before his arrest, Mbowe was prevented by police from addressing supporters at a rally in Mlowo, further highlighting the challenges faced by opposition parties.

As the chairman of Chadema since 2004, Mbowe has built a strong political network that poses a challenge to the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party. The CCM, which originated from the Tanzania African National Union (TANU) formed during the country’s independence movement, has maintained an unbroken grip on power since Tanzania’s independence in 1961.

Chadema has called for Mbowe’s immediate release, emphasizing that his detention undermines the democratic process and the country’s political stability.