In a concerning development ahead of Tanzania’s general election on October 29, John Heche, the deputy chairperson of the main opposition party Chadema, has been detained twice within a week. The latest arrest occurred on Wednesday as Heche attempted to attend the treason trial of Chadema’s leader, Tundu Lissu, at the High Court in Dar es Salaam. Chadema has accused the government of orchestrating a plan to detain senior party leaders until after the elections, a claim the government has yet to address.
Heche’s arrest marks the second time he has been taken into custody in recent days. On Saturday, he was briefly held while attempting to cross into Kenya to attend the burial of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Tanzanian immigration authorities alleged Heche was attempting to cross the border illegally, a charge Chadema vehemently denies.
This crackdown on opposition figures comes amid growing concerns over the disappearance of former Tanzanian ambassador and government critic Humphrey Polepole, who was reportedly abducted from his Dar es Salaam home on October 6. His family discovered a broken door and significant bloodstains at the scene, raising fears for his safety.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who assumed office in 2021 following the death of John Magufuli, is seeking a second term in the upcoming election. Initially praised for fostering greater political freedom, her administration has faced increasing criticism for its repressive measures, including the disqualification of opposition candidates. Chadema has been barred from participating in the polls, and its leader, Tundu Lissu, has been detained since April. Similarly, Luhaga Mpina, the candidate of the second-largest opposition party ACT-Wazalendo, has also been disqualified, leaving only minor party candidates to challenge President Samia.
The situation has sparked widespread outcry, with many questioning the government’s commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law. As tensions escalate, the international community is closely monitoring developments in Tanzania, where the suppression of dissent threatens to undermine the integrity of the electoral process.