The Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG) in Tanzania has issued a statement calling for respect for judicial independence and constructive dialogue following the conviction and sentencing of CHADEMA national chairman Tundu Lissu. On November 13, 2026, CHRAGG emphasized the importance of protecting fundamental human rights in the administration of justice. The Commission's position statement comes after the High Court in Dar es Salaam acquitted Lissu of treason but convicted him of incitement, sentencing him to four years in prison.
CHRAGG's assessment of the proceedings focused on human rights and good governance implications rather than the merits of the court's judgment. The Commission noted that it had no constitutional authority to overturn, review or substitute its findings for those of the Judiciary. According to CHRAGG, its examination of the available records showed that the principal procedural stages, including Lissu's arrest, court presentation, committal proceedings and trial, were conducted within the applicable criminal procedural framework. Lissu was arrested on April 9, 2025, and presented before the Kisutu Resident Magistrates' Court the following day.
The Commission highlighted the importance of access to legal representation, adequate time and facilities to prepare a defence, disclosure of relevant evidence and the opportunity to examine witnesses. CHRAGG emphasized that procedural compliance alone was not sufficient to establish that all human rights obligations had been fulfilled. The prosecution closed its case on August 17, 2026, after calling 17 of its 30 listed witnesses, and Lissu's defence concluded on September 18, 2026.
CHRAGG conducted an own-initiative inquiry on June 27, 2025, which established that Lissu enjoyed freedom of worship, privacy, communication with his legal team and opportunities for physical exercise during the period examined. The Commission reported finding no documented evidence of discriminatory treatment or procedural opacity in the stages of the proceedings it monitored. However, CHRAGG stressed that public authorities must continuously uphold human dignity, personal liberty and protection against arbitrary detention.
The Commission underlined that freedom of expression, association and political participation are constitutionally protected rights in Tanzania. CHRAGG added that peaceful advocacy for constitutional and electoral reforms should be distinguished from conduct that constitutes a criminal offence. The Commission called on government institutions, political parties, civil society, religious organisations, the media and the public to promote mutual respect, peaceful engagement and national cohesion.
On judicial independence, CHRAGG said neither it nor other institutions should interfere with matters reserved for the courts. The Commission noted that parties dissatisfied with judicial decisions should use available legal remedies, including appeals. CHRAGG reaffirmed that the protection of human rights, judicial independence, the rule of law and institutional accountability were complementary pillars of constitutional governance.
The High Court in Dar es Salaam acquitted Lissu of treason on November 6, 2026, but convicted him of incitement and sentenced him to four years in prison. CHRAGG's statement urges stakeholders to respect the court's decision and engage in constructive dialogue. The Commission's call for dialogue and respect for judicial independence aims to promote national cohesion and uphold the rule of law in Tanzania.
Key points
- CHRAGG emphasizes the importance of protecting fundamental human rights in the administration of justice.
- The Commission calls for respect for judicial independence and constructive dialogue following Lissu's conviction.
- CHRAGG underlines that freedom of expression, association and political participation are constitutionally protected rights in Tanzania.
