Police Tighten Security in Dar es Salaam Ahead of Tundu Lissu Verdict

Police in Dar es Salaam have increased security measures around Posta and Kisutu, areas surrounding the High Court's Dar es Salaam Sub-Registry, where the verdict in the treason case against Tundu Lissu is set to be delivered. Armed officers are patrolling major roads and strategic positions along routes leading to the court premises. The security presence is visible, with officers on foot and in vehicles.

Despite the heavy security presence, members of the public and Chadema supporters continue to gather at the court premises. Traffic along Kisutu and Posta roads remains orderly under police control. Security has also been reinforced at key junctions, including Ubungo, Mwenge, and Buguruni, as well as at Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations. The police are working to maintain order and prevent any potential disruptions.

A three-judge panel, comprising Justices Dunstan Ndunguru, James Karayemaha, and Ferdinand Kiwonde, is scheduled to deliver the ruling, bringing an end to a 576-day trial that began on April 10, 2025. The trial has been a significant event in Tanzanian politics, with Lissu's family and supporters already arriving at the court premises to await the verdict.

Tundu Lissu is charged with treason under Section 39(2)(d) of the Penal Code, relating to statements allegedly made at Chadema headquarters on April 3, 2025. The prosecution alleges that his statements and writings were intended to incite the public to disrupt the 2025 General Election and trigger a rebellion. Lissu's defence team has argued that his remarks constituted legitimate political discourse.

Lissu was arrested on April 9, 2025, in Mbinga, Ruvuma Region, and has remained in remand since then. Initially held at Keko Prison, he was later transferred to Ukonga Prison, as treason is a non-bailable offence under Tanzanian law. The prosecution called 17 of its 30 listed witnesses, while the defence concluded its case after Lissu testified and filed final written submissions seeking his acquittal.

The State submitted its final arguments on September 29, 2026, maintaining that it had proved the case beyond reasonable doubt. The defence team has argued that the prosecution's evidence is not sufficient to secure a conviction. The court is expected to consider the evidence presented and deliver a verdict that will have significant implications for Tanzanian politics.

The verdict in the Tundu Lissu case is expected to have far-reaching consequences for Tanzanian politics and the opposition. Lissu's case has garnered significant attention, both locally and internationally, with many watching to see how the court will rule. The outcome will likely have an impact on the country's democratic landscape and the relationship between the government and the opposition.

Key points

• The police have heightened security in Dar es Salaam ahead of the verdict in the treason case against Tundu Lissu.
• A three-judge panel is set to deliver the ruling, bringing an end to a 576-day trial that began on April 10, 2025.
• The verdict is expected to have significant implications for Tanzanian politics and the opposition.