Chadema national chairman, Mr Tundu Lissu
The upcoming court appearance of Chadema national chairman, Mr Tundu Lissu, who is facing treason and false information charges, triggered a debate in Parliament on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
Mr Lissu, who was arrested on April 9 shortly after addressing a political rally in Ruvuma, was formally charged in Dar es Salaam on April 11.
His case is scheduled for mention at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court on Thursday this week.
Although the matter is currently under the purview of the judiciary and the executive arms of government, it was brought into the legislative spotlight during the debate on the 2025/26 budget estimates for the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Governments (PO-RALG).
Special Seats MP Ms Anatropia Theonest questioned the rationale behind Mr Lissu’s detention, particularly over his use of the slogan “No Reforms, No Election”.
She argued that the slogan aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s widely recognised “4Rs” philosophy—reconciliation, resilience, reforms and rebuilding.
“President Samia is celebrated for championing reconciliation through her 4Rs. Arresting someone for calling for reforms goes against the spirit of these values,” Ms Theonest said.
“People want reforms based on past experiences. What is wrong with citizens demanding reforms?”
She added: “Is it fair for Mr Lissu to be detained? Are we now detaining people simply because they are calling for reforms? Is this right? Some people worked hard to secure the peace we enjoy today. We must not jeopardise that peace due to selfish political interests surrounding elections.”
In response, Special Seats MP Juliana Shonza (CCM) dismissed claims that the ruling party resists reform.
She pointed out that the Constitution has been amended 14 times, indicating a willingness to adapt and evolve.
Ms Shonza also recalled that in 2012, then President Jakaya Kikwete considered proposals from Chadema and established a constitutional review commission.
She refuted Mr Lissu’s past claim that the commission was composed entirely of CCM loyalists.
“The late Prof Baregu, who was a prominent member of Chadema, was on that committee. However, midway through the constitutional process, Chadema withdrew from Parliament and declined further participation,” she said.
The unfolding court case and ensuing parliamentary exchanges highlight the growing political tension in the run-up to the 2025 General Election, with calls for electoral and constitutional reforms at the centre of public discourse.