We, the undersigned leaders, activists, and defenders of democracy and human rights across Africa
and beyond, stand in firm solidarity with Tundu Lissu, Chairman of Tanzania’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, and call for his immediate and unconditional release.
Tundu Lissu was arrested on April 9, 2025, and has been imprisoned since April 10, facing grave
charges of treason and publishing false information—charges that are widely regarded as politically
motivated. These accusations not only threaten his life under the death penalty provision but also
represent a dangerous weaponization of the law to silence legitimate dissent.
Tundu Lissu is a courageous voice for justice, democracy, and electoral reform. His tireless advocacy
has earned respect across Tanzania and internationally. His imprisonment is not only an attack on an
individual but a direct violation of fundamental rights enshrined in Tanzania’s Constitution and
international commitments, including the UN Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons
under Any Form of Detention and the Nelson Mandela Rules.
This moment calls for moral clarity and courageous action. We urge the government of the United
Republic of Tanzania led by President Samia Hassan Suluhu to:
− Immediately and unconditionally release Tundu Lissu; and
− Ensure that all legal proceedings uphold national and international human rights standards,
including the right to free expression, due process, and peaceful political participation.
The continued detention of Tundu Lissu sends a troubling message about the state of democracy
and justice in Tanzania. As the world watches, let this be a moment to reaffirm the values of
freedom, rule of law, and the right to peaceful political opposition.
We call on democratic governments, regional bodies such as the African Union, Southern African
Development Community and the East African Community, and international partners to stand with Tundu Lissu and to defend the right of all citizens to speak out without fear of persecution.
Justice for Tundu Lissu is justice for all who believe in democracy. Let us not be silent when voices for freedom are silenced.
Signed:
Adalberto Costa Junior, President: UNITA, Angola
Amgad Fareid Eltayeb, Sudan
Anwar Sadat, Founder: Reform and Development Party, Egypt
Atupele Muluzi, President: UDF, MalawiBranko Brkic, Leader: Project Kontinuum, South Africa
Chikhu Chanthunya, UDF, Malawi
David Sanders, US
David Coltart (Senator), former Minister of Education; Mayor of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Edwin Sifuna MP, Senator: Nairobi City County, Secretary General, ODM Party, Kenya
Emma Powell MP, National Spokesperson International Relations: Democratic Alliance, South Africa
Gladys Hlatywayo MP, Zimbabwe
Gloria Uwishema, Human Rights Activist & member of the opposition, Rwanda
Greg Mills (Dr), South Africa
Ian Khama (Lt-Gen), former President, Botswana
Jawar Mohammed, Deputy Chairman: Oromo Federalist Congress, Ethiopia
Jeffrey Smith, Executive Director: Vanguard Africa, US
John Maina, Centre for Diaspora Affairs, Kenya
John Steenhuisen MP, Leader: Democratic Alliance, South Africa
Jonas Mulato, National Secretary for International Affairs: UNITA Youth League; Chairman for
International Relations: Young Democracy Union of Africa, Angola
Karin von Hippel (Dr), former Director-General: RUSI, US
Kate Almquist Knopf, Former USAID Assistant Administrator for Africa, US
Leopoldo Lopez, World Liberty Congress, Venezuela
Lutero Simango, President: MDM, Mozambique
Manuel de Araujo, Mayor: Quelimane City, Mozambique
Merera Gudina, Oromo People's Congress, Ethiopia
Michael Antoine, UDF, Malawi
Moeketsi Majoro, former Prime Minister, Lesotho
Nahusenay Belay, former political advisor of the Vice President: Tigray, Ethiopia
Nic Cheeseman, Professor of Democracy: University of Birmingham, UK
Norman Ishimwe Sinamenye, President of Jambo; Co-ordinator: All for Rwanda, Rwanda
Omer Ismail, former Foreign Minister, Sudan
Paula Cristina Roque, Executive Director: Intelwatch, South Africa
Rafael Savimbi, Deputy Chairman DUA and Secretary for International Relations, UNITA, Angola
Ray Hartley, South Africa
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, President: National Unity Platform, Uganda
Sanyaolu Juwon, National Co-ordinator: Take It Back Movement, Nigeria
Sarah Barret, South Africa
Tanele Maseko, Executive Director, Thulani Maseko Foundation, Swaziland
Tendai Biti, former Minister of Finance, Zimbabwe
Tut Riek Jikany, South Sudan Democracy Network Initiative; World Liberty Congress, South Sudan
Venâncio Mondlane, Former Presidential Candidate, Co-ordinator of “ANAMALALA”, Mozambique
William Leslie Aanzuru, Friends of ZOKA; Regional Secretary: World Liberty Congress, Uganda
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The Platform for African Democrats (PAD) was established as a collective forum in 2022 to improve
the competitiveness of political processes across Africa. It operates in a transparent manner to share
experiences and identify best electoral and party political practices.