Tanzania opposition leader Lissu to start hunger strike over denied lawyer access

Tundu Lissu, the jailed leader of Tanzania’s main opposition party Chadema, will begin a hunger strike on Monday to protest prison authorities’ alleged refusal to allow court‑ordered private meetings with his lawyers.

Lissu, who survived a 2017 assassination attempt in which he was shot 16 times, is facing a treason charge that carries a possible death sentence. He has been detained for more than 18 months, with a final judgment set for 6 November.

His lawyer, Rugemeleza Nshala, told journalists in Dar es Salaam that Lissu informed him of the planned strike during a prison meeting. Nshala warned that the strike could jeopardise Lissu’s health, as he relies on medication, but said Lissu was prepared to stop taking it, adding, “I am ready to face the consequences, but I will fight for the rule of law.”

The lawyer said prison officials have repeatedly denied Lissu private consultations despite a court order and have at times barred any access to him. Lissu questioned why court decisions keeping him in custody are enforced while the order protecting his right to legal counsel is ignored.

Authorities have not issued a public comment on the planned hunger strike. Lissu was arrested on 9 April 2025 after a rally calling for electoral reforms and charged with treason the following day. He previously went on hunger strike in May 2025 to protest being required to appear in court remotely.

Source: ABC News. Photo: Maia Fotografia / Pexels.