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United Republic of Tanzania
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Tanzania: Tundu Lissu’s detention and access to lawyers

This dossier follows Tundu Lissu’s detention conditions and access to lawyers, distinguishing defence statements from those of prison authorities.

Last updated : 1 key moments
Tundu Lissu in parliament in Dodoma, archive photograph. It does not show his detention in 2026. Likumbage, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Tundu Lissu in parliament in Dodoma, archive photograph. It does not show his detention in 2026. Likumbage, CC BY-SA 4.0. — Likumbage — CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ — archives, sans modification

Where things stand

On 27 October, his lawyer told AP that a brief hunger strike ended after a private meeting with his brother. Prison authorities separately denied a strike announced for the 26th.

Contested

Tanzania: Lissu’s lawyer reports end of brief hunger strike

Tundu Lissu ended a brief hunger strike on 27 October 2026 after meeting privately with his brother, his lawyer told Associated Press. Prison authorities separately dispute reports of a strike announced for 26 October.

Tundu Lissu in parliament in Dodoma, archive photograph. It does not show his detention in 2026. Likumbage, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Tundu Lissu in parliament in Dodoma, archive photograph. It does not show his detention in 2026. Likumbage, CC BY-SA 4.0. — Likumbage — CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ — archives, sans modification

Rugemeleza Nshala told AP that the opposition leader refused food on Tuesday morning after promised legal consultations did not take place on Monday. He said Lissu resumed eating after lunchtime following the family meeting.

A prison statement reported in Swahili by Uhuru instead says that he did not begin the strike described as starting on the 26th and that lawyers can visit after their status is verified. The sources do not resolve the differing accounts of timing and access conditions.

The Chadema leader remains detained in a treason case. AP reports that judgment is scheduled for 6 November; that date is not a judgment already delivered.

Sources 3