“They Want to Break Me, But I Will Not Surrender” – Lissu Cries Foul Over Harsh Prison Conditions During Tanzania’s Elections

Tanzania’s opposition leader Tundu Lissu has accused prison authorities of subjecting him to cruel and degrading treatment during the ongoing 2025 general elections. The CHADEMA leader claims he is being isolated and constantly monitored to break his resolve.

In a statement shared by his lawyers, Lissu said all his cellmates were removed, leaving him completely alone. He revealed that surveillance cameras were installed in his cell to record every move he makes. “My cell now has cameras watching me all the time, even when I change clothes or use the toilet,” Lissu said. “This is not about safety – it’s meant to humiliate me.”

The election period in Tanzania has been marked by rising tension and a crackdown on opposition figures. Several CHADEMA members have been arrested and political rallies blocked. Human rights groups say the government is suppressing dissent and restricting basic freedoms.

Lissu, who has survived multiple assassination attempts, described his confinement as psychological torture. He said the goal is to silence him and weaken the opposition. Still, he vowed not to give up. “They want to break me, but I will not surrender,” he said defiantly.

Observers note that President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration appears determined to maintain tight control over the political space. Many fear that the upcoming results will only deepen mistrust in the electoral process.

Rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the United Nations, have urged the Tanzanian government to treat political prisoners humanely. They warn that such actions risk fueling further unrest.

As the polls continue, the country remains tense. Opposition supporters are calling for fairness, transparency, and the release of detained leaders. Though locked behind bars, Lissu’s voice continues to echo beyond prison walls – a symbol of defiance against fear and repression.