“Voices Are Being Silenced”: Tanzania Opposition Leader Charged With Terrorism After Election Unrest

Tanzania is facing rising tension. Chadema, the main opposition party, said its vice-chairman John Heche has been charged with terrorism. This comes days after violent protests shook the country following the October 29 presidential election. President Samia Suluhu Hassan won with 98 percent of the vote. The opposition rejected the results. They called the election a sham. They accused the government of silencing critics.

Violence erupted across the country. Protesters clashed with security forces in multiple regions. The government responded with an internet blackout and blocked transport. Heavy security was deployed. Opposition leaders claim security forces killed hundreds, though verifying numbers is difficult. Communication restrictions make independent reporting nearly impossible. Even as the internet slowly returns, fear and uncertainty remain.

Chadema said Heche was arrested on October 22 in Dodoma. He was moved to Kinondoni to face charges. The party said he refused to give a statement but will speak in court. Authorities have not confirmed his court date. Chadema called the terrorism charges political. They said the government wants to silence opposition voices and weaken organized dissent.

This crackdown is part of a wider trend. Chadema leader Tundu Lissu faces treason charges. Treason can carry the death penalty. Other opposition figures have been detained or barred from politics. Rights groups warn that political freedom is shrinking. They accuse the government of suppressing dissent.

Government officials defend the arrests. They say the actions are legal. They argue security is needed to maintain peace. But citizens worry about democracy. Trust in public institutions is fragile. The country remains under close watch from national and international observers. Many call for dialogue, transparency, and accountability to prevent further unrest.