Freeman Mbowe, a prominent leader of Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, was arrested by police on Friday, just days ahead of the November 27 local elections. His detention follows the dispersal of an opposition rally by security forces, who used tear gas to break up the gathering. Chadema condemned the arrest, calling it part of a broader crackdown on its campaign activities, and accusing authorities of manipulating the electoral process.
Mbowe’s detention occurred after police reportedly ambushed a Chadema convoy in Halungu Forest, southwest Tanzania, where officers stopped the convoy, forcibly opened car doors, and detained the leaders without providing information on their whereabouts or reasons for arrest. John Mrema, Chadema’s Director of Communication and Foreign Affairs, stated that the arrests occurred after police had previously blocked Mbowe from speaking at a rally in the town of Mlowo. Mrema added that officers dispersed the crowd with tear gas.
The arrests come in the wake of Chadema’s complaints regarding the disqualification of many of its candidates for the upcoming elections. Mbowe had earlier denounced what he called “deliberate manipulation” that led to the disqualification of many candidates, which reduced the party’s representation from an intended 65% to just 33% of the 80,430 local posts. This has raised concerns about the fairness of the elections, which are seen as a key test for President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who succeeded John Magufuli in 2021.
The local elections are viewed as an important barometer for President Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, as she inherited a more repressive environment from her predecessor. While initially seen as a figure who might usher in reforms, President Suluhu has faced growing criticism from international observers and human rights groups for what is perceived as a return to the authoritarian tactics of her predecessor.
Chadema has long been at odds with the government, and Mbowe has previously been detained along with other opposition figures. Despite these challenges, he reaffirmed his commitment to contesting the elections, declaring that the party would not withdraw and would continue its efforts until the polls close.
“These elections are crucial for the future of Tanzania,” Mbowe said. “We cannot afford to let the country go without leadership at the grassroots level. We will fight until the end.”
The Chadema party continues to demand the immediate release of Freeman Mbowe and his colleagues and insists that they have been wrongfully detained. The international community is watching closely as tensions rise ahead of the local elections, which may also serve as a precursor to next year’s presidential elections.
