Tundu Lissu Treason Case: From Arrest to the Current Defence Stage
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — September 2, 2026
The treason case involving CHADEMA Chairman Tundu Lissu has gone through more than 16 months of legal proceedings since his arrest in April 2025.
The case, which attracted significant national and international attention, has now entered the defence stage after the High Court ruled that Lissu has a case to answer.
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Here is a timeline of the major events in the case.
April 3, 2025 — The Speech That Became the Basis of the Case
According to the prosecution, Tundu Lissu made statements during a CHADEMA meeting at the party's offices in Mikocheni, Dar es Salaam.
The prosecution later relied on statements from that meeting concerning the party's “No Reforms, No Election” campaign and alleged calls to stop or disrupt the 2025 General Election.
April 9, 2025 — Lissu Arrested
Police arrested Lissu in Mbinga, Ruvuma Region, after he addressed a CHADEMA political rally.
He was subsequently transported to Dar es Salaam, where the authorities continued investigations into the allegations against him.
April 10, 2025 — Treason Charges Filed
Lissu appeared before the Kisutu Resident Magistrate's Court in Dar es Salaam.
He was charged with treason, together with separate charges relating to the alleged publication of false information.
The treason charge was connected to statements prosecutors said were intended to encourage the public to prevent the 2025 General Election from taking place.
April–July 2025 — Case Remains at the Committal Stage
For several months, the case remained at the preliminary stage at Kisutu as prosecutors continued with investigations.
The court repeatedly directed the prosecution to complete its investigation and provide updates on the progress of the case.
In June 2025, Lissu was also allowed to represent himself in the proceedings.
July–August 2025 — Witness Protection Dispute
A major legal issue emerged over the protection of prosecution witnesses.
The prosecution sought protective measures for some witnesses, while the defence challenged aspects of the arrangements.
The High Court eventually allowed measures that included the use of protected or anonymous witnesses.
September 8, 2025 — High Court Trial Begins
The treason trial formally moved to the High Court of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam Sub-Registry.
Lissu continued to represent himself and raised preliminary legal objections concerning the proceedings and the charge sheet.
The court subsequently dismissed the major preliminary objections and allowed the trial to proceed to the evidence stage.
October 2025 — Prosecution Begins Presenting Evidence
The prosecution began calling witnesses, including police officers involved in the investigation.
Digital evidence, including video material connected to the speech attributed to Lissu, also became an important part of the prosecution's case.
However, the court later ruled that certain video materials had not been properly introduced through the witness presented by the prosecution.
November 2025 – February 2026 — Delays and Legal Battles
The trial experienced several interruptions, including disputes over witness protection and the appearance of witnesses.
In February 2026, the High Court made further rulings concerning protected witnesses and the manner in which they could testify.
The court also rejected a prosecution attempt to introduce additional evidence through a witness who had already testified. The prosecution subsequently challenged that decision before the Court of Appeal.
July 30, 2026 — Court of Appeal Clears the Way
The Court of Appeal dismissed the prosecution's revision application concerning the additional evidence.
This removed the legal obstacle that had prevented the High Court trial from continuing.
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August 10–17, 2026 — Prosecution Completes Its Case
The High Court resumed hearing the case in August.
The prosecution eventually closed its case on August 17, 2026, after calling 17 witnesses out of the 30 witnesses it had listed.
Lissu then asked the court to find that there was no case for him to answer.
August 21, 2026 — “Case to Answer”
On August 21, 2026, the High Court ruled that Tundu Lissu has a case to answer.
The three-judge panel, led by Justice Dunstan Ndunguru, found that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence at this stage to require Lissu to enter his defence.
Importantly, a “case to answer” is not a conviction. It means the court has found that the prosecution has presented enough evidence for the accused person to be called upon to defend himself.
August 21, 2026 — Defence Stage Begins
Following the ruling, Lissu elected to defend himself and indicated that he would call witnesses.
Among the people he initially proposed as defence witnesses were senior government officials and CHADEMA leaders, including President Samia Suluhu Hassan, former Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, and other senior officials.
September 2, 2026 — Defence Continues
As of September 2, 2026, the case is in the defence stage.
CHADEMA Secretary-General John Mnyika has been among the defence witnesses, with prosecutors continuing their cross-examination concerning events surrounding the 2025 General Election and the allegations against Lissu.
Where Does the Case Stand Now?
The case has not yet reached a final verdict.
The prosecution has completed its case, and the High Court has ruled that Lissu has a case to answer. The defence is now presenting its evidence and witnesses.
After the defence stage is completed, the court will ultimately determine whether the prosecution has proved the treason charge beyond reasonable doubt.
Therefore, as of September 2, 2026, Tundu Lissu remains an accused person and has not been convicted of treason.
The legal battle that began with his arrest in April 2025 has now entered one of its most important stages: the defence.
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