Tanzania Charges 51 Opposition Officials with Terrorism

Tanzanian authorities arrested and charged 51 officials of the opposition Chadema party with terrorism over planned July protests that failed to materialize due to a heavy police deployment, ZimGazette reported, citing the party. The arrests mark a sharp escalation in the government’s crackdown on dissent, using anti-terror laws to intimidate critics. The move risks deepening political polarization and drawing international condemnation ahead of upcoming electoral cycles. Chadema deputy chairperson John Heche said the officials were targeted for organizing peaceful demonstrations against the rising cost of living. Human rights organizations have denounced the charges as politically motivated, warning that the government is eroding democratic space. The case is likely to strain Tanzania’s relations with Western donors.