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Tanzania opposition deputy faces terrorism charges after election unrest
John Heche, deputy leader of Tanzania's main opposition party Chadema, has been formally charged with terrorism, his lawyer confirmed Wednesday, two weeks after his arrest in Dodoma. Heche is now detained in Dar es Salaam, where authorities notified him of the charges, according to attorney Hekima Mwasipu. No court date has been set.
Arrest timed with disputed election
Heche's detention on October 22 preceded Tanzania's October 29 general election, which opposition groups and international observers condemned as deeply flawed. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, sworn in Monday after securing 98% of the vote, faces accusations of overseeing a "sham" poll marked by violence and irregularities.
Chadema's chairman, Tundu Lissu-barred from running due to treason charges he denies-remains in custody. Another opposition leader, Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, was disqualified on technical grounds, prompting Chadema to boycott the vote.
Election marred by violence and international criticism
Post-election clashes between security forces and opposition supporters left hundreds dead. Chadema claimed "no less than 800" fatalities by October 2, while a diplomatic source told the BBC at least 500 deaths were credible. The government dismissed these figures as exaggerated but acknowledged "loss of lives" during Hassan's inauguration, noting some arrested were foreign nationals.
The African Union (AU) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) observers declared the election failed democratic standards. The AU cited ballot stuffing and multiple ballots per voter, urging "electoral and political reforms" to address systemic issues. Tanzanian officials insisted the process was "fair and transparent."
The 2025 Tanzania General Elections did not comply with AU principles, normative frameworks, and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections.
African Union observer mission
Pre-election crackdown and rights abuses
Amnesty International and other rights groups had warned of a "wave of terror" ahead of the vote, documenting enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings targeting opposition figures. The government rejected these allegations.
Mwasipu reported Heche's health has deteriorated in detention. Legal teams have filed for bail, though no ruling has been issued. The government has not publicly commented on the charges or Heche's condition.
Ongoing fallout
Families continue searching for missing relatives or burying victims of election-related violence. Opposition leaders demand independent investigations into the deaths and electoral fraud claims, while the government maintains its stance on the vote's legitimacy.
