Tanzania's main opposition CHADEMA says vice-chairperson charged with 'terrorism'

Tanzania's main opposition party said its vice-chairperson had been charged with terrorism, days after election protests were held in the East African country.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan won the October 29, 2025 poll with 98% of the vote, according to the electoral commission.

Protests broke out across the country on Election Day over the lockout of prominent opposition politicians from CHADEMA and ACT-Wazalendo parties.

CHADEMA said in a post on X late on Tuesday that its vice-chairperson John Heche, who was arrested on October 22, had been charged with "terrorism acts."

CHADEMA leader on trial for alleged treason

It said police transported Heche from the capital Dodoma to the coastal Kinondoni region where he was charged.

He refused to write a statement but would "exercise that right immediately after being taken to Court", it added.

It was unclear when he would appear in court.

CHADEMA party leader Tundu Lissu is currently on trial for treason charges, which can carry the death penalty.