Tanzania opposition leader Freeman Mbowe was arrested on Friday, his Chadema party confirmed, just days before local elections set for November 27. The arrest followed a protest by Chadema over the disqualification of many of its candidates.
Mbowe, who leads Tanzania’s main opposition party, was detained after police dispersed a rally in Mlowo using tear gas. Chadema accused the government of unfairly blocking candidates and manipulating the election process.
The arrests come as local elections serve as a test for President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who assumed office in 2021 with promises of reform but has faced growing criticism over increasing repression.
Chadema’s communications director, John Mrema, said police ambushed Mbowe’s convoy in Halungu Forest and arrested party leaders without providing details on their whereabouts.
Authorities justified the arrests, claiming Chadema violated campaign schedules, leading to clashes that injured officers. Despite the crackdown, Mbowe vowed to continue contesting the elections, calling them vital for grassroots leadership in the country.
