Tanzanian opposition figure Tundu Antiphas Lissu appeared before the High Court of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam Zone, on February 11, 2026, as proceedings continued in the treason case filed against him.
The court is expected to issue an interim ruling today following an objection raised by Lissu regarding the use of anonymous witnesses in the case. The opposition leader has formally challenged the prosecution’s request to allow certain witnesses to testify under concealment, arguing that their identities should be disclosed and that testimony should be delivered in open court.
At the centre of today’s session is Lissu’s legal challenge to what are described as “protected” or “anonymous” witnesses. His defence team maintains that allowing concealed testimony could undermine the principles of transparency and a fair trial, particularly in a case carrying the grave charge of treason.
Prosecutors, however, have defended the measure as necessary for the safety and security of witnesses, a practice that courts in various jurisdictions sometimes permit under exceptional circumstances.
The High Court’s ruling on the matter is expected to determine whether the witnesses in question will testify publicly or under protective measures.
Tundu Lissu, a prominent opposition politician and long-time government critic, has faced multiple legal and political challenges over the years. He previously survived an assassination attempt in 2017 and has spent periods in exile before returning to Tanzania’s political scene.
The treason charge, one of the most serious offenses under Tanzanian law, has drawn attention from both local observers and international human rights groups, who are closely monitoring the proceedings.
Today’s anticipated ruling, though procedural in nature, could have significant implications for how the broader case unfolds. A decision in favour of open testimony may shape the prosecution’s strategy and affect how evidence is presented moving forward. Conversely, approval of anonymous testimony could signal the court’s willingness to prioritize witness protection in what authorities describe as a sensitive national security matter.
As the session proceeds, attention remains fixed on the High Court’s determination, which may influence not only the trajectory of Lissu’s case but also broader debates about judicial transparency and political freedoms in Tanzania. The court’s decision is expected later today.
