Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), has once again raised alarm over what it calls a “war against democracy” after the arrest of its Deputy Secretary General (Mainland), Hon. Amani Golugwa, by Arusha Regional Police earlier today.
Golugwa’s arrest marks yet another blow to the country’s opposition leadership, coming after the recent detention of Party Chairperson Hon. Tundu Lissu and Vice Chairperson Hon. John Heche. With three of its six top leaders now behind bars, CHADEMA says Tanzania is sliding deeper into political darkness.
In a powerful statement released on Saturday, CHADEMA’s Director of Communication and Publicity, Brenda Rupia, condemned the arrests as a calculated attempt by the state to silence voices calling for justice and accountability. “We understand that the government intends to charge our leaders with treason in an attempt to cripple the Party’s leadership and paralyze its operations,” she said.
The party claims that several of its lower-ranking members have also been targeted, some allegedly being forced to confess to organizing demonstrations. CHADEMA described these tactics as a clear signal that fear and repression are being used to replace dialogue and democracy.
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Despite the intimidation, CHADEMA vowed to stand strong with the people of Tanzania. “Our struggle for democracy will not die in silence. We will continue to fight for justice, truth, and the rule of law, no matter the cost,” Rupia affirmed.
The statement closed with a defiant message of hope: “The voice of the people is the voice of God; darkness has never overcome light. Together, we shall prevail.”
As arrests and threats multiply, Tanzania’s political temperature continues to rise, and so does the resilience of those determined to keep the flame of democracy alive.
