EU and Washington call for Tundu Lissu’s release
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Kenyans.co.ke
The European Union, European Parliament and United States expressed concern after Tanzanian opposition figure Tundu Lissu was sentenced to four years in prison. On 7 November 2026, their representatives challenged the circumstances of his conviction and called on Tanzanian authorities to respect fundamental freedoms, according to their statements.
The European Union, European Parliament and United States are calling for the release of Tundu Lissu, leader of Tanzania’s opposition CHADEMA party, who was sentenced to four years in prison. David McAllister, chair of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, said on 7 November that the conviction for incitement constituted a disproportionate restriction on freedom of expression, while recalling that Lissu had been acquitted of treason.
The European Union said it was closely following the case and recalled the findings of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which had found that Lissu’s detention lacked a sufficient legal basis and raised concerns about his trial. The European bloc called on the Tanzanian authorities to respect the rule of law, freedom of expression and multiparty politics.
The US ambassador to Tanzania, William Trachman, had also expressed concern before the verdict, highlighting fundamental freedoms and the right to due process. These reactions come as Washington announced in December 2025 a comprehensive review of its relations with Tanzania, citing concerns including religious freedoms and freedom of expression as well as violence surrounding the 29 October 2025 elections.
The European and US reactions follow the sentencing of Tundu Lissu to four years in prison in Tanzania, announced on 6 November, and his acquittal on the treason charge the same day.
