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Police arrested John Heche, deputy chairperson of Tanzania’s main opposition Chadema party, outside the High Court in Dar es Salaam. He had gone to attend the treason trial of party leader Tundu Lissu. Chadema said officers later took him to Tarime in northern Tanzania without giving reasons. The arrest, his second in a week, occurred amid growing pressure on opposition figures before the October 29 polls.
Amnesty International reported that Tanzanian authorities intensified repression ahead of the elections, targeting opposition leaders, journalists, and activists. The group documented enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and politically motivated arrests. It urged authorities to investigate reported abuses, release those detained for political reasons, and uphold civil rights. The Tanzanian government did not respond to Amnesty’s request for comment.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) pledged $60 million to the Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank in 2026 to strengthen its capital base. AfDB also approved a $10 million trade finance guarantee facility for Exim Bank Tanzania to help small and medium-sized enterprises access regional and global markets. Both initiatives aim to boost Tanzania’s financial sector, support key imports and exports, and align with the country’s Vision 2025 for sustainable economic growth.
The government advanced efforts to improve public transport in Dar es Salaam by completing Phase 2 of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project along the Mbagala route. Officials from DART, LATRA, UDART, and MoFat Transport inspected progress, confirming the trial phase is underway to address operational issues. The project aims to reduce travel time by over 50%, ease congestion, and enhance commuter safety with modern buses and efficient systems.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has launched its Election Observation Mission in Tanzania ahead of the 29 October polls. Former Malawi Speaker Richard Msowoya leads the mission. Observers will review the election’s compliance with Tanzanian laws and SADC’s 2021 democratic principles. Eighty observers from ten member states will monitor voting across 27 regions, focusing on fairness, transparency, and peaceful participation.
Experts and stakeholders urged policy reforms to improve youth access to finance and resources in Tanzania’s agribusiness sector. Revocatus Kimario of SUGECO and ANSAF’s Ikunda Terry highlighted that existing loan conditions and financing models excluded young graduates. They called for flexible policies to unlock youth potential in commercial farming. ANSAF, which had recently joined AMEA, supported collaboration, capacity building, and sustainable practices to boost smallholder productivity and agribusiness growth nationwide.
The prosecution in Tundu Lissu’s treason trial defended the admissibility of video evidence challenged by the CHADEMA chairperson. State Attorney Nassor Katuga argued the videos were played and read aloud in the Kisutu Committal Court, citing court records. Lissu accused prosecutors of legal misconduct. The three-judge panel postponed its ruling on the objection, with a decision expected on Wednesday. The Republic has also asked the High Court in Dar es Salaam to dismiss Lissu’s objection.
The Ministry of Agriculture completed a 10-day drone operation training for 16 experts to advance agricultural productivity and efficiency. The program aimed to integrate drone technology into farming for tasks such as crop monitoring, soil analysis, and precision pesticide application. Supported by various agricultural institutions and stakeholders, the initiative aligns with national efforts to modernize agriculture, reduce costs, and improve decision-making through data-driven practices across all farming regions.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to improving teacher welfare by addressing salary adjustments, promotions, and various claims. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa and Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule highlighted efforts during recent events in Geita and Dodoma. Over 7,500 teachers were promoted in 2024/25, and training programs are being expanded. Officials urged improvements in human resource systems and equitable teacher distribution across schools nationwide.
