Jailed Tanzanian Opposition Leader Begins Hunger Strike

Tanzania’s imprisoned opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, has embarked on a hunger strike to protest being denied access to his lawyers. The Chadema party leader began refusing food on Monday after his legal team was denied entry to the prison where he is held. The restriction occurs despite a High Court ruling that prison authorities must allow Lissu to meet with his lawyers in private. Lissu, who finished second in the 2020 presidential race, and his lawyers had previously accused prison officials of listening to their conversations. He has been detained on treason charges since April 2025 over allegations that he encouraged the public to boycott the October 2025 elections. His trial is underway, with a verdict expected November 6. He faces the death penalty if convicted.