Tanzanian opposition leader Freeman Mbowe arrested during protest

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania

Tanzania's main opposition leader Freeman Mbowe, was arrested by police in the Magomeni area of Dar es Salaam Monday.

The arrest came moments before a planned protest organized by the Chadema party to condemn a spate of abductions and killings allegedly targeting members of the opposition.

Mbowe arrived at the scene in a small vehicle and briefly spoke to journalists who had gathered to cover the protest before police intervened and arrested him.

Jumanne Muliro, a police commander, confirmed that 14 individuals, including Mbowe, are in police custody.

Muliro said the opposition leaders were arrested for defying a lawful police order to stop participating in the protest in Dar es Salaam.

An investigation is going on, he added.

Chadema had said on its social media that police had surrounded the homes of Mbowe and the party’s Vice Chairman Tundu Lissu.

Since the early hours of Monday, Dar es Salaam residents have witnessed heightened police presence, with armed officers patrolling several parts of the city, particularly around Magomeni Mataa, where the Chadema-led protest was scheduled to begin.

The protest stems from a Sept. 11 call by the Chadema party Chairman Mbowe, demanding justice for people who were allegedly abducted, tortured, or killed. They called for the resignation of Interior Minister Hamad Masauni and senior security officials.

The party also demanded the safe return of missing party members, including Deusdetith Soka, Dioniz Kipanya, Jacob Mlay, and Mr. Kombo—whether alive or deceased.

Tanzania's police force had previously banned the protest, citing security concerns. Despite the ban, Chadema had vowed to proceed with the demonstration.

The situation remains tense as the government and opposition face off over the rights to protest and political accountability.