DODOMA, Tanzania — A senior official of Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, has been charged with treason, an offence that carries the death penalty, amid mounting concerns over the treatment of government critics following the country’s disputed 2025 elections.

John Pambalu, a member of Chadema’s national council and former leader of its youth wing, was charged on Wednesday. According to the charge sheet, he allegedly intended to persuade members of the public to disrupt the October 2025 general election and organised continued protests to intimidate the executive branch of government.

The allegations have not been established in court. Pambalu’s prosecution marks the second treason case against a senior Chadema figure, following charges against party leader Tundu Lissu, whose trial was reportedly approaching its conclusion.

Chadema Deputy Chairperson John Heche confirmed Pambalu’s case during a public meeting in Arusha, northern Tanzania. He also said he believed authorities might pursue a similar case against him but vowed to remain in the country and continue the party’s political struggle.

The charges come amid continuing controversy over Tanzania’s October 2025 elections, which were followed by deadly protests. Chadema was excluded from the vote, which President Samia Suluhu Hassan officially won with 98 per cent of the ballots cast.

Opposition figures and human rights groups have accused security forces of using excessive force against demonstrators. Estimates of the death toll have differed sharply: opposition groups and rights organisations have reported approximately 2,000 deaths, while a government-initiated inquiry put the figure at 518. The inquiry did not identify those responsible for the deaths.

Hassan assumed the presidency in March 2021 following the death of John Magufuli. Her early tenure attracted praise from some observers for easing restrictions on political opposition and the media. However, Chadema and other critics now accuse her administration of returning to more restrictive policies.

The latest treason charge is likely to intensify scrutiny of Tanzania’s political environment, particularly concerns about opposition participation, freedom of assembly and the handling of cases against government critics.

Stay connected with AGCNewsNet for more news across Africa.