A Tanzanian court has sentenced opposition leader Tundu Lissu to four years in prison for incitement over unrest around the October 2025 election, while clearing him of treason, which carried a possible death sentence. Lissu rejected the judgment, arguing that the conviction was politically influenced and based on an allegation not included in his original charges. His party, Chadema, intends to appeal. The judgment means that President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who won with 98%, keeps her leading critic sidelined yet avoids a treason verdict that could inflame tensions. Lissu and Chadema lose, with Chadema left out of July reconciliation talks. One analyst sees possible de-escalation and an early release tied to constitutional talks, but fear remains.
