Intelligence Brief: Tanzania Opposition Leader Tundu Lissu's Bombshell - President Samia, VP Mpango, PM Majaliwa Named as Defence Witnesses in Treason Case

Canva-generated illustration — Opposition leader Tundu Lissu (L), digitally superimposed and pointing an accusing finger at President Samia Suluhu Hassan (C), Vice President Philip Mpango (2nd L), and Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa (R). The image is an artistic portrayal of Lissu’s courtroom statement that the trio are his prime witnesses.

Ujasusi Blog’s East Africa Monitoring Team | 18 August 2025 | 2015 BST

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Executive Summary

In a stunning courtroom bombshell today, August 18, 2025, opposition leader Tundu Lissu demanded that Tanzania's top three government officials - President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Vice President Philip Mpango, and Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa - testify as defence witnesses in his death penalty treason trial. The unprecedented move shocked the Kisutu Resident Magistrate's Court as Lissu challenged the very government prosecuting him to prove their allegations under oath. The Kisutu Resident Magistrate's Court heard explosive testimony alleging that Lissu's April 2025 statements incited nationwide civil disobedience and electoral disruption across multiple regions.

In dramatic courtroom scenes, Lissu challenged the very foundation of the treason charges while prosecutors painted a picture of coordinated nationwide unrest stemming from his public statements calling for electoral boycotts and civil resistance.

Court Proceedings: A Comprehensive Breakdown