Reforms or Resistance? Chadema charts next steps without Lissu
What you need to know:
- The high-stakes meeting comes in the wake of growing unrest within Chadema’s ranks
Kakola. The opposition party Chadema’s meeting of the Central Committee is expected to be convened in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, as the party navigates a deepening internal crisis and mounting legal challenges.
The high-stakes meeting comes in the wake of growing unrest within Chadema’s ranks, marked by a wave of resignations from leaders at multiple levels and the continued detention of party chairman Tundu Lissu, who faces charges of treason and publishing false information online.
In recent months, discontent has simmered across the party structure—from the central leadership to regional, district, and ward levels—with several cadres stepping down, citing a loss of direction and what they describe as a leadership vacuum.
Adding to the tension, the Registrar of Political Parties has refused to recognise the eight Central Committee and secretariat members, including Secretary General John Mnyika and his two deputies for Mainland and Zanzibar.
The Registrar contends that the quorum for Chadema’s National Council meeting held on January 22, 2025—where these appointments were made—was not constitutionally met, and has instructed the party to reconvene the session.
The internal turbulence was triggered shortly after the party’s general assembly in January, when Tundu Lissu defeated long-serving chairman Freeman Mbowe in a fiercely contested leadership race.
Mr Mbowe had led the party for 21 years. Lissu’s election, hailed by supporters as a turning point, has also sparked divisions over leadership style and strategic direction.
The party’s Vice Chairman (Mainland), John Heche, has convened a Central Committee meeting amid mounting criticism over his perceived inaction and weak leadership, with claims that the party is now reactive, favouring public statements over structured governance.
On Thursday, May 15, 2025, Central Zone Chairperson Ms Devotha Minja announced her resignation, citing frustration with the leadership’s silence following Lissu’s arrest and the hardships faced by party members entangled in ongoing court battles.
She criticised Mr Heche for failing to convene the Central Committee earlier to chart a way forward.
However, Mr Heche addressed party members during a meeting in Kakola Village, Kahama District in Shinyanga Region, the following day, confirmed that the Central Committee would meet on May 21, 2025.
He outlined key matters to be discussed, including the party’s future and strategies to sustain its momentum.
“This meeting is not just a formality—it is about defining our next steps. People are claiming Chadema is collapsing. But how can that be true when we host rallies at 8:00 am and they are packed beyond capacity? The narrative of our demise is a delusion,” he told party cadres, members, and supporters.
Mr Heche also confirmed that he and other senior leaders would attend the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court hearing on May 19, 2025, for former presidential candidate and vocal critic of the government, Mr Tundu Lissu.
The outspoken politician has remained in custody since his arrest in March while touring Mbinga District in Ruvuma Region as part of the No Reforms, No Election campaign.
“After the court appearance, we will proceed with the Central Committee meeting, and we will then share our resolutions with the public,” said Mr Heche.
“Chadema is more than a political party. It is a movement rooted in the hearts of Tanzanians who believe in democracy, justice, and accountability,” he added.
He further revealed that a National Council session would follow the Central Committee meeting, although he did not provide a date.
“They arrested Mr Lissu and charged him with treason, thinking it would silence us. Instead, the ‘No Reforms, No Election’ campaign is gaining ground countrywide. That should send a clear message,” he reiterated.
According to Mr Heche, the party currently operates two national mobilisation teams: one under his leadership and another led by Secretary General John Mnyika.
These teams are crisscrossing the country, rallying supporters and advocating for comprehensive electoral reforms.
“Our campaign is about creating a level playing field for all political actors. We demand reforms that guarantee every Tanzanian the right to vote freely and every candidate the right to compete fairly,” he said.
Mr Heche concluded with a defiant tone, assuring party members that no court case, political intimidation, or imprisonment would derail Chadema’s mission.
“We will not retreat. We will not surrender. This is a fight for justice, equality, and a better future for all Tanzanians,” he declared.
