CHADEMA youth leader charged with counselling terrorism
Coletha Clavery Ntidyicha, 31, faces charges of advising the public to commit terrorist acts to destabilise Tanzania.
Coletha Clavery Ntidyicha, 31, chairperson of CHADEMA’s youth wing BAVICHA in Kigoma Region, was charged with counselling terrorist acts at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court in Dar es Salaam on November 3, 2026. The charge sheet alleges she advised the public to participate in acts involving serious property damage to destabilise the country’s political, constitutional, economic, and social structures between August 1 and October 23, 2026.
CHADEMA stated on November 4 that Ntidyicha was brought to court without her lawyers present, alleging denial of legal access. The prosecution follows a legal challenge to her detention, which began with her arrest on October 14. The charge sheet, under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, lists her occupation as salon work and does not specify the words used or the nature of the communication.
CHADEMA’s communications director, Brenda Rupia, said on November 4 that the party supports the rule of law but believes terrorism charges are used to silence opponents. A High Court application had sought Ntidyicha’s production or release, with a decision on whether the substantive application could proceed made on October 28.