Tanzania charges CHADEMA official with treason
John Pambalu faces death penalty for allegedly inciting protests to obstruct the 2025 election.
John Justine Pambalu, CHADEMA’s director for organisation, training and elections, was charged with treason at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court in Dar es Salaam on October 21. Prosecutors allege Pambalu, between September 1 and October 29, 2025, intended to persuade the public to obstruct the October 2025 General Election. He allegedly manifested this intention through "endless protests" across the country to intimidate the Executive.
Gaston Shundo Garubindi, CHADEMA’s director of legal and human rights, stated Pambalu was arrested in Arusha and transferred to Dar es Salaam. This charge is legally similar to the treason trial of CHADEMA national chairperson Tundu Lissu, whose judgment is due on November 6, 2026. Lissu’s case stems from remarks made in April 2025, while Pambalu’s charge sheet covers a later period.
Pambalu’s prosecution follows a turbulent period for CHADEMA, including court restrictions and arrests. In April, the Court of Appeal quashed an injunction that had frozen the party’s political activity. Following the July 7 Saba Saba demonstrations, 23 people were charged with terrorism in Mwanza, and CHADEMA reported 51 members arrested and charged across several zones.
Why it mattersCHADEMA officials are facing treason charges, which carry a potential death sentence, impacting their political activities.