Tanzanian opposition figure charged with treason
John Pambalu faces potential death penalty for alleged election obstruction and protests.
John Pambalu, a senior official with Tanzania's Chadema party, was charged with treason on Wednesday, a crime carrying a potential death penalty. The charges stem from alleged actions intended to obstruct the October 2025 General Election and intimidate the Republic of Tanzania's executive through protests.
Chadema's deputy chairperson John Heche confirmed Pambalu's treason charges, stating he was informed of the situation at a public meeting in Arusha. Heche also anticipates similar charges against himself but vowed not to flee the country, asserting Chadema's commitment to continue their fight.
Pambalu is the second Chadema official to face treason charges, following party leader Tundu Lissu, whose trial is nearing its conclusion. The Chadema party was excluded from the October 2025 vote, which President Samia Suluhu Hassan officially won with 98 percent of the vote.
Why it mattersJohn Pambalu and Tundu Lissu, leaders of the Chadema party, face treason charges and a potential death penalty.