Freeman Mbowe, the leader of Tanzania’s opposition party Chadema, was released on bail after being arrested on Friday, days before the country’s local elections set for November 27. His arrest was linked to allegations of violating campaign schedules, but Mbowe dismissed these accusations as unfounded, claiming that an agreement had been made with other opposition groups. He suggested the arrest was an attempt to disrupt Chadema’s campaign efforts. While Mbowe and others were released, some party members remain detained. Mbowe is due to appear before authorities on November 29. The local elections are viewed as a significant test for Tanzania’s political climate ahead of the 2025 presidential election. Under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who took office in 2021, some opposition and media restrictions have been relaxed, but human rights groups continue to highlight ongoing arbitrary detentions.
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