John Heche, Deputy Chairman of CHADEMA Mainland, has urged Tanzanians both at home and abroad, especially young people, to launch a coordinated campaign pushing for the release of party chairman Tundu Lissu.
Speaking during an online discussion on April 9, 2026, marking one year since Lissu’s detention, Heche said the opposition leader is innocent and has been falsely accused.
He called on supporters to move beyond private expressions of support and instead organize a visible, large-scale campaign across social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X.
Heche also urged Tanzanians in the diaspora to mobilize internationally, drawing parallels with past diaspora-led advocacy movements, while those inside the country were encouraged to distribute posters and public messages calling for Lissu’s release.
Lissu was arrested on April 9, 2025 in Mbinga District while conducting his “No Reforms, No Election” campaign. He was later transferred to Dar es Salaam, where he was charged with treason and incitement.
Heche warned that the campaign would escalate if authorities fail to respond. He said CHADEMA would organize nationwide protests as a second phase, arguing that the party can no longer remain silent after a full year without resolution.
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