Tundu Antiphas Mughwai Lissu (born 1968) is a Tanzanian lawyer, human rights activist, and politician who has become the most prominent and defiant voice of the opposition against the long-ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party. Known for his fearless anti-corruption campaigns and outspoken criticism of state power, his career is marked by repeated arrests, political exile, and a high-profile assassination attempt he miraculously survived.
Key Biographical Information
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Tundu Antiphas Mughwai Lissu |
| Born | January 20, 1968, Ikungi district, Singida, Tanzania |
| Political Party | Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) |
| Current Role (as of Dec 2025) | Chairman of CHADEMA (Assumed office January 2025); Political Prisoner (Incarcerated since April 2025) |
| Former Office | Member of Parliament for Singida East (2010–2020) |
| Education | Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), University of Dar es Salaam; Master of Laws (LL.M.), University of Warwick, UK |
| Key Event | Survived an assassination attempt in September 2017 (shot 16 times) |
Legal and Anti-Corruption Career
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Public Interest Law: Lissu began his career in public interest advocacy, working with organizations like the Lawyers Environmental Action Team (LEAT) and the World Resources Institute.
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Exposing Corruption: He quickly built a reputation as a fierce anti-corruption activist, specializing in land rights, resource justice, and exposing corruption in the mining sector. He co-authored the influential document known as the “List of Shame,” which implicated high-ranking officials in the plundering of public funds.
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Tanganyika Law Society (TLS): Lissu served as the President of the Tanganyika Law Society, the bar association of mainland Tanzania, using the platform to advocate for judicial independence and constitutional reforms.
Political Career and Escalating Confrontation
Lissu was first elected to Parliament in 2010 for the Singida East constituency under the opposition party CHADEMA. He quickly became the chief whip and one of the most powerful critics of the government.
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Confrontation with Magufuli: His criticism intensified under the authoritarian presidency of John Magufuli (2015–2021). Lissu consistently challenged executive overreach, exposed corruption in state deals (such as the impoundment of an Air Tanzania plane over unpaid government debts), and referred to the president as a “petty dictator.” This led to him being arrested at least six times in 2017 alone on charges of sedition and public disorder.
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Assassination Attempt (2017): On September 7, 2017, Lissu was shot 16 times by unknown gunmen outside his residence in the heavily guarded parliamentary compound in Dodoma. He miraculously survived the attack but was critically wounded. He spent years in hospitals in Kenya and Belgium, undergoing over 20 surgeries. He has consistently blamed the attack on government elements.
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2020 Presidential Bid: After three years in self-imposed exile for recovery, Lissu returned to Tanzania in 2020 to run as CHADEMA’s presidential candidate against Magufuli. He lost in an election widely criticized by international observers as having been marred by widespread irregularities and repression. He then returned to exile.
Current Status and Treason Charges (2025)
Lissu returned to Tanzania in 2022 following the death of Magufuli and the political opening promised by the new president, Samia Suluhu Hassan. However, this détente proved temporary.
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CHADEMA Chairmanship: In January 2025, he was elected the Chairman of CHADEMA, Tanzania’s leading opposition party.
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Treason and Imprisonment: Ahead of the controversial 2025 general elections, Lissu called for a massive boycott under the banner “No Reforms, No Elections,” arguing that without major electoral reform, the poll would not be free or fair.17 In April 2025, he was arrested and charged with treason, an offense that carries a possible death penalty. He remains imprisoned as his trial continues (as of December 2025). The political opposition views the charges as fabricated and politically motivated to exclude him from the election.
Tundu Lissu stands as a potent symbol of democratic resistance in Tanzania, continually challenging the ruling elite despite immense personal sacrifice and continuous threat.