Tanzanian lecturer arrested over anti-government protests charged with terrorism

Under Tanzanian law, offences such as recruiting for, facilitating, harbouring or supporting terrorists or terrorist groups carry severe penalties. Individuals convicted of these offences may face prison sentences ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment.Gerald Shija, chairman of the Dodoma-academic-staff-association" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="170853" data-entity-type="organization">University of Dodoma Academic Staff Association (Udomasa), said Kaijage had been transferred from police custody to Isanga Prison in the capital, Dodoma.Colleagues have described him as a respected lecturer whose popularity stems from his teaching rather than political activism.His case comes amid a broader crackdown by the authorities on opposition figures and activists critical of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.Last month, the government suspended political rallies across the country until further notice, saying the move was necessary to maintain security.During the widespread protests that followed the results of the 29 October 2025 election, 518 people died from "unnatural causes", including 197 who were shot dead, according to a commission of inquiry established by President Samia.The scale of the violence shocked a country that had cultivated an image of calm, consensus and stability for nearly six decades.President Samia was declared the winner the poll with 98% of the vote, a result the opposition dismissed as a "mockery" of democracy after her two main challengers were excluded.