Authoritarianism may deepen in Tanzania

Significance

Lissu's arrest is only the latest manifestation of a recent upturn in harassment of opposition MPs, including numerous arrests and several raids on MPs’ homes. All of the country’s newspapers have had their licences revoked, and have been given less than two months to re-register with the government. Eight MPs of the opposition Civic United Front (CUF) were stripped of their seats, in what is widely perceived as government interference in a factional struggle within CUF. Most recently, it has been rumoured that a new law to govern political parties is in the offing.

Impacts

• Creeping restrictions on freedom of the press will further constrict the democratic space.
• The government’s aggressive posture towards international mining firms will persist.
• Perceived authoritarianism will add volatility to government-donor relations.