Former Chief Justice David Maraga has expressed solidarity with Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu ahead of the High Court’s judgment in his treason case, calling for constitutional reforms and democratic values in Tanzania.
In a statement, Maraga said he stood in “unwavering solidarity” with Lissu and the people of Tanzania as the court prepares to deliver its judgment.
Maraga strongly criticised the treason proceedings, describing them as a “legally bankrupt treason trial” and questioning the broader state of democracy and governance in Tanzania.
He argued that the future of the East African Community (Jumuia) should not be shaped by what he termed “neocolonial puppets, corrupt elites, or captured states.”
Instead, the former Chief Justice called for deep structural reforms, constitutionalism and Pan-African solidarity anchored in democratic values and respect for human dignity.
“The future of our Jumuia does not belong to neocolonial puppets, corrupt elites, or captured states. It belongs to deep structural reforms, constitutionalism (Ukatiba), and Pan-African solidarity anchored firmly in democratic values and human dignity,” Maraga stated.
He further declared that the push for political and constitutional reforms in the region was unstoppable, concluding his message with the Swahili expression, “Kumekucha!”
Lissu, who leads Tanzania’s opposition party CHADEMA, has been facing a treason charge that has attracted criticism from human rights advocates and political figures concerned about democratic freedoms in the country.
Maraga’s remarks add to regional calls for accountability, constitutionalism and respect for political rights as Tanzania awaits the outcome of the high-profile case.
