Lissu has long been one of Tanzania's most outspoken critics of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which, along with its predecessor Tanu, has dominated the country's politics since independence.

He first became an MP in 2010, representing a constituency near his birth place in Singida, 320km (200 miles) north-west of the capital, Dodoma.

In September 2017, the Chadema politician narrowly survived an assassination attempt when gunmen sprayed his vehicle with bullets outside his home in Dodoma.

He was shot multiple times and underwent extensive medical treatment abroad.

The attack, whose perpetrators have never been brought to justice, forced him to spend years in exile.

He returned to contest the 2020 presidential election against the late President John Magufuli, but lost in a vote that the opposition alleged was marred by widespread irregularities.

Lissu subsequently returned to exile before coming back to Tanzania in 2023, following President Samia's decision to lift a ban on opposition political rallies.

His return was initially seen as a sign of renewed political openness after years of restrictions under Magufuli, who died in office in 2021.

But relations between the government and the opposition deteriorated as the country approached the 2025 election.

Lissu became Chadema's national chairman in January 2025 and intensified his demands for electoral reforms.

His conviction is likely to deepen concerns about the state of democracy in Tanzania.

Last week, Amnesty accused the government of continuing its crackdown following the election and "weaponising counterterrorism laws to silence critics and instil fear".

The authorities did not respond to a request for comment.

Correction: An initial version of this story said Lissu had been convicted of inciting treason. We have corrected this to incitement.

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