Tanzanian lecturer arrested over anti-government protests charged with terrorism

What the report says

BBC Africa reports that Tanzanian university lecturer Melkisedek Kaijage has been charged with terrorism after being detained in connection with planned anti-government demonstrations. Kaijage, a political science and public administration lecturer at the University of Dodoma, was one of more than 130 people arrested over calls for protests demanding democratic reforms and justice for people killed during a post-election crackdown last year.

According to the BBC, Kaijage had gone before a magistrate’s court seeking bail after 15 days in police custody when the case against him was altered. He had initially been accused of inciting people to join the banned 7 July nationwide protests, which ultimately did not happen. Prosecutors now allege he threatened to burn public buildings as a form of intimidation. He was not required to plead at Thursday’s hearing because terrorism cases must be heard in a higher court.

The BBC reports that Kaijage will remain detained pending trial because terrorism-related offences in Tanzania are generally not bailable. Gerald Shija, chair of the University of Dodoma Academic Staff Association, said Kaijage had been moved from police custody to Isanga Prison in Dodoma. Colleagues described him as a respected academic known more for his teaching than political activism.

The case comes during a wider clampdown on opposition figures and activists critical of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The BBC notes that the government recently suspended political rallies nationwide, citing security concerns. A presidential commission said 518 people died from “unnatural causes” after protests following the 29 October 2025 election, including 197 shot dead. Samia was declared winner with 98% of the vote, while the opposition rejected the result.