Tanzania’s opp. leader takes refuge in German ambassador's residence after death threats

Tanzania’s opposition leader has sought political asylum after taking refuge at the German ambassador's residence in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam, citing death threats after a disputed election late last month.

Tundu Lissu, head of leading opposition party CHADEMA and the main rival of President John Magufuli in the October 28 election, told Reuters news agency on Saturday that had received death threats right after the vote, which prompted him to enter the residence of German Ambassador Regine Hess in Dar es Salaam.

"I received two unknown calls whose callers told me they will deal with me once and for all," Lissu told Reuters.

"I had to move from my home last Sunday to a friend's home and then on Monday I went to the German residence seeking a temporary refuge for security reasons. Before entering the residence, I was arrested and questioned temporarily before they released me," he said.

"We are now waiting for the embassy to negotiate with the government for us to leave to go abroad. I cannot leave in a normal way without security assurance," Lissu added.

Speaking from the German ambassador’s residence, Lissu also claimed that he had been pursued by Tanzanian police officers and that an order to “kill” him had already been issued.

Magufuli was declared on October 30 the winner of the presidential election in Tanzania with 84 percent of the vote, as compared to Lissu’s 13 percent, with observers saying the polls were marred by widespread irregularities.

Tanzanians vote in general elections; opposition alleges 'irregularities'

Polls open in Tanzania in presidential and parliamentary elections.

Lissu and other opposition figures, including CHADEMA chairman Freeman Mbowe, were briefly taken into custody this week after calling for protests against the vote results and demanding a re-run of the election.

Lissu survived an assassination attempt in 2017, when he was shot 16 times in his car in what remains an unsolved case. The 52-year-old returned to Tanzania in July after three years in exile in Belgium.

Magufuli, who was sworn in on Thursday for his final five-year term, has promised to work with his rivals and deal amicably with the opposition parties in the east African country.

Magufuli has been hailed for pushing through big-impact infrastructure projects and a sweeping anti-corruption campaign.

His critics accuse his government of intolerance and authoritarianism, including a crackdown on critical voices, closure of some media outlets and preventing opposition rallies. The government has denied such allegations.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk