** Martha Karua and his expulsion from Tanzania: a symptom of political tensions in East Africa **
On May 18, 2025, the lawyer and opponent Kenyan Martha Karua was turned back on her arrival in Tanzania, where she hoped to attend an audience of another opponent, Tundu Lissu. The latter, accused for “betrayal” and being the subject of threats of capital punishment, is at the heart of a political controversy which raises crucial questions on freedom of expression and the impartiality of the judicial system in Tanzania.
Karua’s detention, as well as that of two other lawyers, underlines broader issues that the region is confronted. Political tensions in East Africa, exacerbated by recent leadership changes in several countries, are often accompanied by increased repression of discordant voices, especially when approaching elections. This situation raises fundamental questions about the right to challenge power, on the freedom of movement of international observers and on the intangibility of human rights.
Martha Karua, a figurehead of the opposition in Kenya and potential candidate for the presidential elections of 2027, expressed concerns about Lissu’s detention, wondering about the motivations of the Tanzanian authorities. His analysis raises an important point: if the leaders of a country fear the presence of observers during legal proceedings, this could indicate a desire to conceal practices which would not comply with international standards. By this declaration, Karua not only highlights the situation of the Tanzanian opponent, but also the general conditions of democracy in the country.
The Tanzanian context is particularly complex. Since the election of Samia Suluhu Hassan in 2021, following the death of John Magufuli, the country has experienced changes that have been trying to balance the urgent needs of democratic engagement and the realities of a political system in the fight against the opposition. The arrest of Tundu Lissu and the ban on Karua entry and other foreign lawyers are only examples of a more general tendency of control and repression that has intensified for several years.
The ban on foreign observers, such as that suffered by Karua, also has implications for the international community. Human rights organizations, such as the Tanzanian coalition of human rights defenders, expressed their concern in the face of this detention. In a region where political stability is often precarious, support for civil society and respect for human rights are crucial elements to avoid a return to authoritarian practices.
Reactions to this situation go beyond Tanzanian borders. They arouse reflections on the interaction between neighboring states and on the role that everyone can play to promote dialogue. Perhaps the refusal to give in to repression could encourage other nations to join this call for reform and transparency.
While the 2026 electoral deadline is approaching, the pressure on the Tanzanian government could increase. Calls for electoral reforms and a transparent process could be essential stages to guarantee a political climate of trust. For opponents, the path seems sown with pitfalls, and international support could play a decisive role, provided that it is built on a respectful dialogue and an understanding of political subtleties specific to each country.
Martha Karua therefore put her finger on a subject that deserves to be dug. In a constantly evolving political environment, respect for individual rights and the protection of democracy are issues that transcend borders. His voice, just like that of Tundu Lissu, could serve as a catalyst for a collective reflection on the future of the region. To erect bridges rather than walls, cooperation based on mutual respect and the unwavering defense of human rights appears as a way for both Kenya and Tanzania.
In conclusion, this situation highlights the importance of an open and constructive debate, both national and international. It is only by promoting dialogue and collaboration that the countries of the region will be able to hope to advance towards a more equitable and peaceful future.