Tanzania opposition stalwart Lissu returns from exile

Tanzanian opposition stalwart Tundu Lissu arrived back in his homeland to a rousing welcome from supporters after spending most of the past five years in exile following an assassination attempt.

The former presidential candidate was greeted by supporters in the red, white and blue colours of his Chadema party.

Lissu suffered 16 wounds in a gun attack in 2017 and spent most of the years since then in Belgium.

He arrived in Dar es Salaam on a flight from Brussels via Addis Ababa to a raucous welcome from Chadema supporters.

Thousands lined the 15-kilometre route from the airport to Temeke, where the opposition was to hold a welcome rally.

"Living in exile is very difficult. My five years abroad were not easy at all for my family and I, my party, and my country in general," Lissu told supporters.

"I am happy to return home today, and I believe you are also happy."

"We have a tough task ahead as we start a new chapter," said Lissu.

Lissu was last in Tanzania briefly in late 2020 to contest the election against Magufuli, a strongman leader who died just five months after winning his second term.

The victory was disputed and the opposition called for protests. Lissu took refuge with diplomats after threats to his life, before fleeing the country.

Earlier this week, Tanzania's information minister said the government was planning to amend a media law that critics say restricts freedom of expression, though no further details about the proposed changes have been given.