Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – Tanzanian authorities have arrested and subsequently deported several foreign human rights activists, including individuals from Kenya and Uganda, who were in Dar es Salaam to observe a high-profile treason case involving detained opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Advocacy groups confirmed the deportations on Tuesday, raising concerns about the civic space in the East African nation.

Among those deported were prominent Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan lawyer Agather Atuhaire. Reports indicate they had travelled to Tanzania specifically to attend Lissu's first court appearance in the treason case. This case has drawn significant attention, with critics arguing it is part of a broader crackdown on political opponents of President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration.

The head of Tanzania's Law Society acknowledged the deportations, confirming that Mwangi and Atuhaire were escorted out of the country by immigration officers. While an immigration spokesperson stated they would investigate the arrests, the move has already sent ripples across the region's human rights community.

Tundu Lissu, a prominent figure in Tanzanian politics who survived an assassination attempt in 2017 and was the runner-up in the country's last presidential election, faces charges related to a speech he made that allegedly called for rebellion. His hearing, which the activists intended to observe, was adjourned to June.

Activists on the ground suggested that the deportations followed recent warnings from President Hassan directed at foreign observers involving themselves in domestic judicial processes. The incident underscores the tense political climate and the scrutiny under which opposition figures and their supporters operate in Tanzania.