Tanzanian lecturer charged with terrorism after protest arrests

A Tanzanian university lecturer has been charged with terrorism after being arrested over alleged plans to join anti-government protests. Melkisedek Kaijage, who teaches political science and public administration at the University of Dodoma, appeared in a magistrate's court after 15 days in police custody. He will remain detained as the case moves forward.

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Kaijage was initially accused of inciting people to take part in the planned demonstrations, but prosecutors later changed the charge to terrorism. He was among more than 130 people arrested earlier this month in connection with protests calling for democratic reforms and justice for people killed in a post-election crackdown last year. The 7 July demonstrations were banned and did not go ahead.

At Thursday's hearing, Kaijage was not asked to enter a plea because the terrorism case can only be heard by a higher court. Authorities have said terrorism-related offences are generally not eligible for bail, meaning he will stay in custody until trial. Gerald Shija, chairman of the University of Dodoma Academic Staff Association, said Kaijage had been moved from police custody to Isanga Prison in Dodoma.

The case comes amid a wider crackdown on opposition figures and activists critical of President Samia Suluhu Hassan's government. Security forces were deployed across major cities on 7 July, and officials warned they would act against anyone accused of inciting unrest. Last month, the government also suspended political rallies nationwide until further notice, saying the measure was needed to maintain security.

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The charges also highlight the severity of Tanzania's legal response to protest-related activity. Under Tanzanian law, offences linked to recruiting for, facilitating, harbouring or supporting terrorists or terrorist groups can carry prison terms ranging from 10 years to life. Colleagues have described Kaijage as a respected lecturer whose profile comes from his teaching rather than political activism.

It remains unclear what evidence prosecutors will present to support the terrorism allegation, and the next procedural step will depend on the higher court that can hear the case. The broader protest movement also remains under pressure after the banned 7 July demonstrations and the earlier post-election violence cited by activists. Kaijage's detention is likely to remain a focal point for scrutiny of how authorities are handling dissent and protest-related cases.

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