According to party spokesperson John Mrema, Tundu Lissu, CHADEMA’s vice chairman, and Secretary General John Mnyika were among those arrested on Sunday evening.
Lissu, who previously ran for president, has expressed intentions to run in next year’s presidential election.
Since assuming office in March 2021 after the death of her predecessor, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has lifted the ban on political rallies and eased media restrictions.
However, she has faced criticism from opposition parties and rights groups over last year’s arrests of individuals planning protests against a port management deal.
The most recent arrests occurred just hours after police banned a conference organized by CHADEMA’s youth wing, BAVICHA, citing concerns that the event could disrupt public order.
Police alleged that CHADEMA’s youth leaders planned to rally young people across the country for demonstrations in Mbeya, a claim the party’s spokesperson, John Mrema, refuted.
Mrema clarified that the event was intended to mark International Youth Day, with speeches from key party figures, including Chairman Freeman Mbowe.
He also reported that more than 400 individuals had been detained by police in connection with the planned event.
Police spokesperson David Misime did not reply to Reuters’ requests for comment. CHADEMA Chairman Freeman Mbowe criticized the arrests and stated that the party is keeping a close watch on the situation.
He called for the prompt and unconditional release of all detained leaders, members, and supporters via the social media platform X.