1 JUNE 2026
The Africa Judges and Jurists Forum has been closely following developments surrounding the ongoing criminal proceedings involving Tundu Lissu in the United Republic of Tanzania.
As a continental platform of judges, jurists, and legal practitioners committed to the promotion of constitutionalism, judicial independence, the rule of law, and access to justice in Africa, AJJF does not take positions on the political merits of disputes before national courts, nor does it seek to interfere with the independence of judicial processes within sovereign states.
However, AJJF recalls that cases involving prominent political actors and matters of significant public interest inevitably attract heightened national, regional, and international scrutiny. In such circumstances, courts bear a particularly important constitutional responsibility to ensure that justice is administered impartially, transparently, fairly, and in a manner that sustains public confidence in the integrity and independence of the judiciary.
AJJF therefore respectfully underscores the importance of ensuring that the proceedings involving Mr. Lissu are conducted fully in accordance with the Constitution and laws of Tanzania, as well as applicable regional and international fair trial standards, including the principles of due process, equality before the law, access to legal representation, and the presumption of innocence.
AJJF further emphasises the importance of expeditious adjudication of criminal proceedings. Justice delayed may undermine public confidence in judicial institutions and the broader administration of justice, particularly in matters attracting considerable public attention and concern. Timely, open, and credible resolution of such proceedings serves not only the interests of the accused and the State, but also the interests of justice itself and the stability of democratic constitutional governance.
AJJF expects the judiciary of Tanzania like all other judiciaries in Africa when faced with similar cases to discharge its constitutional mandate with independence, professionalism, and fidelity to the rule of law. AJJF respectfully encourages all institutions and actors involved to safeguard the integrity of the judicial process and to ensure that the proceedings are concluded in a manner that strengthens public trust in constitutional governance and the administration of justice.
At a time when many African democracies continue to confront complex governance and constitutional challenges, the faithful observance of fair trial guarantees and judicial independence remains indispensable to peace, democratic legitimacy, and the rule of law across the continent.