Mbowe’s financial prowess, which has been instrumental in sustaining the party through lean times, is now the subject of both praise and scrutiny. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
The turbulence rocking Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, has reached a critical peak, shaking the foundations of a movement once seen as a beacon of democratic hope. The party, long heralded as the strongest challenger to the country’s ruling party, finds itself mired in internal discord and vulnerable to alleged external interference.
The stakes are high, not just for the party but for Tanzania’s political landscape, as Chadema’s future hangs in the balance. At the center of this storm are questions of leadership, allegations of corruption, and deepening divisions that threaten to fragment the party.
Freeman Mbowe, Chadema’s long-serving chairman, is a polarizing figure at the heart of these challenges. His leadership, defined by resilience in the face of intense political repression, has earned him admiration from many quarters.
Supporters view him as the steady hand Chadema needs in a political environment hostile to opposition voices. They point to his financial resources and extensive experience as vital assets in navigating the party through these treacherous waters.
Nevertheless, Mbowe’s critics argue that his approach has alienated key party members, accusing him of sidelining dissenters, consolidating power, and failing to address the growing dissatisfaction within Chadema’s grassroots base.
Yericko Nyerere, a rising star in the party, has emerged as another flashpoint in Chadema’s ongoing struggles. Nyerere, with his fiery rhetoric and grassroots appeal, has gained significant traction among younger party members and supporters who see him as a breath of fresh air.
To his admirers, he represents the frustration of a generation yearning for genuine change and a departure from the entrenched practices of the past. They see in him a leader unafraid to challenge the status quo, someone willing to disrupt internal complacency to push Chadema closer to its democratic ideals.
Yet, Nyerere’s rise has not been without controversy. Critics argue that his confrontational style and sharp criticism of the party’s current leadership have fueled divisions and undermined unity at a time when cohesion is essential.
They accuse him of capitalizing on internal discontent to further his ambitions, painting him as a destabilizing force rather than a unifying figure. This dynamic has created a sharp fault line within the party, reflecting broader tensions about Chadema’s future direction and the balance between fresh leadership and experienced stewardship.
Amid these internal challenges, Chadema also faces allegations of external sabotage that further complicate its predicament. Dr. Wilbrod Slaa, a former heavyweight within the party, has publicly claimed that Abdul Hafidh, the son of Tanzania’s President, is orchestrating a covert campaign to weaken Chadema by funneling funds to sow discord.
These allegations have fueled speculation about the extent of government interference in opposition politics and underscored the difficult environment in which Chadema operates.
Such claims highlight the risks posed by financial inducements in Tanzanian politics, where money often serves as a tool for political manipulation, blurring the lines between governance and partisanship.
Mbowe’s financial prowess, which has been instrumental in sustaining the party through lean times, is now the subject of both praise and scrutiny.
While his supporters argue that his resources are crucial for Chadema’s survival, critics question the transparency surrounding these funds and their influence on party decisions. The tension between Mbowe’s financial influence and calls for greater accountability epitomizes the larger struggle within Chadema over its identity and values.
These leadership and financial controversies resonate far beyond Chadema’s inner circles, stirring reactions across Tanzania. In regions like Shinyanga, Mwanza, and Simiyu, where Chadema has historically drawn strong support, there is a palpable sense of disillusionment.
Many grassroots supporters feel the party has lost its way, becoming increasingly consumed by internal rivalries and detached from the everyday struggles of ordinary Tanzanians.
This sentiment is echoed on social media, where heated debates about the party’s direction dominate discussions, exposing the depth of dissatisfaction among its base. Social media platforms have also amplified calls for change, creating pressure on Chadema’s leadership to address these issues or risk losing its relevance.
The challenges Chadema faces today are emblematic of the broader struggles of opposition parties in Tanzania, where operating in a political environment heavily skewed in favor of the ruling party has always been fraught with difficulty.
Over the years, Chadema has had to contend with systemic obstacles, including restrictive laws, limited access to resources, and harassment of its leaders and supporters.
Despite these challenges, the party has managed to carve out a significant space for itself in Tanzania’s political landscape, offering a credible alternative to the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM). However, the internal discord now threatens to undo these hard-won gains.
The question of leadership looms large in determining Chadema’s future. Can the party reconcile its internal differences and emerge stronger, or will it succumb to the divisions that have plagued so many opposition movements in the region?
For Chadema, the answer lies in its ability to bridge the gap between its established leadership and the new voices clamoring for change. This will require genuine dialogue and a willingness to embrace reforms that prioritize unity and inclusivity over personal ambition and factionalism.
At the same time, Chadema must find ways to insulate itself from external pressures that seek to exploit its vulnerabilities.
This means not only addressing allegations of corruption and financial impropriety but also developing a more transparent and accountable system for managing its resources. By doing so, the party can rebuild trust among its supporters and reclaim its position as a force for democratic reform in Tanzania.
Tanzania’s main opposition party stands at a critical crossroads as internal divisions and external pressures threaten its unity. Freeman Mbowe, who has led the party since 2004, is credited with steering Chadema through challenging times but is also criticized for sidelining dissenting voices.
The emergence of Tundu Lissu, a symbol of resilience and former vice chairman, as a potential challenger for the chairmanship has intensified the leadership debate. Although Lissu has denied plans to run, sources close to him suggest his candidacy is imminent, sparking heated discussions within the party.
Lissu has accused Chadema’s leadership of corruption and mismanagement, claiming illicit funds have infiltrated the party’s internal elections. He has also criticized its negotiations with the ruling CCM, alleging the party was deceived with false promises of a power-sharing deal. Chadema spokesperson John Mrema has dismissed these allegations, stressing the party’s commitment to democratic principles and denying any evidence of corruption.
The infighting has been fueled further by Yericko Nyerere, a Chadema member known for divisive rhetoric. Nyerere’s mudslinging against both Lissu and Mbowe has drawn criticism from party loyalists, who question his motives. Many argue that instead of fostering unity, Nyerere’s inflammatory remarks risk deepening divisions at a time when cohesion is most needed.
Observers warn that Chadema’s internal discord could lead to fractures within the party. Political analysts highlight the split between Mbowe’s backing from senior structures like Bawacha and Bazecha and Lissu’s support among younger members. They urge the party to embrace internal democracy, allowing free competition for leadership without interference, as this would bolster its credibility.
Adding to Chadema’s challenges are allegations by Dr. Wilbrod Slaa that external forces are funding efforts to destabilize the party. Dr. Faraja Kristomus, a political science lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), observed that the party risks fracturing if it cannot reconcile the competing interests of its leaders and members.
“Mr. Lissu is supported by the youths, while Mr. Mbowe has the backing of the Women’s Wing (Bawacha), the Elders’ Wing Council (Bazecha), and Central Committee members,” Dr. Kristomus noted. He emphasized the importance of allowing democracy to take its course within the party, warning that interference could deepen divisions.
Chadema’s future now depends on reconciling differences, addressing allegations of corruption, and renewing its focus on challenging CCM’s dominance. The choices the party makes in the coming months will not only determine its survival but also serve as a litmus test for Tanzania’s democracy. For Chadema, this is a decisive moment to emerge stronger—or risk irrelevance.