The leadership battle between the two has raised significant doubts about Chadema’s ability to serve as a credible alternative to the ruling party, CCM. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Chadema, the opposition party that prides itself on being a beacon of democracy and unity, is currently embroiled in a severe leadership crisis between its chairman, Freeman Mbowe, and prominent politician Tundu Lissu.
This internal rift has exposed deep divisions within the party, raising questions not only about its leadership but also about the erosion of trust among its members.
Reports from within Chadema indicate that both Mbowe and Lissu have enlisted loyal youth groups to conduct covert social media campaigns, attacking each other while simultaneously promoting their leadership prospects.
Instead of addressing the pressing issues affecting Tanzanians, Chadema’s online platforms have transformed into battlegrounds of internal propaganda.
Lissu, who has gained international recognition for his bold statements and divisive rhetoric, is reportedly planning to challenge Mbowe for the party’s leadership. This move is seen as further fueling the split within Chadema.
Lissu’s supporters argue that his global appeal and leadership charisma make him the ideal candidate to lead the party into the next election. However, critics within the party warn that his confrontational style could alienate potential followers.
On the other hand, Freeman Mbowe, a long-standing figure in Chadema, is determined to retain control. His camp accuses Lissu of opportunism, arguing that Lissu is trying to bypass long-serving members in favor of his ambitions.
The leadership battle between the two has raised significant doubts about Chadema’s ability to serve as a credible alternative to the ruling party, CCM. If they can’t manage their internal disputes, how can they claim to lead a nation of over 60 million people?
The use of youth in these covert online campaigns exposes a level of hypocrisy within Chadema. While they accuse CCM of controlling media narratives, they are employing the same tactics to fight internal battles instead of focusing on the needs of Tanzanians.
This situation reflects a broader trend within Chadema, where the party’s internal strife risks undermining its credibility and relevance in the eyes of the electorate.
As the leadership crisis continues to unfold, Tanzanians must ask themselves whether Chadema is truly putting the country’s interests first or simply serving as a platform for personal ambitions.
The party’s differences with CCM are clear, but CCM, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, remains united and focused on delivering on its promises, further cementing the notion that unity is essential for effective governance.
The ongoing turmoil within Chadema highlights the flaws in their claims to be champions of democracy and accountability. If they cannot resolve their internal conflicts, their chances of leading the nation remain highly questionable.
It is time for Tanzanians to view Chadema for what it is: a divided party driven by personal gain, selfishness, and a lack of direction.
In light of these developments, a call has been made for party officials like John Mnyika to step in and provide official guidance on the leadership campaigns, urging the formation of a reconciliation committee to help heal the internal divisions.
Such steps would be crucial to prevent further damage to the party's integrity. The battle between Mbowe and Lissu also needs to be managed delicately to avoid creating lasting wounds.
The political analyst, Elias Mrutu, based in Dar es Salaam, points out that the current infighting in Chadema is a reflection of the challenges facing Tanzanian opposition parties in general. According to Mrutu, the infighting risks transforming Chadema from a potential powerhouse of democracy into a broken shell of its former self, undermining its ability to effectively challenge CCM.
Said Msonga, another analyst commonly consulted by UTV in Dar es Salaam, suggests that the party must find a way to unify its factions.
He argues that the leadership struggle is taking a toll on the public image of the opposition, potentially reducing their chances in future elections.
In Mwanza and Shinyanga, analysts are also closely monitoring the situation, with some predicting that the party could face a fate similar to CUF, whose fragmentation led to its downfall.
Both Lissu and Mbowe have expressed their determination to fight for the top position. Mbowe, who has led Chadema for 20 years, has now officially declared his intention to run for the chairmanship again, promising this would be his final term.
The announcement came after he was approached by a group of party members who urged him to stay on. “After much reflection, I have decided to contest for the leadership one last time,” Mbowe said at a press conference, acknowledging the ongoing challenges but stressing the need for stability within the party.
Lissu, who had already announced his candidacy earlier, responded by downplaying any fears about Mbowe’s leadership.
He emphasized that if he were to win, he would be the fourth chairman of Chadema, signaling a new era for the party. “I’m not afraid of the competition,” Lissu stated. “If elected, I will bring the change that the party needs.”
Despite the rivalry, both leaders have been keen to portray a sense of respect for one another. Mbowe dismissed any concerns about Lissu’s challenge, comparing it to the fierce political battles he has already faced, including those against former President John Magufuli.
"Why should I fear Lissu?" Mbowe asked rhetorically. "I have faced much stronger opponents and emerged victorious. This is just another chapter."
Lissu also addressed concerns about his leadership style, acknowledging that his confrontational approach might not be to everyone’s taste, but asserting that it was necessary to push for political change in Tanzania.
He has called for reforms within Chadema, including a cap on leadership tenure and changes to the party’s election system.
The rift between Mbowe and Lissu has led to the formation of two distinct factions within the party. As each camp rallies behind its respective leader, there are growing fears that Chadema’s unity could be permanently fractured.
Both analysts and party insiders warn that the infighting could severely weaken Chadema’s position in the next general election.
The leadership battle also brings into focus the issue of term limits and the question of whether long-serving leaders should step aside to make way for new ideas.
Dr. Myles Monroe, a leadership expert, argues that effective leadership requires knowing when to step down and allowing for fresh perspectives.
Many young Tanzanians, particularly from the Gen Z demographic, view Lissu as the candidate capable of pushing for the changes they desire.
Mbowe, however, is aware of the pressure from within and outside the party. While he understands the demand for new leadership, he argues that his experience is still valuable. "I may be 63, but I still have the energy and drive to lead,” Mbowe said during his announcement. “I’m not done yet."
Despite his decades-long leadership, Mbowe insists he is still the best person to guide the party, arguing that no one else has the same level of experience or political acumen.
In contrast, Lissu’s supporters believe that his time abroad and his radical approach make him a better choice for the future of Chadema.
As the race heats up, Tanzanians are left to wonder if Chadema can put aside its divisions and present a united front. If they fail, their decline could mirror that of other opposition parties like CUF.
Regardless of the outcome, it’s clear that Chadema’s internal strife is becoming a major issue in the country’s political landscape.
If the party can overcome its internal divisions, it could strengthen democracy and create a viable alternative to CCM. But if it fails, it risks irrelevance and further fragmentation. The next few months will be crucial for the party and the future of Tanzanian opposition politics.