By Adonis Byemelwa
Tundu Lissu, Chadema's Vice Chairman and candidate for the party's chairmanship (pictured) has spoken passionately during a live interview with Clouds TV today January 16, 2025, delving into the deep-seated issues within the party while highlighting the intense power struggle currently shaping its future.
The interview took place as the party’s Women’s Wing, Bawacha, was conducting its elections at Ubungo Plaza in Dar es Salaam, a significant event in the ongoing political contest within Chadema.
In his address, Lissu directly criticized the prevalence of corruption in Chadema, making serious allegations against Freeman Mbowe’s camp. He claimed, “The funds being used in campaigns are not from Chadema. These funds are coming from external sources, from people who do not wish Chadema well, and they aim to bring our party down. I cannot and will not use money to buy votes, and for anyone to suggest otherwise is a complete falsehood.”
He added that campaign managers from Mbowe’s faction had been caught in acts of bribery, pointing to an alarming erosion of ethical standards in the party.
Lissu’s statements shed light on the stark divisions within Chadema, particularly within the Baraza la Vijana (Bavicha). He noted that Bavicha, Chadema’s Youth Wing, is overwhelmingly aligned with his candidacy.
"The entire leadership of Bavicha supports me," Lissu said. "From the chairman to the deputy chairman and the secretary, they are all in favor of change. Out of the 21 members of Bavicha, 20 stand with me, leaving only one aligned with Mbowe’s camp. This is a testament to the youth’s desire for transformation and accountability in our party."
Adding weight to Lissu’s sentiments, his campaign manager, Gerva Lyenda, stated, "We started urging Lissu to run for the chairmanship back in 2023. We assessed the party and the political climate, and it became clear that to effectively challenge CCM, we need a leader like Tundu Lissu. The youth and the grassroots of this party have made their voices clear, and they want change.”
While Lissu laid bare his grievances, Bawacha’s elections added another layer of tension to the day. Delegates at Ubungo Plaza were voting to fill crucial roles, including the chairperson and vice chairperson positions for both Mainland and Zanzibar.
The contest for the chairperson’s seat saw three formidable candidates: Celestine Simba, Sharifa Suleiman, and Susan Kiwanga. Meanwhile, names like Agnes Chilulumo, Zainab Bakari, and Salma Kasanzu featured prominently in the battle for the vice chairperson roles.
The elections, marked by high anticipation and enthusiasm, reflected the broader struggle for leadership and ideological direction within Chadema.
Lissu did not shy away from addressing the contentious issue of reconciliation, a subject that has long been a source of division within Chadema. He dismissed claims that he and his allies had remained silent on the matter, emphasizing that they had voiced their objections early and consistently.
“It is false to say that we were silent about reconciliation. I spoke openly about the lies surrounding it as early as May 7, 2023. Others like Peter Msigwa, John Heche, and Godbless Lema also refused to stay silent, and because of this, they were labeled enemies. Even Wenje, who initially stood firm, later made a complete U-turn, abandoning his earlier stance when pressure mounted.”
Lissu lamented the toxic political discourse within the party, calling for a more constructive and respectful exchange of ideas. “Instead of debating issues and presenting strong arguments, we have resorted to mudslinging and insults. This is unhealthy for Chadema and cannot lead us forward,” he said. He urged party members to focus on substantial matters and avoid being consumed by infighting.
The underlying tensions within Chadema have also affected the party’s perception of loyalty and dissent.
Lissu pointed out that Peter Msigwa’s departure from Chadema was directly tied to his critical stance on the reconciliation process. “Msigwa began questioning the reconciliation from day one. He was not alone, but the moment he did so, he became an enemy. This is the unfortunate reality we face—anyone who dares to ask questions is cast aside.”
While Bawacha’s elections unfolded with excitement, Lissu’s remarks added a somber note to the day, underlining the urgency of addressing Chadema’s internal conflicts.
He argued that the use of external money, the failure to engage in meaningful debate, and the ostracization of dissenters were symptoms of deeper issues that could undermine the party’s ability to challenge CCM effectively.
The day’s events painted a vivid picture of a party at a crossroads. On one side, the energy and enthusiasm at Ubungo Plaza reflected the vibrant democratic processes that Chadema has long prided itself on.
On the other, Lissu’s candid and sometimes scathing critique exposed the cracks within the party’s foundation, challenging its members to confront uncomfortable truths.
As Chadema continues its electoral processes and prepares for the national political stage, the voices of its leaders and members will play a pivotal role in shaping its path forward.
Lissu’s remarks, delivered with a mix of frustration and hope, underlined the stakes for a party grappling with both internal struggles and the broader challenge of taking on CCM.
Whether Chadema can reconcile its divisions and rally around a unified vision remains to be seen, but the urgency for change, as articulated by Lissu and his supporters, is undeniable.