Tanzania’s Mbowe and Lissu Debunks Rift Rumors, Unite Chadema for 2025 Election Push

By Adonis Byemelwa

Arusha. The Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema) national Chairman Freeman Mbowe has firmly denied any rift between him and the party's Vice Chairman, Tundu Lissu, countering claims made by some detractors.

To highlight this unity, Mbowe announced that he will be accompanied by Lissu on a grassroots fortification tour of 30 constituencies starting in Karatu on June 22, 2024, using a helicopter.

Mbowe's statements came during a regional consultative meeting on June 16, 2024, where he addressed the allegations head-on. "People say Mbowe and Lissu are at odds. Lissu is my deputy; I can't have perpetual animosity with anyone in this party," he declared. "Those waiting for this party to crumble will have to wait indefinitely. This party isn't going anywhere unless I, Master Mbowe, die," he asserted.

Further dispelling rumors of discord, Mbowe plans to meet with all party leaders ahead of the upcoming operations, emphasizing the necessity of unity and strength for the approaching elections.

 "If we go into battle divided, we can't win," he noted, urging for reconciliation within the party. He also touched on the challenges faced by some members who fled to the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) during what he referred to as the "Mwendazake" era.

Mbowe acknowledged that while some might have defected out of betrayal, others were likely trying to protect their lives. "Some chose to flee to CCM, like Lema who went to Canada, and I who went to Dubai in the last minute to save my life amidst danger," he explained.

In a broader context, Tundu Lissu has been vocal about allegations of corruption within Chadema, accusing certain members of being influenced by Abdul Ameir, the President's son.

These allegations have stirred significant controversy and raised questions about the integrity of some party members.

The tensions have been particularly high following contentious internal elections involving former Nyasa Zone chairman Rev. Peter Msigwa and Joseph Mbilinyi, which have kept the party's ardent supporters on edge.

 Northern Zone Chairman Godbless Lema has decided not to contest his post again, citing internal frictions. This decision has thrown many Chadema supporters into disarray, especially given Lema's strong stance against political turncoats.

During Magufuli’s era, notable figures like former Arumeru East MP Joshua Nassari, Mwita Waitara, the former Tarime Urban MP, and David Silinde, the former Mbozi legislator, switched sides.

Despite rumors that Lema was offered millions of shillings to abandon the opposition, he remained steadfast. His unwavering loyalty, amidst such challenges, has made his decision to step back even more impactful and concerning for the party's supporters.

Nevertheless, in his address, the Chadema chair, Freeman Mbowe also criticized the factionalism within Chadema, using Godbless Lema as an example. He highlighted how internal divisions have led to public squabbles on social media, undermining party unity.

"There are people here who don't even greet each other. Lema is so afraid to run for the Northern Zone chairmanship because of online harassment," Mbowe lamented. He condemned the disrespect shown to leaders, stating that such behavior is unacceptable regardless of any mistakes made. "A leader you don't respect can't guide you in your journey," he warned.

Mbowe addressed the issue of party members attacking each other on social media, which he said has led to serious consequences for the party. "There are leaders here, even at the district and regional levels, who can insult and humiliate their colleagues and their families online.

 This is unacceptable, whether the leader is at fault or not," he stressed. He called on Lema to manage his followers, emphasizing that as a leader, Lema must unite his team despite any disrespect shown to him. "I gather everyone together, despite all the insults directed at me," Mbowe added.  

The need for peace and reconciliation within Chadema was a key theme in Mbowe's speech. He insisted that he does not belong to any faction within the party and views all members as his family. "I can't fight with Lema or any other leader in this party.

 You are my family, and we have shared goals," he stated. He shared personal anecdotes to illustrate his deep ties with party members, noting how Lema's family members reach out to him, underscoring the interconnectedness within the party.

 "When Lema's mother calls me, she doesn't talk about Lema; she asks how her son is doing, meaning me," Mbowe recounted, highlighting the personal relationships that bind them.

As Chadema gears up for the 2025 General Elections, the party faces significant political challenges. The upcoming October 2024 civic polls will be a critical test for the opposition, as they navigate a landscape marked by internal disputes and allegations of corruption.

With the stakes high, Chadema's ability to maintain unity and present a strong front will be crucial in their bid to challenge the ruling party.

The political landscape in Tanzania is increasingly complex, with the ruling CCM consolidating power while opposition parties like Chadema struggle with internal cohesion and external pressures.

The civic polls in October 2024 will serve as a litmus test for Chadema's readiness to contest the general elections in 2025. These elections are crucial for the party to demonstrate its ability to govern and present a viable alternative to the ruling party. Amidst these preparations, Mbowe's call for unity and reconciliation within Chadema is not just timely but essential for the party's future success.