TLS to engage President Samia over legal, governance concerns

Dar es Salaam. The Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) has revealed plans to establish a special committee on 3 May 2025, tasked with engaging President Samia Suluhu Hassan in high-level discussions to tackle urgent legal, human rights, and governance concerns.

The committee will focus on pressing issues affecting the legal and governance landscape in Tanzania, with the goal of addressing them before the end of May.

TLS President Boniface Mwabukusi told a press conference on Friday, May 2, 2025, that the committee members will include retired senior government officials, former ministers, and other respected public figures.

He said the initiative forms part of TLS’s peaceful approach to seeking long-term solutions to the country’s current challenges.

“We are seeking an audience with the President to discuss the way forward. TLS is ready to exhaust all civil avenues to ensure that, before the end of May, we have answers to major concerns facing the nation,” said Mr Mwabukusi, without disclosing the names of the proposed committee members.

The proposed committee will first review key governance and human rights matters before formally requesting a meeting with the Head of State.

If the request is declined, Mr Mwabukusi said, TLS will return to the public to consult on alternative courses of action.

He also condemned the recent assault on opposition supporters affiliated with Chadema, who had gathered outside the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court on April 24, 2025, for a session involving party chairman, Mr Tundu Lissu.

Read: Lissu treason case sparks heated debate in Parliament

Also read: Chadema’s Tundu Lissu charged with treason, publishing false information

Mr Mwabukusi described the incident as a gross violation of constitutional rights and an affront to the dignity of the judiciary.

“The use of excessive force by police against citizens exercising their rights violates fundamental principles, including equality before the law, personal freedom, and freedom of movement. It also contravenes the Criminal Procedure Act,” he said.

TLS called on the judiciary to safeguard the rights of all individuals accessing court services, stating that magistrates and judges are responsible for ensuring the integrity of court proceedings.

The association pledged to take legal action against those involved in the assaults and offered legal support to victims.

“We urge all victims in Dar es Salaam to report to TLS so we can assess appropriate legal measures against the officers and individuals who orchestrated or facilitated these unlawful acts,” said Mr Mwabukusi.

To support broader reforms, TLS also plans to convene a national forum involving civil society organisations, judicial officers, law enforcement agencies, and political representatives.

The forum will foster transparency, strengthen accountability, and encourage dialogue between citizens and state institutions.

“This will be a platform for honest engagement to reinforce the rule of law and ensure public officials are held accountable,” he said.

Mr Mwabukusi further stressed that all solutions must be grounded in the law, civil dialogue, and citizen participation.

Also read: TEC refutes drinking claims as priest recovers from assault

TLS also condemned the attack on the Catholic Priest Fr Dr Charles Kitima, calling for swift and professional action by security forces to apprehend the perpetrators.

Also read: Chadema, police probe reported abduction of activist Mdude Nyagali

The association said it had also received reports of another assault on May 2, 2025, involving activist Mdude Nyagali, allegedly carried out by individuals claiming to be police officers.