- Tanzanian opposition leader Godbless Lema said immigration officials at Namanga border center prevented him from traveling to Kenya for a medical visit
- The former Arusha MP said he waited for more than four hours before being told to return home and report to the Dodoma Immigration Headquarters for further instructions
- The Tanzania Department of Immigration later confirmed the arrest of Lema’s passport, but denied allegations that Chadema officials were under a travel ban
- Lema criticized what he described as a serious repression under President Samia Suluhu’s government
Namanga: Opposition leader in the country Tanzania Godbless Jonathan Lema has been prevented from leaving the country in a border dispute amid fear of escalating political repression.
Source: Facebook
Who is Godbless Lema?
Lema, a member of the Democracy and Development Party (Chadema), was prevented by immigration officials at the Namanga border center, on Friday, June 6, as she tried to cross to Kenya.
The politician who lives in Arusha was heading to Nairobi for what he described as a regular examination of his health.
But what started as a normal journey turned out to be a fierce dispute as immigration officials in Namanga grabbed his passport and prevented him from continuing his journey.
“After patience waiting for more than four (4) hours now I am officially barred from traveling, I have been robbed of a passport, I have to return home to Arusha,” He opened X.
The former Arusha Urban MP said he had been advised to report to the Dodoma Immigration Headquarters to get more information on the unexpected ban.
In his vigilant post, Lema felt sorry for the independence of citizens in Tanzania and expressed concern about the country’s youth’s future.
“I sincerely hope that this suffering will end soon for us, and we must make sure our children do not endure such challenges in their lives. Even the children of our persecutors should not have to live in such a environment. We will win,” He complained.
Why was Lema prevented from traveling to Kenya
Shortly after Lema’s public statement, the Tanzania Immigration Department confirmed the incident, acknowledged that his passport had been taken and that he was under travel restrictions.
Source: UGC
“Godbless Jonathan Lema was prevented from leaving the country and retained his passport. Along with the ban, Mr. Lema has been instructed to report to the immigration headquarters for further interviews,” It read part of the statement issued by the department’s chief spokesman, SSI Paul J. Mselle.
The department also dismissed Lema’s allegations that all Chadema leaders are facing a travel ban, calling the reports “false” and demanding that the public be abused.
“In addition, the Department of Immigration urges citizens to ignore the false allegations made by Lema on social networks suggesting that this ban is targeting all Chadema leaders,” Said Mselle.
How did Tanzania respond
The incident comes amid the growing investigation into the presidential administration Samia Solution Hassan And how you handle resistance.
On Monday, June 2, the Tanzanian authorities canceled the registration of the Glory of Christ Tanzania, led by Kawe MP and Bishop Josephat Gwajima, due to a sermon allegedly to incite public unrest.
The Registrar of Parties said that Gwajima messages could spark conflicts between citizens.
Gwajima recently condemned the kidnapping of activists including Kenyan citizens and Uganda and raising concerns of extinction.
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