A college professor at the University of Dodoma, Melkisedek Kaijage, was hauled into police custody on 10 July after the government warned it would crack down on rallying supporters for anti‑government protests.
The 55‑year‑old was first charged with inciting a planned protest that never took place, but when he appeared in magistrate’s court to request bail, authorities upgraded the case to terrorism, meaning he must remain jailed until trial.
If convicted, the law carries penalties ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment, as officials say he threatened to burn public buildings as part of intimidation tactics.
Kaijage’s coworke, Gerald Shija, said the professor is a respected lecturer known more for his teaching than politics.
The arrest highlights a broader pattern of the government freezing rallies, numbing dissent, and targeting activists after violence followed the 2025 election—where 518 people died, 197 of whom were reportedly shot dead.
Learn more at BBCAfrica.com
