Tanzania's opposition leader attacked in his home months before election

Ambush took place months after Chadema party leader was charged with sedition, among other things

Chadema party chair Freeman Mbowe (centre) was attacked in his home (AFP/Getty )

Tanzania's main opposition leader was attacked by unidentified assailants as he entered his home late at night, officials with his party said on Tuesday, just months ahead of a general election and as opposition figures face alleged harassment.

Freeman Mbowe, the leader of the opposition in parliament and chair of the Chadema party, was rushed to a health centre for treatment after he was attacked overnight in Dodoma, the administrative capital, Dodoma's regional police commander Gilles Murotto told reporters.

“Mbowe has a fracture on his right leg and according to the doctors his condition has stabilised,” Mr Murotto said, adding that the attack is under investigation.

A climate of fear has grown in the East African nation, rights groups and critics say, as president John Magufuli seeks a second term in the October election that shows no sign of being delayed despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Critics accuse Mr Magufuli's administration of curtailing freedom of assembly. Since 2016, opposition rallies across the country have been banned.

Earlier this year Mr Mbowe and eight others were sentenced to serve a five-month jail term or pay or fines for charges including conspiracy to commit offences, unlawful assembly, sedition and incitement.

Chadema secretary-general John Mnyika said the attack was reminiscent of one in 2017 when former opposition legislator Tundu Lissu was shot by unknown gunmen at his home in Dodoma. Mr Lissu was rushed to a Nairobi hospital before being transferred to Belgium for further treatment.

To date, no one has been arrested.

Mr Lissu has said he will challenge Mr Magufuli for the presidency in October. Mr Mbowe has not announced any such plans.

Associated Press