A climate of fear continues to grow in Tanzania as its main opposition, Chadema, has revealed that its chairman, Freeman Mbowe, was a victim in a recent “politically motivated” attack that saw him ambushed and beaten in his home months before the country’s highly anticipated October 25 general elections.

Mbowe, who serves as the leader of the opposition in parliament and also as chair of the Chadema party, is a high profile critic of incumbent President John Magufuli. He was reportedly rushed to a health centre for treatment after he was attacked at night in Dodoma, the country’s administrative capital.

Addressing members of the press, Chadema’s Secretary-General, John Mnyika, narrated the incident, saying: “Unknown people surrounded him and assaulted him before he started taking the stairs. Though these people had carried firearms, they didn’t use them,” before adding that party viewed the casa as a “politically motivated attack.”

While the police have warned against the politicization of the attack, Dodoma Regional Police Commander, Gilles Muroto, told local media that his team will conduct a thorough investigation. “Nothing will be left out,” he said.

Second Time in Three Years

Unfortunately for the Chadema party in Tanzania, this is not the first time its leader has been subjected to an attack before elections. In 2017, Chadema’s Deputy Chairperson, Tundu Lissu, narrowly escaped when armed men attacked his car on his way home, firing multiple shots. Lissu, who was severely wounded in the attack was flown to Belgium for specialized treatment, where he currently remains in self-exile.

While Mbowe’s attack coincidently occurs a day after Lissu announced his decision to run for president in Tanzania, Lissu in an interview with Deutsche Welle, tied the attack to President John Magufuli. “These actions have not frightened us in the past and they will not deter us now,” he added.

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