Student and lecturer Melkisedek Kaijage has been charged with terrorism by Tanzanian authorities after the government cracked down on anti‑government protests earlier this month.

Kaijage, a teacher of political science at the University of Dodoma, was taken into custody after the authorities alleged that he had incited a nationwide wave of demonstrations calling for democratic reforms and justice for those killed in a post‑poll crackdown last year. The protests, scheduled for 7 July, were banned by the government and did not take place.

Following 15 days of police custody, the charges went through a change in court, shifting from incitement to terrorism. As a result, Kaijage was denied bail – a common practice for terrorism cases, which are heard only by higher courts – and remains in detention until a trial date can be set.

Prosecutors claim that Kaijage threatened to burn public buildings as part of intimidation tactics. Under Tanzanian law, offences such as recruiting for, facilitating, harbouring or supporting terrorist groups carry prison terms ranging from ten years to life imprisonment.

Gerald Shija, chairman of the University of Dodoma Academic Staff Association, confirmed that Kaijage had been transferred from police custody to Isanga Prison in the capital, Dodoma. Colleagues describe him as a respected lecturer whose popularity derives from his teaching rather than from political activism.

His case unfolds amid a broader police crackdown on opposition figures and activists critical of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Last month, the government suspended political rallies across the country until further notice.

During the protests that followed the 29 October 2025 election results, 518 people died from “unnatural causes”, 197 of whom were shot dead, a commission of inquiry established by President Samia reported. The violence shocked a nation that had cultivated an image of calm, consensus and stability for almost 60 years. President Samia, who has received 98% of the vote, faced criticism from opponents who called the election a mockery of democracy after her two main challengers were excluded. She has alleged that foreign actors were involved in the violence and blamed the unrest on a plot to overthrow her.

To stay updated, follow @BBCAfrica on Twitter, BBC Africa on Facebook, or bbcafrica on Instagram.