Tanzanian university lecturer Melkisedek Kaijage has been charged with terrorism after being arrested over allegations that he incited anti-government protests. The charge means he is unlikely to be granted bail and will remain in custody pending trial, marking a significant escalation in the case. It comes amid a wider government crackdown on opposition figures and activists following disputed elections and deadly unrest.

Kaijage was among more than 130 people arrested in connection with planned 7 July demonstrations, which were banned and did not go ahead. Prosecutors allege that he threatened to burn public buildings to intimidate others; terrorism-related convictions can carry sentences of 10 years to life imprisonment. A presidential inquiry said 518 people died from “unnatural causes” during protests after the October 2025 election, including 197 people shot dead.