Tanzania’s opposition leader Tundu Lissu said he received death threats that led to his escape to Belgium.
Speaking to BBC, Lisu who survived an assassination attempt in 2017, said he took the death threats seriously.
“I was called by people who said that an order for them to deal with me once and for all – as they put it – was out and therefore they advised me to run for my dear life, and that’s what I did,” he told BBC.
“They did not identify themselves but clearly they made me understand that they were from the intelligence and security apparatus,” he added.
The politician said he began receiving death threats immediately after his police protection was withdrawn – the very day President Magufuli was declared the winner of the election that was marred with fraud claims.
Lisu disputed claims of seeking asylum in Belgium saying he was a legal resident of Belgium and wanted to continue with the fight while abroad.
“I’m not seeking asylum, I spent two and a half years here, I’m a legal resident in Belgium. I have no reason to seek political asylum. But more importantly, I’m here because I want to continue the fight,” he told the BBC.
Lisu was resolute that he wanted to world to know what happened to Tanzania during the last regime of President Magufuli.
The politician accused Magufuli’s government of exercising dictatorship by arresting innocent people who opposed him.
Lisu left Tanzania for Belgium on Monday.
In a video posted on Twitter, Lisu was seen leaving for airport accompanied by unknown officials days after seeking refuge at the German embassy in Tanzania.
Lisu’s departure followed a crackdown on Tanzania’s opposition leader that forced them to flee the East African country.
- Tanzania Ex-MP Godbless Lema Flees To Kenya Over Fears For His Life
- Another Tanzanian Politician Blocked From Crossing Into Kenya As Opposition Leaders Flee The Country
- Tanzanian Opposition Leader Tundu Lissu Goes To Exile In Europe
- Kenya urged not to Depot Tanzanian Politician Arrested While Fleeing From Tanzania
- Magufuli Arrests Main Opposition Party Leader
On Sunday an Opposition politician and former Arusha Urban Constituency MP Godbless Lema and his family were arrested at Ilbissli in Kajiado County while attempting to flee to Kenya.
Other Opposition leaders who faced similar arrests include former Dar es Salaam mayor Isaya Mwita, Freeman Mbowe, and the former mayor of Ubungo municipality Boniface Jacob.
