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| MP Tundu Lissu |
Gunmen
shot and wounded prominent Tanzanian opposition politician Tundu Lissu,
an outspoken government critic, outside his home in the capital Dodoma.
The opposition, rights groups and Tanzania's government expressed shock and demanded a full investigation.
"The
attack took place at his Dodoma residence at midday," the main
opposition party CHADEMA, of which Lissu is a leading member, said in a
statement, adding that the lawmaker was seriously wounded and rushed to
hospital.
Party
spokesman Tumaini Makene described Lissu's condition as "critical"
while local media reported he had been shot in the stomach and leg.
Regional police commander Gilles Muroto said an investigation was underway.
"We
are asking fellow citizens with information to help us," he said,
adding that initial enquiries were focussing on a car believed to have
followed Lissu to his home.
"This
cowardly attack on one of Tanzania's most fearless and prominent
politicians raises concerns about the safety of all dissident voices in
the country, at a time when space for dissent is quickly shrinking,"
said Sarah Jackson of rights group Amnesty International.
"This heinous crime must not be swept under the carpet," she added.
Lissu,
49, has had a series of run-ins with the government of President John
Magufuli and has been arrested at least six times this year, accused of
insulting the president and disturbing public order, among other
charges.
CLIMATE OF FEAR
"The
authorities must take steps to reassure Tanzanians and the world that
his shooting was not politically motivated," Jackson added.
In
a statement, Magufuli's ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party
condemned "this cruel and inhuman act" and urged police to investigate
fully.
Magufuli
tweeted that he was "shocked to hear the news of the attack on Tundu
Lissu and I pray to god almighty that he will soon recover."
Lissu
serves as chief whip for the parliamentary opposition and president of
Tanzania's bar association, the Tanganyika Law Society, as well as being
CHADEMA's attorney general.
His
most recent arrest was in August after revealing that a plane bought
for the national carrier had been impounded in Canada over unpaid
government debts.
Magufuli
has been praised for cracking down on corruption since his election in
2015 but criticised for his authoritarian rule with opposition meetings
banned and newspapers shut down, moves Lissu has loudly condemned as
creating a "climate of fear".
His party said Lissu was shot just after a parliamentary session.
"CHADEMA strongly condemns this act, and we are following up closely on his situation," the party added.
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