BBC News
·Jul 2026
Tanzanian lecturer Melkisedek Kaijage charged with terrorism after his arrest over anti-government protests
Tanzanian lecturer Melkisedek Kaijage has been charged with terrorism after spending 15 days in police custody following his arrest over planned anti-government protests. The University of Dodoma academic, who was initially accused of inciting participation in the demonstrations, will remain in custody because terrorism charges are generally not eligible for bail. Prosecutors allege he threatened to burn public buildings, while colleagues describe him as a respected lecturer rather than a political activist. His case comes amid a wider government crackdown following disputed 2025 election results and protests in which a presidential inquiry recorded 518 deaths, including 197 people shot dead.