DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Tanzanian opposition politician and presidential hopeful Tundu Lissu returned to the country on Monday, three years after being shot 16 times. Immediately upon his arrival at the international airport in Dar es Salaam, the former lawmaker told reporters and CHADEMA opposition party supporters he was well. His return from Belgium comes as the top opposition parties consider joining forces behind a single candidate to challenge President John Magufuli, who seeks a second five-year term. Human rights groups and critics accuse his administration of shutting down dissenting voices by banning opposition political gatherings, arresting opposition figures and shutting down media outlets. Hundreds of CHADEMA party supporters gathered at the airport Monday, with some kneeling at the arrival gate in defiance of a police order barring unlawful public gatherings.

Source: International New York Times July 27, 2020 13:18 UTC