The recognition of jailed Tanzanian and Ugandan opposition leaders Tundu Lissu and Kizza Besigye as Champions of Democracy in Africa has sent a powerful message about the struggle for freedom and accountability across the continent.
The Democracy Union of Africa Conference 2025 honored the two leaders for their courage and enduring commitment to promoting democratic ideals in the face of political persecution and state repression.
Their recognition comes at a time when the state of democracy in Africa faces growing challenges from regimes unwilling to tolerate dissent or opposition.
Tundu Lissu’s award arrives as Tanzania prepares for a crucial election on Wednesday, an event overshadowed by accusations of government interference and restrictions on political freedoms under President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Lissu, a leading opposition figure and member of the CHADEMA party, has been behind bars for six months, facing treason charges after he called for electoral reforms. His imprisonment has been widely condemned by human rights groups and regional observers as politically motivated.
During the conference, Lissu’s acceptance speech was read by CHADEMA Secretary General Deogratius Munishi, who received the award on his behalf.
In the speech, Lissu described the difficult conditions of his imprisonment and the growing crackdown on opposition voices in Tanzania.
He said that CHADEMA had been banned from political activity and accused the government of silencing all attempts to demand accountability.
His words echoed the frustrations of many across Africa who continue to suffer under repressive governments.
Former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, who presented the awards, used the occasion to remind African leaders that democracy remains the only sustainable path to progress.
He cautioned against the rise of authoritarian rule, saying that while some leaders claim democracy slows development, history has shown that countries that uphold freedom and the rule of law are the ones that achieve lasting growth.
Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of protecting democratic institutions and warned against the ongoing pattern of unconstitutional power grabs witnessed in several African nations.
Kenyan leaders also took part in the event, reinforcing the call for democracy. KANU Chairperson Gideon Moi and Democratic Party Leader Justin Muturi urged African states to respect the will of their citizens and ensure leadership is determined through free and fair elections.
Moi stressed the need to reject radical populist politics and safeguard national sovereignty, while Muturi reminded leaders that power ultimately belongs to the people.
Akufo-Addo also took a moment to pay tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, praising his lifelong fight for justice and democracy in Kenya and across Africa.
He described Odinga as a symbol of resilience and belief in the democratic process, even when it comes at great personal cost. In addition, the late former President Daniel arap Moi was posthumously honored for his contributions to Africa’s development, with his son Gideon Moi receiving the award on his behalf.
Leave feedback about this