Tundu Lissu and Besigye named Africa’s Champions of Democracy amid concern over Tanzania’s polls

Jailed Tanzanian and Ugandan opposition leaders Tundu Lissu and Kizza Besigye have been recognized as Champions of Democracy in Africa by the Democracy Union of Africa Conference 2025. Tundu Lissu's award comes as Tanzania heads to the polls on Wednesday amid growing criticism over the suppression of dissenting voices against President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government. KANU Chairperson Gideon Moi, Democratic Party Leader Justin Muturi, and former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo have urged African states to uphold democratic values and respect the will of the people