In a striking move, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has named a “troublesome” lion after Tundu Lissu, a prominent opposition leader. During a recent visit to the Tanzania Wildlife Authority (TAWA), President Samia encountered the unruly lion and decided to name it after Lissu, the leader of the Chadema party, known for his vocal criticism of the government.
The naming occurred as President Samia remarked, “It is because he is always unsettled,” referring to both the lion and the opposition leader’s often contentious public stance. Lissu, who was arrested earlier this year for attempting to hold a rally that authorities deemed inciteful, appeared to take the honor with grace. He told local media, “I come from a family of heroes. My great-grandfather killed a lion that attacked him and his cattle.”
Lissu, who survived a 2017 assassination attempt involving over 17 bullets, is a key figure in Tanzanian politics. He ran for the presidency in 2020 but lost to the late President John Magufuli. Samia, then vice-president, succeeded Magufuli in 2021 and is expected to seek re-election next year.
Lissu has announced his intention to run for president again, setting the stage for a potential showdown between the two in the upcoming elections.
