Melkisedeki Kaijage, an assistant lecturer at Dodomo University in Tanzania, was detained for two weeks, then charged with terrorism just when they were about to release him on bail. There is no publicly available evidence that this academic lecturer who hopes to be a Ph.D. candidate one day, is a terrorist.
August 18, 2026
Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan
President of the United Republic of Tanzania
The Office of the President
P.O. Box 670,
Utumishi Street, Dodoma, Tanzania
Twitter/X: @SuluhuSamia
Dear President Hassan:
The Committee of Concerned Scientists is an independent organization of scientists, physicians, engineers, and scholars devoted to the protection and advancement of human rights and scientific freedom for colleagues all over the world.
We write today regarding the case of University of Dodoma lecturer Melkisedeki Kaijage. Mr. Kaijage (M.A. in political science and aspiring Ph.D. candidate) was arrested on July 8, 2026, reportedly in connection with demonstrations that had been planned for the day before. After remaining in police custody for two weeks, he was told that he would be granted bail. Instead, he was surprised with additional charges of terrorism and economic sabotage. Published reports say that the charges specify that Mr. Kaijage threatened to set fire to government buildings and police residences. However, there is no publicly available evidence that independently substantiates this allegation.
We are deeply concerned by the severity of these charges and by Mr. Kaijage’s continued detention. Again, publicly available accounts of the situation do not provide evidence that he made any threats whatsoever. While credible threats of violence should be investigated, peaceful political expression should not be treated as terrorism or serve as a reason for long term detention.
The Committee of Concerned Scientists urges your government to ensure that Mr. Kaijage receives full protections under the law. He should have access to counsel and a transparent judicial proceeding. In the absence of credible evidence, we request that the charges against him be withdrawn and that he be released.
Sincerely,
Joel L. Lebowitz, Walter Reich, Eugene M. Chudnovsky, Alexander Greer
Co-Chairs, Committee of Concerned Scientists
Cc:
Marco Rubio
Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520
X: @SecRubio
Dr. Elsie Sia Kanza
Ambassador of Tanzania to the United States
Tanzanian Embassy in the United States
1232 22nd Street, NW,
Washington DC 20037
Email: ubalozi@tanzaniaembassy-us.org