Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has named a “troublesome” lion after one of the country’s opposition leaders.
President Samia visited the Tanzania Wildlife Authority (TAWA) on Monday and was introduced to the unruly lion by officials.
“Does that lion have a name?” asked President Samia. “If not, call him Tundu Lissu.”
Mr Lissu is the leader of the main opposition Chadema party. He was arrested earlier this year for an attempt to organize a youth gathering, which police said was intended to incite violence.
“That’s because he’s always restless,” said Mrs. Samia as she gave the lion his new name.
What does Mr. Lissu think of his namesake?
He seems to be okay with it.
“I come from a family of heroes,” he told local media.
“My great-grandfather killed a lion that attacked him and his cattle,” he said.
Mr Lissu is a high-profile critic of the government and survived a gun attack in 2017. His car was shot with more than 17 bullets, but he escaped with serious injuries. The perpetrators have never been found.
Mr Lissu ran for office in 2020 but lost to the late John Magufuli.
Ms Samia, then vice-president, became leader in 2021 after Mr Magufuli died in office.
There will be elections next year, with President Samia planning to run for a second term. Mr. Lissu also plans to run for president again.
The two will likely compete against each other to see who will become the king of the jungle.
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