Litigation
Cases
We address laws and practices that constrain
civic space, promote impunity,
violate the Constitution and
fundamental freedoms,
political economy
research analysis
Research and Analysis
We are inclined towards the
enhancement of knowledge, evidence
and analysis on public interest litigation,
rule of law and constitutionalism in Tanzania.
Publications
Training
We empower young advocates
through rigorous skills-based training
and practical experience in public interest litigation.
Learn More

Tanzania Yearbook of Public Law (TYPL) 2022

The Tanzania Yearbook of Public Law (TYPL) 2022 is a pioneering publication that provides a comprehensive record of issues, trends, and developments in public law jurisprudence in Tanzania.

TYPL chronicles the transformative journey of Tanzania’s legal landscape, from the enactment of the Bill of rights in 1984 to its enforceability in 1987, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s legal history.

About us

The Center for Strategic Litigation (CSL) is a Tanzania based not for profit organisation that seeks to advance the vision of a just and tolerant society, and a vibrant and inclusive democracy grounded in respect for the rule of Law and justice for all.  Based in Zanzibar, the Center works at the interface of advocacy and litigation. CSL was founded to advance a democratic culture in Tanzania where the supremacy of the constitution and respect for the Rule of Law are central pillars. CSL deploys the law to encourage citizen agency in advancing the rule of law through strategic litigation, public education, petitioning, legal research and judicial reviews as well as strategic use of media, especially online media. CSL seeks to advance the development of case law on democracy, rule of law and freedom of expression in Tanzania.

What we do

Public Interest Litigation

The Litigation unit addresses laws and practices that constrain civic space, promote impunity, violate the Constitution and fundamental freedoms by instituting and following up on these cases before the high court of Zanzibar and High Court of Tanzania as well regional courts. The litigation covers a broad spectrum of rights, subject to determination of relevance, laws, acts and omissions that amount to violation of key rights and freedoms as provided for in the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania and international instruments to which Tanzania is a party.

Research

The Research and Knowledge Department leads on the production of the civic space monitor, rule of law survey and political economy analysis published in every alternate year. As per CSL’s five year strategic plan (2019 to 2023), the work of the Research and Knowledge Department is inclined towards the enhancement of knowledge, evidence and analysis on public interest litigation, rule of law and constitutionalism in Tanzania

Training

The East Africa Emerging Public Interest Advocates Programme for young legal professionals is a flagship fellowship programme by the Center for Strategic Litigation (CSL), currently in partnership with 19 other East African organisations including The East African Court of Justice which is a regional organisation; Katiba Institute, Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), and Kituo cha Sheria from Kenya; Center for Food and Adequate Living Rights (CEFROHT), Initiative for Social and Economic Rights (ISER), and The Network of Public Interest Lawyers (NETPIL) from Uganda; and the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) from Tanzania. The programme empowers young advocates through rigorous skills-based training and practical experience in public interest litigation. The goal of the programme is to build the next generation of public interest advocates in East Africa who share a commitment to and passion for promoting social justice and democratic values. This comes from the realisation that there is a limited number of active public interest litigants as most lawyers prefer careers in private and other fields of law. The fellowship provides up to 30 outstanding young advocates from Kenya, Tanzania (mainland), Tanzania (Zanzibar) and Uganda. A 10% special quota is provided for young lawyers from Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan who meet the requirements for attending the program. Through a tailored approach, the training provides fellows with an opportunity to learn from public interest litigation and advocacy academics and practitioners, both in class and in court for six (6) months under the following carefully designed curriculum:

  • Residential Training
  • Practicum
  • Closing Seminars

Publications

Towards a Tanzanian Rule of Law Index

ROLI: A Political Economy Analysis Working Paper 2

ROLI: A Political Economy Analysis Summary

We seek to advance the vision of a just and tolerant society, and a vibrant and inclusive democracy grounded in respect for the
rule of Law and justice for all.

Board Members

Deus Rweyemamu
Chief Executive Officer

Dr Rugemeleza Nshala
Board Member

Dr Mzuri Issa Ali
Board Member

 

Jenerali Ulimwengu
Board Member

Dr Rev Benson Bagonza
Board Member

Fatma Karume
Board Member

Prof Mussa J. Assad
Board Member

PartnersSome of our implementing Partners are: