Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has named a “troublesome” lion after one of the country’s opposition leaders.

President Samia was visiting the Tanzania Wildlife Authority (TAWA) when officials introduced her to the stubborn lion.

“Does this lion have a name?” asked President Samia. “If not, then call him Tundu Lissu.”

Mr Lissu is the leader of the main opposition party Chadema. He was arrested earlier this year for attempting to hold a youth rally that police said was aimed at inciting violence.

“That’s because he is always restless,” said Ms Samia as she gave the lion his new name on Sunday.

So what does Mr Lissu think of his namesake?

It seems as if he takes it in his stride.

“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 well-known government critic and survived a gun attack in 2017. His car was riddled with over 17 bullets, but he escaped with serious injuries. The perpetrators were never found.

Mr Lissu ran for office in 2020 but lost to the late John Magufuli.

Ms Samia, then vice president, became head of government in 2021 after Mr Magufuli died while in office.

Elections will be held next year. President Samia wants to run for a second term. Mr Lissu also wants to run for president again.

The two will most likely compete against each other to see who will become king of the jungle.

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