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The government move was cautiously welcomed by rights groups and the opposition as a boost for democracy, with Hassan overturning some of the authoritarian policies imposed by Magufuli.

'New beginning' 

Lissu was last in Tanzania in late 2020 contesting the election against Hassan's predecessor Magufuli, a strongman leader who died just five months after winning his second term.

The victory was disputed and the opposition called for protests. Lissu took refuge with diplomats after threats to his life, before escaping the country. 

Under Magufuli, who was first elected in 2015 as a straight talking man of the people, political gatherings were outlawed, opposition leaders detained and media cowed.

Nicknamed the "Bulldozer" for his authoritarian leadership style, Magufuli's hardline policies and uncompromising governance saw Tanzania's reputation for stable democracy in the region badly damaged.

Lissu, an outspoken critic of Magufuli and Tanzania's powerful ruling CCM party, was shot while seated in his car in 2017 and spent the next few years recovering in Belgium.

Since the sudden death of Magufuli in March 2021, his successor Hassan has reversed some of his most controversial policies and promised reforms long demanded by the opposition.

But hopes dimmed in July 2021 when Mbowe was arrested on terrorism charges. He was released after seven months but some critics labelled Hassan a "dictator".

She sat down face-to-face with Lissu in Brussels in early 2022, again buoying hopes that change could be on the horizon.