Tanzanian singer Juma Jux has announced that the last part of his wedding celebrations will be held in Tanzania on May 28, 2025.
Jux and his wife have already celebrated their marriage in several countries, but he says the upcoming event in Tanzania will be the biggest and final one.
In a video shared on Instagram, Jux joked that his wife is worn out from all the ceremonies, outfit changes, and cultural expectations—while he mostly just had to wear a suit.
He mentioned that even after five or six ceremonies, it still didn’t feel like enough. His dream was to celebrate their love in every country that means something to them, including Rwanda, where they first met.
Despite how tiring it’s been, Jux praised his wife for handling it all. He promised that the Tanzanian celebration will be unforgettable.
“This last one in Tanzania will be wild,” he said with a smile.
The event is expected to bring together celebrities and loved ones from Uganda, Kenya, China, the U.S., and different parts of Tanzania, making it a truly global celebration.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on a mission to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic ties and boost regional cooperation.
He was warmly welcomed upon arrival by Tanzania’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, alongside the Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian High Commission to Tanzania, Ambassador Salisu Suleiman.
This visit marks a significant milestone in deepening the relationship between Nigeria and Tanzania, with a focus on expanding trade, investment, and economic collaboration.
At his hotel, President Tinubu met with Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), further underscoring the importance of the trip in advancing Africa’s economic agenda.
During his stay, President Tinubu is expected to engage in high-level discussions with key African leaders and economic stakeholders, aiming to strengthen partnerships and promote sustainable development across the continent.
The visit reflects Nigeria’s commitment to playing an active role in addressing Africa’s challenges and fostering collaborative solutions for growth and regional integration.
Two leaders from Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, were among 14 members briefly detained on Monday as police moved to prevent a banned demonstration in Dar es Salaam.
Chadema announced on X that its chairman, Freeman Mbowe, was taken into custody while preparing to “lead a peaceful protest.” Meanwhile, police visited the home of deputy leader Tundu Lissu with a convoy of 11 vehicles, arresting him as well.
Critics express concerns that these detentions signal a potential return to the oppressive governance reminiscent of former President John Magufuli’s era.
The demonstrations were organized to protest recent killings and abductions of opposition officials in Tanzania.
Last week, President Samia Suluhu Hassan cautioned against any demonstrations, emphasizing that her administration would not tolerate actions that threaten law and order. Despite police declaring the protests illegal, the opposition has pledged to go ahead with their plans.
Mbowe told journalists shortly before his arrest that “we’re paying the full price of democracy… as opposition leaders we have to show the way”.
Local news outlet The Citizen reported that journalists covering the protest were also taken into custody.
On Monday morning, police cordoned off the residences of the two Chadema leaders in Dar es Salaam and interrogated individuals about their potential participation in the protest, according to the party’s statement.
Later that day, Chadema announced that Mbowe and Lissu were released on bail, though the party did not disclose the specific charges that authorities intended to file against them.
Since Saturday, riot police have been stationed on major roads throughout Dar es Salaam.
Last year, President Samia lifted restrictions on opposition gatherings and promised to revive competitive politics. However, recent events have led some to believe that the commitment to enhance political freedom may be waning.
Human rights organizations and critics are apprehensive that the president’s approach is designed to intimidate her political opponents as the country approaches local government elections in November and the general elections in October 2025.
Authorities have taken action against a planned protest organized by Tanzania’s leading opposition party.
According to Chadema, several of its leaders were detained on Monday. Additional arrests occurred in the Magomeni district of Dar es Salaam, where protesters were assembling for a demonstration against purported killings and abductions of government critics.
This crackdown has heightened concerns about the possibility of increased political repression in the East African nation as local elections approach, followed by next year’s national vote.
Video footage posted on X by Chadema showed police arresting the party chairman, Freeman Mbowe, as he arrived “to lead a peaceful protest”.
In another post, police were depicted outside the residence of deputy chairman Tundu Lissu prior to his arrest. Authorities reported the detention of 14 individuals, including Mbowe and Lissu, for violating the ban on protests.
Before the arrests took place, police were observed surrounding the homes of both party leaders.
Lissu, who narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in 2016 after being shot 16 times, had previously shared on social media platform X that three police vehicles filled with officers in riot gear were stationed outside his home.
“They’ve informed me I’m directed to be taken to the Regional Crimes Officer. I’m getting ready to go,” he said.
Over the weekend, Dar es Salaam police chief Jumanne Muliro cautioned that the proposed rally would disrupt public order and that his officers would enforce strict measures to prevent it.
Since Saturday, riot police equipped with water cannons have been deployed in strategic locations throughout the city.
Chadema has charged that President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government is reverting to the oppressive methods of her predecessor, John Magufuli.
Hassan assumed office in March 2021 after Magufuli’s unexpected passing and initially seemed to promote a more democratic environment by lifting restrictions on opposition gatherings and the media.
However, Chadema now claims that security forces are involved in the disappearances of several members and the murder of Ali Mohamed Kibao, a senior party official who, according to authorities, was attacked with acid and beaten to death last month.
In a speech shared on X on Sunday, Mbowe asserted that the planned protest would remain peaceful.
“We are neither carrying any weapons nor planning to violate the peace as some people allege,” he said. “We have seen the deployment of armed police officers in the city but we are ready to face them.”
When Chadema last tried to hold a rally in August, police arrested hundreds.
Rights groups and Western governments, including the United States, have criticised the crackdowns as “antidemocratic”.
The United States Ambassador to Tanzania,on Thursday, Michael Battle, reaffirmed that the US remains committed to promoting democratic rights and principles as a fundamental part of its partnership with Tanzania.
This statement follows criticism from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who earlier this week accused the US Embassy of spearheading a condemnation of recent abductions and killings in the country, coinciding with the approach of local elections in November.
President Samia cautioned foreign nations against meddling in Tanzania’s internal matters, arguing that such actions violate the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
She emphasised the need for respect as Tanzania addresses the security concerns surrounding the rising incidents of abductions.
Although she did not name any mission in particular, the president singled out two recently reported assassination attempts on US presidential candidate Donald Trump as “proof” that incidents of pre-election violence were also prevalent in the West.
But, addressing a democracy conference in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, Mr. Battle acknowledged that the US was not “immune to challenges and imperfections” in maintaining democratic standards as it prepares for its own presidential election this year, but remained adamant that Washington’s support for Tanzania, which he said has so far resulted in about $7.5 billion in aid commitments over the years, would remain hinged on respect for democracy and human rights.
“As long as we remain Tanzania’s partner, we will always speak openly and honestly on these principles. We will not back away or hold back. It is an obligation fundamental and paramount to human dignity and human respect,” he said.
The US embassy in Dar es Salaam was the first to publicly condemn the shocking abduction and violent murder of Ali Mohamed Kibao, an official from the opposition Chadema party, which occurred two weeks prior.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan issued a strong warning to foreign diplomats on Tuesday, cautioning them against “interfering” in the country’s internal matters.
This comes amid accusations that Tanzania’s state security agencies are behind a series of abductions and killings of opposition figures, as the nation gears up for local government elections in November.
In her first major statement on the wave of violence, President Samia emphasised that her government is fully capable of addressing the issue without external intervention.
She criticised the statements of condemnation made by several Western diplomatic missions in Tanzania, stating they were unwelcome and violated the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Article 41 of the convention outlines that diplomats must refrain from interfering in the domestic affairs of the host country.
The president made it clear that Tanzania would not accept directives from foreign nations on how to handle the investigation of politically motivated violence.
This statement followed the escalating violence, most notably the September 6 abduction and murder of Ali Mohamed Kibao, a senior member of the Chadema opposition party.
Kibao was forcibly taken in broad daylight by suspected security agents from a bus near the outskirts of Dar es Salaam.
His lifeless body was found in a nearby bush hours later, with his face partly disfigured by a chemical believed to be acid.
The incident came on the back of a growing number of disappearances, detentions, and beatings involving political and human rights activists in what the United States mission in Dares Salaam described in a September 9 statement as “efforts to disenfranchise citizens ahead of (the) elections.”
The European Union, British and Canadian High Commissions, and Norway and Switzerland embassies also issued a joint statement condemning the trend on September 10.
While the US embassy in Dar called for an “independent, transparent, and prompt investigation” into the incidents, the other five missions called for a “thorough inquiry.”
In a televised speech at an event in Moshi on Tuesday marking the 60th anniversary of the Tanzania Police Force’s formation, President Samia said “outsiders” should not claim to be more pained by the events than Tanzanians themselves.
“It is our own responsibility to find out why they (abductions and killings) are happening at this moment in time. We know what we need to do as a sovereign nation, and do not appreciate other countries telling us to do one, two, or three,” she said.
“I believe these statements were not sanctioned by the heads of state of those countries, but I have my own ways of checking with my fellow presidents, and once I confirm that they were not, I will lodge formal complaints with them.”
Before the diplomatic corps raised concerns, President Samia had already ordered a swift investigation into Ali Mohamed Kibao’s murder, with instructions for the findings to be made public as soon as possible.
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa also addressed the matter on Monday, suggesting that while it’s “easy to blame the police,” there could be other hidden forces causing disruptions during election periods.
Chadema party leader Freeman Mbowe has expressed distrust in Tanzanian law enforcement and called for Britain’s Scotland Yard to be involved in the investigation. He emphasised that the party is sceptical about local authorities conducting a “proper and transparent” inquiry.
Chadema has further warned that it will organise nationwide protests if there is no significant progress in the investigation by next week.
Kibao’s killing, along with other violent incidents, has triggered public outrage and intensified concerns about safety as the country prepares for the municipal elections on November 28.
These elections are seen as a prelude to next year’s general election, where President Samia will seek re-election, and the ruling CCM party aims to retain legislative control until 2030.
A financial report released by the World Bank has ranked Nigeria as the third-largest debtor to the Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) as of June 30, 2024.
The report shows that Nigeria’s debt to the IDA increased to $16.5 billion by the end of June, marking a $2.2 billion rise, or 14.4%, compared to the $14.3 billion owed at the close of 2023.
The IDA, a critical division of the World Bank, provides low-interest loans and grants to the world’s poorest nations to foster economic growth, reduce inequalities, and enhance living standards. These loans typically come with favorable terms, including long repayment periods and minimal interest.
At the top of the IDA debtor list is Bangladesh, with $20.5 billion in loans, followed by Pakistan, which owes $17.5 billion.
Nigeria has overtaken India, which now holds the fourth position with $15.9 billion, down from $17.9 billion in 2023. Ethiopia, Kenya, and Vietnam are next in line, with debts of $12.2 billion, $12.0 billion, and $12.0 billion, respectively.
The lowest-ranking countries on the list are Tanzania with $11.7 billion, Ghana with $6.7 billion, and Uganda with $4.8 billion.
“As of June 30, 2024, the ten countries with the highest exposures accounted for 63% of IDA’s total exposure.
“Monitoring these exposures relative to the SBL requires consideration of the repayment profiles of existing loans, as well as disbursement profiles and projected new loans and guarantees,” the World Bank said. Recall that the Debt Management Office (DMO) reported that Nigeria’s total public debt increased to N121.67 trillion in the first quarter of 2024, compared to the N97 trillion recorded in December 2023.
According to DMO, the increase was primarily due to new domestic borrowing by the federal government to partly fund the deficit in the 2024 budget as well as disbursements by multilateral and bilateral lenders.
The debt office said total domestic debt was N65.65 trillion ($46.29 billion), while total external debt was N56.02 trillion ($42.12 billion).
It is therefore important that we remind you that it is our responsibility to grapple with the apparent challenges that have befallen our nation and its continuing use to beggar and humiliate our people and workers.
“You must not therefore allow yourself to become an instrument for the pauperization of the workers that you lead. You must not allow this process to be turned into a tool to deprive and cheat already suffering workers from the benefits that may accrue to them. Congress will severely sanction any state council that colludes with employers whether public or private to cheat workers out of their benefits.”
“I believe that the same mind that was in us at the national level will be in all of you here so that we will have a successful implementation round.”
As we head to the negotiation table, we must begin to organize and mobilize now. “We must remain vigilant, informed, and united. This Workshop is an essential step in that process.”
“It is a space for us to discuss strategies, share knowledge, and build the networks that will sustain our efforts towards having a better result than the 2019 cycle. Learn from what we did and be comforted that we have remained unflinching in the face of persecution by the state.”
Ajaero added “Like we have said before, ours is a divine mandate! God knows the purpose for making us leaders of the labour movement at this time in our nation. We have stood firm and have not betrayed you. You will stand firm, you will not betray workers and you will not betray man. You will not betray God. At the end of the day, the people we lead will define us based on how we handle this exercise – Heroes or betrayers. The choice is ours.”
The closure of the US Embassy in Tanzania extends for two days due to an internet outage impacting multiple East African countries.
“Due to degraded network service nationwide, the embassy will remain closed to the public,” the embassy said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday.
All consular appointments scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday have been canceled, with arrangements made to reschedule them for a later time.
Nonetheless, the embassy will remain open for visa collections and to address emergency cases involving American citizens.
Since Sunday morning, an internet outage has persisted, leading to poor connectivity in Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
According to metrics shared by the internet monitoring group NetBlocks on Monday, Tanzania has been particularly affected by the outage.
The intermittent service disruption is attributed to faults in undersea cables linking the region to the global network via South Africa, explained industry expert Ben Roberts to the BBC.
As of Monday, some East Africans were still encountering sluggish internet speeds, with certain telecom providers indicating that the issue had not yet been fully resolved.
Cyclone Hidaya, which weakened before reaching Tanzania’s shores over the weekend, resulted in the deaths of three individuals and the rescue of more than 100 others.
Despite the cyclone’s decreased velocity as it approached the Tanzanian coastline, it still brought torrential rains and powerful winds to the southern regions of the country on Saturday.
Reports indicate that over 20 sailors from Tanzania and Zanzibar were rescued after their vessels drifted into Kenyan waters. Unfortunately, one sailor lost his life when his boat was hit by massive waves.
An additional 80 individuals were rescued from Kilwa Island in Tanzania.
The cyclone also triggered a widespread power outage across Tanzania on Saturday, while ferry services between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar were halted as a precautionary measure.
Images shared on social media depicted severe damage caused by the cyclone, including destroyed homes and toppled trees.
Neighboring Kenya remains on high alert following the disaster.
A delegation from Tanzania recently visited Ghana to study the operations of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) in the petroleum downstream sector.
During their five-day visit, officials from the Tanzanian Ministry of Energy and the fuel agency focused on understanding NPA’s effective regulation and administration of the petroleum downstream, which they found to be convenient, cost-effective, and worthy of emulation.
The delegation was in Ghana from Monday, March 18, 2024, to Friday, March 22, 2024, and was received by the Chief Executive of the NPA, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, at an opening session held on Monday at the NPA. Also present were the Deputy Chief Executive, Perry Okudzeto, Directors, Heads of Department, and some staff of the Authority.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Abdul-Hamid expressed excitement about hosting the delegation and assured them that the NPA was ready to share its experience, particularly regarding the administration of the Unified Petroleum Price Fund (UPPF), which was a key area of interest for the Tanzanians.
Dr. Abdul-Hamid also mentioned that the Authority had made thorough preparations to ensure that the delegation’s five-day visit, including the scheduled field tours, would be fruitful.
Mr. Msafiri Mtepe, the Head of the delegation from the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority in Tanzania, commended the NPA for the warm reception and expressed optimism about the learning experience they would gain from studying the Ghanaian model of petroleum regulation. He noted that Ghana’s approach has become a model for many countries in Africa and beyond.
The primary objective of their study visit was to understand the successful implementation of Ghana’s Unified Petroleum Price Scheme and other pricing mechanisms. During their stay, they engaged in formal sessions with technical experts at the NPA, covering a wide range of topics related to Ghana’s petroleum value chain.
Presentations included discussions on Ghana’s pricing policy objectives, the Unified Petroleum Price Fund (UPPF), and the legal framework for petroleum regulation, among others.
The delegation also visited the Ministry of Energy, where they were briefed on Ghana’s petroleum downstream policies by the Chief Director, Mrs. Wilhelmina Asamoah, on behalf of the Minister of Energy.
Furthermore, the delegation went on field visits to the BOST terminals in Tema and Akosombo to observe practical operations and interact with key actors in Ghana’s petroleum downstream sector.
Tanzania’s Vice-President Philip Mpango has issued a resignation threat amid a prolonged water scarcity affecting residents of the northern Mwanga district.
On Thursday, Mr. Mpango accused contractors overseeing a significant water supply project in the region of prolonged delays in its completion.
The project, with a value exceeding $100,000 (£79,000), commenced nearly two decades ago, as per Mr. Mpango’s statement.
“If this project fails to deliver water [to the locals] by June, I will step down. I am uncertain about the future of the local administrator and his subordinates if I resign,” remarked Mr. Mpango.
“I cannot return here and ask citizens to wait any longer for this essential resource; water is indispensable,” he emphasized.
Government officials accompanying Mr. Mpango to Mwanga affirmed on Thursday that the project is nearing 90% completion.
Witnesses have reported that two Tanzanian military armoured vehicles were struck by shells fired by M23 rebels in the Congolese town of Sake.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, resulted in the injury of one Tanzanian soldier and a civilian, according to a Congolese military source and an eyewitness.
However, the Tanzanian army spokesperson stated that they were not informed of the attack.
Tanzania, along with South Africa and Malawi, deployed troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) as part of the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) mission. Sadc troops, in collaboration with the Congolese army, have been engaged in clashes with M23 rebels since early February, particularly in the vicinity of Sake. Earlier this month, two South African soldiers were killed in an attack in the same area.
The Sadc intervention followed the withdrawal of the East African Community force, which was ordered by Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi due to perceived inefficiency in combating the M23 insurgency.
In light of the recent escalation in violence, the Congolese army has been advising residents to evacuate Sake. While some have opted to remain, a significant number have fled to the outskirts or to the nearby city of Goma, approximately 25km (15 miles) away.
The United Nations estimates that the recent hostilities have displaced around 215,000 people towards Goma, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in a region already burdened with a large refugee population.
An 80-year-old wealthy widow, Catherine Thomas, discovered love in an unexpected encounter with 24-year-old taxi driver George in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
The couple, facing a 56-year age gap, has defiantly dismissed skepticism and allegations of ulterior motives.
Their love story began when Catherine accidentally left her bag with nearly £2,000 inside on George’s taxi.
Despite initial doubts, the young taxi biker made sure she got it back, leading to a unique and unexpected romantic connection.
Catherine, a mother of five, initiated their relationship by asking George out, defying critics who questioned the sincerity of their bond. George, in response to scepticism, asserted, “Critics wonder why I love someone as old as my grandmother, but I don’t care.”
Catherine addressed suspicions of George being a gold digger, emphasising that their love is genuine and essential in her life.
Despite initial concerns from both families, social media users have celebrated the couple’s unconventional love story, recognizing that love knows no age boundaries.
In a 0-0 draw between DR Congo and Tanzania in Korhogo, DR Congo secured their place in the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations, while Tanzania was eliminated from the tournament.
The second half featured attempts from Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, with one shot denied by Tanzania goalkeeper Aishi Manula, and another sent over the goal. Despite these efforts, DR Congo drew their third consecutive game in Group F.
Sebastien Desabre’s team finished second in the group, behind Morocco, and is set to face Egypt in the last 16 on Sunday. Tanzania’s challenging campaign, marked by the suspension of head coach Adel Amrouche and the appointment of assistant Hemed Suleiman as acting boss, concludes with them finishing at the bottom of the group with two points.
The match itself saw early attempts, with former Chelsea player Gael Kakuta testing Manula with a free-kick and Tanzania captain Mbwana Samatta firing a shot off target in the first 15 minutes. Manula made crucial saves, including blocking a Fiston Mayele attempt with his legs in the 30th minute.
In the second half, DR Congo continued to press for a breakthrough, with substitute Meschak Elia missing a chance in the 73rd minute. Wissa’s attempt to lob the ball over Manula was also thwarted by the goalkeeper.
The Leopards persisted in their late push, with Cedric Bakambu heading too high and another Wissa shot narrowly missing the target before the final whistle confirmed DR Congo’s progression with another draw.
Tanzania’s commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, has experienced severe flooding, resulting in damaged houses, roads, and casualties due to heavy rains over two days.
Houses near rivers collapsed, and roads and bridges were destroyed, hampering transportation within the city. The main Bagamoyo road connecting the city to the northern regions became inaccessible.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan urged citizens to take precautions and avoid affected areas while calling on rescue authorities to prevent rain-related fatalities.
The Tanzania Meteorological Agency has issued warnings of continued heavy rains throughout the remainder of the month.
The torrential downpour in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania resulted in collapsed houses and damaged roads and bridges. – The floods swept away a woman, and the local radio interviewed relatives searching for a missing child.
The flooding caused the most damage in neighborhoods near the rivers that flow into the Indian Ocean. Due to the road closures, several children and employees were unable to leave their homes on Monday.
Many families are checking their homes for damage and trying to find their things.
There was a lot of rain in the city on Saturday and Sunday. The areas that got the most rain were Kinondoni and Ilala. – Flooding caused the closure of the bridge connecting to the city center, where the President resides, on Sunday.But now it’s open again because the water has gone down.
The weather agency in Tanzania says there will be a lot of rain for the rest of the month. The president has asked people to go to safer places if they live where there might be a flood.
The authorities haven’t said how many people were hurt or killed, but one man said his wife was taken by the water, and another family is looking for their son who is missing.
They don’t know if he was carried away by the water or if he is okay and being taken care of by another family.
Morocco secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Tanzania in their Africa Cup of Nations opener, with goals from Romain Saiss, Azz-Eddine Ounahi, and Youssef En Nesyri.
Despite their total dominance, Morocco faced resistance from Tanzania until the latter was reduced to 10 men late in the second half.
The gulf in class between the two teams was evident, with Morocco boasting players like Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi and Manchester United’s Sofyan Amrabat, while Tanzania started with Tarryn Allarakhia of Wealdstone in attack.
Morocco took the lead in the 30th minute when Romain Saiss capitalized on a rebound following Aishi Manula’s save from Hakim Ziyech’s fierce free-kick.
Despite Morocco’s dominance, Tanzania managed to keep the score at 1-0 until halftime.
نهاية المقابلة بفوز منتخبنا الوطني أمام منتخب تنزانيا 👏🏻
🏁Full time !! 🇲🇦3-0🇹🇿 Our National Team take the three points in the first game at the 𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐀𝐅 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐂𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐝'𝐈𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 💪🏻#DimaMaghrib 🇲🇦… pic.twitter.com/so6iMlbtO9
In the second half, Tanzania’s Novatus Miroshi received a second yellow card, reducing them to 10 men. Morocco took advantage of the numerical superiority, with Azz-Eddine Ounahi scoring the second goal after a slick one-two with substitute Amine Adli.
Youssef En Nesyri then sealed the victory by tucking in the third goal after Ounahi’s cross.
A student from Tanzania who was thought to be captive by Hamas in Israel has been confirmed dead by the Tanzanian government.
Joshua Mollel was interning on a farm when it was attacked by gunmen from Hamas on October 7th.
Tanzania’s Foreign Minister January Makamba says Mr. Mollel was killed right after he was taken as a hostage.
Another student, Clemence Felix Mtenga, was also murdered in the attack.
Joshua’s dad, Loitu Mollel, has been told about his son’s death, the minister said.
Mr Makamba wrote on X, that he is planning to bring Mr. Mollel, another family member, and a government official to Israel to learn more about the situation.
The Mollel family hasn’t said anything yet.
In a post on Facebook, officials in Kibbutz Nahal Oz said that Hamas is holding Mr.
The two students from Tanzania had gone to Israel only a month before the attack on 7 October. At first, it was said that they were part of the 240 people held captive by Hamas.
Mr Mpango appeared in public on Sunday after being away for more than a month. People were relieved and the rumors about his death were finally put to an end.
The Information Minister, Nape Nnauye, has told officials to investigate people who spread rumors.
Mr Mpango says that he was upset by untrue stories being spread on social media.
The vice-president was last seen in public on 31 October, when she was representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan during a virtual meeting of leaders from the Southern African Development Community.
His not being here made a lot of people worried. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa had told people not to guess about it.
The vice-president unexpectedly showed up at a church service in Dodoma, the capital, on Sunday. He said he was feeling good and had not lost any weight.
Some people have been sharing photos of me with a candle, and saying that I have died. “It’s too soon – I haven’t finished the job God asked me to do,” Mr.
I will only go back to the person who made me when it’s my time to go. I appreciate your prayers.
He said he was in another country for work, but didn’t say what it was for.
The information minister told government agencies to punish people who spread rumors about the VP’s location, following Mr Mpango’s request for social media users to be more careful.
“Mr Nnauye said if our freedom hurts other people’s freedom, it breaks the law. We can’t accept that in our society. ”
He said that his order was not a threat but a way to “keep people’s freedom safe”.
He didn’t say which rules might have been broken.
This is not the first time people have talked about Mr.
Rescuers are facing difficult conditions like broken phones and roads that are blocked or damaged, the president’s spokesperson, Zuhura Yunus, said in a statement on Monday.
Ms Yunus said that President Samia was in Dubai for a conference on climate change, but she decided to come back to the country quickly because of a disaster that happened.
The COP28 started on November 30th and will continue until December 12th.
The president told her government to pay for the funerals of the people who died in the flooding and landslides. Ms Yunus said this. She told the government to pay for hospital bills for the injured and to provide temporary housing for people whose homes were destroyed.
Dr Godwin Mollel, who helps the Minister of Health in Tanzania, said: “We have a group of doctors and medical officers sent out to help. ” The care is really good and a lot of patients are getting better.
Fanuel John, a man with four children from a village called Gendabi, has been looking for his wife and kids who are missing.
He heard water flowing when he went outside and said it sounded like a ravine. He looked and saw water coming towards him.
“I told my wife and kids to go outside fast, and we climbed a big tree,” he said to the media. “As we climbed the tree, I saw that a flood was coming. ”
“I was surprised to see all the trees falling down. ” Several types of trees were fallend down. “I asked my family to pray,” he said.
After that, the family was surrounded by water that was about six feet (1. 8m) deep
“We got split up, and I never saw them again,” he said.
Another person who survived, Samuel Mtinda, heard a noise that sounded like a car passing by and looked out the window.
He said, “I saw that our house and our neighbors’ houses are covered in water and rocks. ” “I told my wife and kids to go to the school playground and run. ” We kept running until we found a safe place.
Flooding is the biggest natural danger in Tanzania and affects a lot of people every year.
Last month, there was a lot of rain that caused deaths and damage to buildings in Dar es Salaam and other places.
Floods destroyed some crops in some places, causing problems for the people who rely on them for a living.
Tanzania’s weather agency said it will keep raining this month.
A local court said no to a request to stop building a $4bn (£3. 1bn) oil pipeline from Uganda to Tanzania. The pipeline is causing a lot of disagreement.
The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) said the case was filed too late and it’s not within its jurisdiction to handle it.
The East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (Eacop) is a 1,443km (896-mile) pipeline being built by the Ugandan and Tanzanian governments, TotalEnergies, and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC). However, local communities and rights and environmental groups are opposing its construction.
The groups are saying that the project is forcing people out of their homes, damaging burial sites along the pipeline path, and harming the environment.
Natural Justice, a group of everyday people, said that this decision shows that rich countries and African government institutions are not paying attention to how oil and gas are harming the environment and the climate.
Natural Justice and three other groups that filed the case in 2020 are going to ask for a review of the decision.
A memorial service was held Wednesday at a mortuary in Petah Tikva, Israel, to honor the life of Clemens Mtenga, a Tanzanian student taken hostage during a Hamas attack on Israel.
The event was attended by representatives of the Tanzanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and colleagues from the academic program in which Clemens is completing his studies. Ezekiel Kitiku, a student who lives with Mr Mtenga in Kibbutz Nir Oz, told the BBC it was a very difficult time.
“We spent a lot of time together, we cooked together and at dinner we always talked about our day together.
His sudden departure was very painful.
“But I’m a Christian, and I think I’ll meet him someday.”
Mr. Kitiku currently lives in Kiryat Malachi and continues to engage in agriculture.
Tanzania’s foreign ministry said it had contacted the Israeli government to repatriate Mtenga’s body.
The German president vented “shame” over Tanzania’s colonial atrocities committed by his nation.
One of the bloodiest anti-colonial uprisings occurred in the early 1900s when German forces put nearly 300,000 people to death during the Maji Maji rebellion.
Speaking in Songea, the site of the rebellion, at a museum was President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
“I would like to ask for forgiveness for what Germans did to your ancestors here,” he said.
“What happened here is our shared history, the history of your ancestors, and the history of our ancestors in Germany.”
The Maji Maji rebellion was incited by a German policy aimed at coercing the native population into cultivating cotton for export. At the time, Tanzania was a part of German East Africa, encompassing present-day Rwanda, Burundi, and sections of Mozambique.
During a visit to the Tanzanian city of Songea, President Steinmeier conveyed his hope that Tanzania and Germany could collaboratively confront the historical legacy of this period. He pledged to bring these narratives back to Germany to raise awareness among his fellow countrymen.
Germany, until recently, has grappled with a form of “colonial amnesia,” as noted by Jürgen Zimmerer, a history professor at the University of Hamburg. However, it seems the visit and acknowledgment of these events by President Steinmeier signify a step toward addressing this historical amnesia.
“The brutality and the racism of this colonial empire was not understood by the German public.”
During his three-day visit, the President met the descendants of Chief Songea Mbano, one of the leaders of the Maji Maji rebellion who was executed in 1906. Chief Songea Mbano is now regarded as a national hero in Tanzania, and President Steinmeier assured the family that German authorities would make efforts to locate his remains.
Thousands of human remains were brought from German colonies, partly as “trophies” and also for racist research. Jürgen Zimmerer, a history professor, pointed out the lack of substantial funding available to identify the origins of these bones and skulls, which are dispersed in various museums and institutions. Some descendants of the victims have managed to trace their ancestors’ remains through DNA tests.
In a meeting with President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Dar es Salaam, President Steinmeier pledged Germany’s cooperation with Tanzania for the repatriation of cultural property. While Tanzania historian Mohamed Said appreciated the president’s apology, he also expressed the view that it fell short of addressing the full extent of the historical issues.
“They decided to set farms on fire so people would run out of food and be unable to fight. This is unacceptable, in today’s world they would be taken to court,” he said.
Germany formally admitted to committing genocide in Namibia during its occupation in 2021 and announced financial assistance totaling more than €1.1 billion (£940 million; $1.34 billion).
The statements from Germany’s president come after King Charles acknowledged the “abhorrent and unjustifiable acts of violence committed against Kenyans” during their independence struggle, while on a visit to Nairobi.
However, the British monarch did not deliver a formal apology which would have to be decided by government ministers.
Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has expressed deep regret for the atrocities committed during the era of German colonial rule in Tanzania.
Mr. Steinmeier made these remarks while visiting a museum in the Tanzanian city of Songea, which serves as a memorial to the Maji Maji uprising that occurred at the beginning of the last century and was brutally quelled by German authorities.
During this brutal suppression, it is estimated that as many as 300,000 people lost their lives, primarily due to the systematic destruction of fields and villages by German troops.
The visit to the museum marked the conclusion of a three-day tour of Tanzania.
The Israeli government has verified the names of two people from Tanzania who are believed to be kidnapped by the Hamas group. They have been held captive since the attack on 7 October near the Gaza border.
Joshua Loitu Mollel and Clemence Felix Mtenga went to Israel for an agricultural internship program, according to a statement from Israel’s ministry of foreign affairs on Sunday.
“They were taken by bad people called Hamas and are being kept as prisoners in Gaza. ” “Please pray with us for their safe and quick return,” the message posted on X (formerly Twitter) said.
It sent pictures of both of them.
Joshua’s dad spoke to the BBC and said that the Israeli ambassador to Tanzania had contacted them. The ambassador assured them that the government was taking action with regard to the issue. The dad had previously talked about how the family is desperately looking for Joshua.
Clemence’s family has not talked to the public yet.
The embassy of Tanzania in Tel Aviv has not given a response to the statement yet.
According to the embassy, there are more than 350 people from Tanzania living in Israel. Out of these, around 260 are students.
An unidentified person from South Africa is one of 224 people being kept by Hamas, as said by the Israeli government.
Tanzania has recently finalized a 30-year port management agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a decision that has stirred significant controversy and opposition.
This landmark agreement entrusts Dubai Port (DP) World with the management of four berths or quays at Dar es Salaam, which happens to be Tanzania’s largest port. In addition to these four berths, DP World will engage in a collaborative effort with the Tanzania Ports Authority to oversee three more berths within the port’s premises.
A notable component of this partnership is DP World’s commitment to investing $250 million (£205 million) for the upgrading of the port’s infrastructure over the span of the next five years. This substantial investment aims to enhance the port’s capabilities and modernize its facilities.
However, the deal has not been without its share of criticism and opposition. Several activists, concerned citizens, and members of the opposition in Tanzania have raised objections to the agreement, claiming that it disproportionately favors the Emirati company at the expense of Tanzanian interests.
In response to the public outcry, the Tanzanian government has taken a controversial step by detaining over 22 individuals who were vocal in their opposition to the deal. While some have since been released, the situation has raised concerns, and human rights organization Amnesty International has been monitoring the developments closely.
Tanzanian authorities have defended the agreement, emphasizing that it does not encompass all port operations in the country. They assert that they retain the prerogative to terminate the contracts at any time if deemed necessary, further underscoring that the deal is expected to bolster national revenue and enhance overall efficiency within the port operations.
Despite the controversy and opposing voices, the Tanzanian government remains resolute in its pursuit of this port management agreement with the UAE as a crucial step towards economic development and progress.
Tanzania made an agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to manage their port for 30 years. Some people didn’t support this agreement, but it was still signed.
DP World, a company from Dubai, will be in charge of managing four areas at Dar es Salaam, which is Tanzania’s biggest port.
The company from the UAE and the Tanzania Ports Authority will work together to manage three additional areas for ships to dock at the port.
DP World will invest $250m (£205m) to improve the infrastructure of the port in the next five years.
Many people are criticizing the deal because they believe it benefits the company from the United Arab Emirates more than Tanzania.
According to Amnesty International, the government has arrested over 22 people who are against the agreement. However, a few of them have been released.
Tanzanian officials are saying that this agreement does not cover all activities happening at the ports in the country and they can cancel the contracts whenever they think it is needed.
The country in East Africa wants to increase the money it earns and improve how things work with the new agreement.
Tanzanian banks are encouraging their customers to make a transition to electronic payments and online banking in an effort to minimize potential disruptions in financial services during the upcoming rainy season.
The rains are expected to be heavier than usual due to the El Niño climate phenomenon, which occurs roughly every two to seven years and has a global impact on weather patterns.
The Tanzania Meteorological Authority has warned that El Niño could disrupt the upcoming short rainy season, which typically occurs from October to December. El Niño tends to result in flooding in northern regions, while some parts of the south receive less rainfall than usual.
The central bank has expressed concerns about the potential consequences of these weather patterns on vital sectors of the economy. It has also advised financial institutions to raise transaction limits for customers and obtain insurance coverage for loans provided to clients.
Additionally, the country’s disaster unit has recommended that residents in lowland areas consider relocating in preparation for possible flooding.
Banks in Tanzania are telling their customers to use electronic payments and online banking more to avoid any problems in the rainy season caused by heavy rains due to El Niño.
This is a natural weather event that happens every two to seven years and affects weather all over the world.
According to the Tanzania Meteorological Authority, El Niño could cause problems for the upcoming short rainy season in October to December. Usually, El Niño causes lots of flooding in the northern regions, but some places in the south receive less rain than usual.
The main bank warned that this could have negative effects on important parts of the economy. It also told banks to let customers spend more money and to get insurance for loans they give to clients.
The country’s disaster unit wants people who live in lowland areas to move somewhere else if there is a flood.
One of Tanzania’s prominent opposition leaders and former presidential candidate, Tundu Lissu, has been granted bail shortly after his arrest by police for allegedly participating in an unauthorized gathering.
Lissu, who serves as the vice chairman of Tanzania’s largest opposition party, CHADEMA, was apprehended, along with other party leaders, at a hotel in the northern region of Arusha on Sunday. He was later released the same evening, as reported by Lissu’s party on the social media platform X.
Since his return from exile in January, Lissu has been conducting political rallies across the country, criticizing President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration for its human rights record and its handling of a contentious ports management agreement.
His return from exile followed Hassan’s decision to lift a six-year ban on political rallies. Lissu had been residing in Belgium since his departure in 2020 after losing the presidential election to John Magufuli.
In June 2016, Magufuli imposed restrictions on elected officials holding rallies outside their constituencies, arguing that the election season had concluded and that rallies were an impediment to development. This evolved into a blanket ban on political gatherings, with the police rejecting opposition requests to organize rallies. In some instances, even internal party meetings were disrupted, with leaders and their followers facing harassment and arrests.
Magufuli himself continued to hold rallies and toured the country extensively by road, making numerous impromptu stops to engage with locals and make unscripted decisions.
Hassan, his successor, has taken steps to reconcile with the opposition, including lifting the ban. However, she has also been criticized for continuing some of her predecessor’s authoritarian policies, including the seven-month imprisonment of Chadema leader Freeman Mbowe on charges of “terrorism financing.”
On Sunday, the police stated that Lissu and three other individuals were detained for questioning regarding allegations of participating in an unlawful assembly and obstructing the police from performing their duties.
In a brief video shared on X, Lissu and other party members were seen making a V-for-victory hand gesture, a common symbol used by CHADEMA.
Tanzanian authorities have imposed a ban on the prominent rapper Emmanuel Elibariki, also known as Nay wa Mitego, preventing him from performing in the country due to his recent song that criticizes the government.
The rapper was subjected to lengthy police questioning in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday and was subsequently released on bail, as reported by his lawyer, Jebra Kambole, to the BBC.
The song, titled “Amkeni” in Swahili, which translates to “Wake Up,” contains strong criticism of the country’s leadership. It includes a line that appears to accuse the president of “nurturing thieves” and failing to fulfill her promises. Additionally, it criticizes the government’s agreement with a company from the United Arab Emirates for the development and operation of Tanzania’s port operations.
According to Mr. Kambole, the artist is facing allegations of incitement from both the country’s arts regulator, Basata, and the police. He stated, “Basata has complaints suggesting that the song contains provocative words. Furthermore, they have banned the song and prohibited him from performing in Tanzania.”
The lawyer clarified that they have explained to the police why the song “does not incite,” emphasizing that it addresses issues such as corruption, abuse of power, and the port, among others. He added, “The song does not incite people; its purpose is to highlight the shortcomings of the administration, and the aim of the song was to enlighten people.”
This incident is not the first time that the artist has encountered trouble with authorities. He has been arrested and released multiple times in the past due to his songs critiquing various national issues.
Kenyans and Tanzanians on social media have playfully bantered over recent remarks made by their respective presidents regarding their proficiency in speaking Swahili.
Swahili serves as the primary language in both East African nations, yet Kenyans have often faced jests for their perceived challenges in using standard Swahili, while Tanzanians have similarly endured teasing for their English language skills.
During a recent agriculture and food summit in Tanzania, President Samia Hassan light-heartedly chided her Kenyan counterpart, William Ruto, for not employing proper Swahili greetings. She remarked, “The other day [Mr] Ruto came here and taught us to say ‘jambo,’ but the correct term is ‘habari ya mchana.’ These Kenyans…we should enroll them in Swahili lessons.”
CNN correspondent Larry Madowo, who hails from Kenya and was hosting the forum, came to the defense of his president, saying, “I must stand up for my president… because Kenyans and Tanzanians are like siblings; we converse with Tanzanians in imperfect Swahili, and Tanzanians respond to us in less-than-perfect English. We carry on like that, as if it’s gospel,” he humorously declared in Swahili, evoking laughter from the audience.
This exchange underlines the warm relationship and shared cultural bonds between these neighboring nations.
Tanzanian officials have stopped rapper Emmanuel Elibariki, famous as Nay wa Mitego, from performing in the country. This is because his new song criticizes the government.
The rapper was asked a lot of questions by the police in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday. He was accused of encouraging people to do bad things. His lawyer, Jebra Kambole, said on Thursday that he was let go after paying bail money.
The song Amkeni, which means wake up in Swahili, is very critical of the leaders in the country. It includes a line that seems to accuse the president of supporting thieves and not keeping her promises.
It is also not happy about the government’s agreement with a company from the United Arab Emirates to build and manage Tanzania’s port operations.
The lawyer told the BBC that the artist is being accused of inciting trouble by both the country’s arts regulator, Basata, and the police.
“Basata received complaints about the song, saying that it has offensive words. Not only that, they have prohibited the song and banned him from performing in Tanzania,” explained Mr.
The lawyer said they had told the police why the song “is not encouraging” by saying that it talks about corruption, misuse of power, and the port.
“The song is not meant to provoke people. Its purpose is to highlight the administration’s flaws and the intention is to educate or set things right,” he said.
The artist has been in trouble with the authorities before. He has been arrested and released many times in the past because of his songs that criticize different national problems.
Authorities claim that a gang of teenage Maasai people who reside in the Ngorongoro conservation area in northern Tanzania have injured three journalists and one language interpreter.
The BBC was informed by Elibariki Bajuta, the area’s deputy commissioner for conservation, that the attack took place on Tuesday when the journalists were observing how the government was delivering “conservation-based education” to the local populace.
According to Mr. Bajuta, the attack is being investigated, and anybody found responsible will face legal repercussions.
According to him, the injured are receiving medical attention at a hospital in the nearby town of Karatu.
It occurs in the midst of a dispute between the government and certain Maasai community members who opposed the authorities removing them from what they consider to be their ancestral territory that broke out last year.
The authorities have started transferring residents to Tanga’s coastal area, claiming that the region’s ecosystem is at risk due to the rising human population in Ngorongoro.
Amnesty International is urging Tanzania to free three people who were detained for objecting to a deal the country’s government negotiated with the United Arab Emirates to manage all of its ports.
Over the weekend, authorities detained opposition activists Mdude Nyagali and Boniface Mwabukusi as well as former ambassador and opposition leader Willibrod Slaa.
A court petition was spearheaded by Mr. Mwabukusi, who claimed that the agreement threatened national security, sovereignty, and the constitution. After holding a news conference in Dar es Salaam to criticise the port agreement, Mr. Mwabukusi and Mr. Nyagali were detained.
According to their solicitors, all three men have been denied bail and were informed they would be prosecuted with treason, a crime that carries a mandatory death sentence. The accusations have received no public comments from the authorities.
Amnesty International has called on the authorities to “immediately and unconditionally release these activists,” saying that “the authorities must stop arbitrarily detaining activists simply for peacefully expressing their views.”
27-year-old Tanzanian Melkiori Dominick Mahinini was taken hostage in Nigeria and is now being held for ransom in the amount of $70,000 (Sh170 million).
The Major Seminarian hails from Kabanga Parish in the Kigoma Region and was sent to Nigeria by the Africa Missionary Society for his studies.
Bishop Joseph Mlola of the Kigoma Catholic Diocese said that the Frater and Priest Paul Sanogo of Burkina Faso were both kidnapped in Nigeria’s Minna Province.
“The two were abducted on August 3, 2023 by unknown people at the Saint Luke Gyedna Parish in the Minna Province,” said Bishop Mlola.
“The Frater has been in Nigeria for a missionary mission before proceeding for theological studies. We should pray to God that the two are rescued from any dangers and return in peace, light and complete freedom,” he added.
Dr. Benson Bana, the Tanzanian ambassador to Nigeria, acknowledged the occurrence and stated that all required steps are being taken to guarantee the two are released safely.
He noted that the country of Nigeria experiences many abductions and that precautions are being taken to protect the two.
“After receiving reports of abduction, the Embassy has informed the government at home (Tanzania). We have also communicated the matter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria as required by diplomatic procedures,” he told The Citizen over the phone.
He claimed that on August 3, a gang of unidentified individuals broke into Saint Luke Gyedna Parish, opened fire, and kidnapped two of the four people present.
The former University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) dean claimed to have learned that kidnappers are demanding a ransom of 100 million naira, or Sh325.1 million, according to information they have received.
He claims that the desired sum is $70,000, or more than Sh170 million.
“We are supposed to be careful with these people because they can inflate the ransom to over 500 million naira,” he cautioned.
According to Dr. Bana, they are currently working with the Africa Missionary Society, who have also already informed Nigerian law enforcement about the situation.
Bishop Gervas Nyaisonga, head of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), expressed disappointment on behalf of the Church at the brutal kidnapping episode.
“We insist on the importance of respecting the principles of human rights and stir on diplomatic efforts to ensure abducted people are unconditionally freed,” he told this paper, saying the Church is praying for the abductees to be rescued.
Mr. Dominick Mahinini, the father of the Frater, has requested that the Church work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation to free his son.
Furthermore, he claimed that on August 3, the Parish Priest informed him of allegations of his kidnapping.
“I have nothing to do rather than praying to God for his life. I ask the government’s support over the matter,” he said at his Masanza home in Kabanga Ward, Kasulu District.
According to him, the Diocese should collaborate with the Tanzania government to ensure his son is freed safely.
He claimed that despite the fact that the occurrence had taken place far away, his family had been shocked and alarmed when they learned of the abduction.
Melkiori, the fifth child in a family of nine, was called to serve God, according to Mr. Mahinini, who also noted that he had a responsibility to help Melkiori as a dad.
African countries emerged from the second Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg with a mix of benefits. For vulnerable nations like Somalia, Burkina Faso, Eritrea, Mali, and the Central African Republic, they can expect 50,000 tonnes of free grain soon.
In a significant move, Russia declared its forgiveness of more than $20 billion worth of debt owed by African countries. This debt relief includes countries such as Ethiopia ($5.7 billion), Libya ($4.5 billion), Angola ($3.5 billion), and Somalia ($684 million).
During the summit, Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, representing his country, engaged in fruitful discussions with senior executives from four Russian companies, exploring potential trade and business opportunities.
Majaliwa emphasized that Tanzania is banking on the fast-growing regional markets shared with neighboring countries like Kenya, Uganda, Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique. To meet the rising demand of over 800,000 tonnes of fertilizers per year, Tanzania seeks to establish fertilizer factories with the help of Russian companies, as the country can currently only meet 200,000 tonnes of that demand.
Russia’s post-summit announcement highlighted its objective to boost trade with Africa, especially in light of Western sanctions.
“We are planning to build up our trade in quality and quantity and improve its pattern. We are also going to gradually switch to national currencies, including the ruble, in making financial payments on commercial deals,” Russian leader Vladmir Putin told a press conference in St Petersburg.
“We will be removing trade barriers by aligning integration processes in the Eurasian Economic Union and the African Union and its free trade area. We intend to increase exports to Africa of Russian industrial products that have earned a good reputation on the continent, including machinery, automobiles, equipment, chemicals and fertilisers.”
Neocolonialism
Putin used the occasion to trumpet what he called a fight against neocolonialism and unilateralism in international order.
Comorian President and chair of the African Union Azali Assoumani was more diplomatic, indicating that Africa is banking on mutual victories in the fight for global justice.
“If Russia wins, Africa wins,” Assoumani said.
The St Petersburg Declaration, the common document agreed between the two sides, said they had agreed to “work together to counter manifestations of neo-colonial policies that aim to undermine the sovereignty of states, deprive them of the freedom to make their own decisions, and plunder their natural resources.”
Despite the fact that there were less participants than in 2019 (17 heads of state and government showed up), many believe the time of the summit was favorable for Russia to demonstrate its significance on the international scene.
“Unlike the West, Russia is the only power appearing to give solutions to food challenges in Africa, and it has coincided with a coup crisis in Africa, putting Russia at the centre of global security governance,” said Dr Nasong’o Muliro, a foreign policy and security specialist at the Global Centre for Policy and Strategy in Nairobi.
“The summit may have appeared low-key, but it was timely in improving global perceptions about Russia,” said Dr Nasong’o Muliro, a foreign policy and security specialist at the Global Centre for Policy and Strategy in Nairobi.
They will also “oppose the application of illegitimate unilateral restrictive measures, including secondary ones, as well as the practice of freezing sovereign foreign exchange reserves. Reaffirm the unacceptability of using political blackmail to bring leaders of third countries to implement such measures or influence the political and economic policies of states.”
African countries, however, will not be getting free lunch. In 2019, the Summit decided that Russia will invest $40 billion over five years. This year, Russia promised specialised programmes for healthcare, including the 1.2 billion rubles ($130 million) to prepare African countries to fight new infections. It runs until 2026.
But, as in the past, Russia won over African countries to side with it in fighting the “injustices’ in the world, including what it called unfair sanctions by the West.
The Aga Khan Hospital in Dar es Salaam has achieved a significant milestone in the treatment of obese patients, eliminating the need for them to seek treatment abroad.
Recently, the hospital successfully performed four weight-loss surgeries between July 24 and 28, signaling the beginning of more similar surgeries in the upcoming months.
In the past, the lack of such specialized services had compelled many Tanzanians and individuals from neighboring countries to incur substantial expenses by traveling abroad for treatment.
In Tanzania, Muhimbili National Hospital’s Mloganzila branch introduced the intragastric balloon placement service in November 2022 as one of the methods to address overweight and obesity. This weight-loss procedure involves placing a saline-filled silicone balloon in the patient’s stomach, helping them lose weight by limiting food intake and inducing a sense of fullness quicker.
The Aga Khan Hospital’s progress aligns with the government’s ambition to position Tanzania as a hub for medical tourism.
According to a report published in the BMC Endocrine Disorders journal, a considerable burden of diseases in Tanzania, including 14 percent of heart failure, 23 percent of ischemic heart disease, 44 percent of diabetes, 70 percent of hypertension, and up to 41 percent of cancer cases, can be attributed to excess body weight.
The report further highlights that Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) is experiencing a rapid shift from a predominantly underweight population to an overweight one. Currently, around 35 percent of SSA inhabitants are affected by excess body weight, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating a prevalence of up to 50 percent in urban areas.
According to the International Diabetic Federation (IDF), there were 897,000 reported cases of Diabetes
“Community studies from urban Tanzania have revealed escalating overweight and obesity rates from 24.1 to 34.5 percent and 19.2 to 23.4 percent respectively,” it reads in part.
Dr Mandela Makalala, Internal Medicine Specialist at the hospital said: “Bariatric surgery has shown to be a revolutionary game changer in the field of medicine.”
“Recent studies have shown that bariatric surgery could actually be a long-awaited cure for those people with Type 2 diabetes, and for those who are suffering from obesity, with no diabetes, it could reduce the risks of getting diabetes.”
The hospital attributed its achievements to a successful collaboration with Dr. Syed Tanseer Asgher, a renowned Bariatric surgeon from Pakistan, who possesses more than fifteen years of experience in the field. Dr. Asgher has performed over 3,000 successful bariatric procedures.
Dr. Athar Ali, the Head of Surgery at the Aga Khan Hospital, explained that weight loss surgery encompasses various procedures, including gastric bypass, which involves modifying the digestive system to facilitate weight loss in individuals.
He emphasized that the surgery is a specialized minimally invasive procedure, conducted through laparoscopic (keyhole surgery) techniques, with a primary focus on assisting individuals struggling with severe obesity to achieve significant weight loss while enhancing their overall quality of life and holistic health.
“Obesity increases the risk for various non-communicable diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease (from high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure), sleep apnea and asthma (from breathing problems), osteoarthritis, and cancer,” he said.
The Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) has recently announced an increase in fuel prices in Dar es Salaam, with petrol seeing a rise of Sh463 per litre, and diesel going up by Sh391 per litre.
EWURA attributes this price hike to various factors, including challenges in the availability of US Dollars, changes in fuel levy, fluctuations in global prices of petroleum products, and importation premiums.
The depreciation of the Tanzanian shilling against the US Dollar has also contributed to the increase in fuel prices. With the shilling trading at around Sh2,300 to a greenback in the past, it now stands between Sh2,505 and Sh2,610, affecting the cost of petroleum products locally.
For consumers of petroleum products in Tanzania, this means they will be paying more for fuel, regardless of global price fluctuations.
The Tanzania Truck Owners Association (TTOA) has expressed concerns over the fuel price hike, noting that petrol and diesel are significant drivers of inflation and have implications for governments worldwide.
“When the price of fuels rises, our operational costs will rise and so will the prices of everything else,” cautioned Mr. Lukumay. This, he added, is because everything else is being moved from one place to another—from producer to consumer—on vehicles using either diesel or gasoline.
Diesel is more frequently used to move commodities, but gasoline is far more widely used by everyday drivers.
Donath Olomi, chief executive officer of the Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship Development, claimed that the rise in fuel prices was causing more people to worry about inflation.Dr. Olomi, an economist and trade specialist, cautioned that the current prices (Sh463 for a litre of gasoline and Sh391 for diesel) represent a significant increase from before.
He went on to add: “The costs of living will be high as the skyrocketing of fuel prices have an impact on transport and transportation that tends to drive the costs of other products.”
To alleviate the impact of rising fuel prices, Dr. Olomi suggested that the government should consider providing subsidies to reduce the cost of fuel. This wouldn’t be the first time for such measures, as in May, the government had already provided a subsidy of Sh100 billion to lower fuel prices in the country.
In the long run, Dr. Olomi proposed that Tanzania should shift its focus towards natural gas to reduce its dependency on imported petrol and diesel. He emphasized the need for substantial investments in gas, which is a more cost-effective option compared to traditional fuels.
Currently, residents in Dar es Salaam spend around Sh17,000 to refill an 11-kilo cylinder of compressed natural gas (CNG). Given that a kilo of CNG has the energy equivalent of 1.39 liters of petrol, the price difference is significant, with petrol being 65.24 percent more expensive than CNG.
The increase in fuel prices is particularly challenging for drivers, whose livelihoods heavily rely on affordable fuels. The Tanzania Drivers Workers Union chairman, Schubert Mbakizao, warned that if fares don’t increase, some employers might consider suspending operations, leading to potential job losses for drivers without contracts.
The Tanzania Bus Owners Association (TABOA) secretary general, Priscus Joseph, expressed concerns about how the price hikes will affect them. For buses traveling to upcountry locations, the increased fuel costs will result in higher operational expenses, ranging from Sh100,000 to Sh250,000.
Joseph called on the respective authorities to review bus fares to help mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices. The Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) acting head of Public Relations and Communication, Salum Pazzy, stated that if stakeholders desire new fares, they should adhere to the appropriate procedures for fare adjustments.
“They need to file an application to us,” he underscored. However, he said, there were several factors to be considered before changing fares of public transport. The factors include prices of vehicles and spare parts, as well as the business trend.
It was unsuccessful to contact The Tanzania Association of Oil Marketing Companies (TAOMAC) for new comments.
But recently, The Citizen reported that the organization’s executive director, Mr. Raphael Mgaya, suggested that the government set up a system so that Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) may import fuels using the local currency.
Additionally, TAOMAC suggested a government-to-government agreement that will enable OMCs to make payments in installments notwithstanding the problem of the dollar shortage.
Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Bo Li, left Tanzania with a clear commitment to aiding the nation in achieving its full potential for growth.
Mr. Bo commended Tanzanian officials for their efforts in carrying out the nation’s economic reform.
“I commended the authorities’ commitment to preserving Tanzania’s macroeconomic stability in a challenging global environment,” he said in a statement on August 1.
“The authorities’ swift policy response helped contain inflation and safeguard the economy against spillovers from the war in Ukraine.”
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Tanzanian authorities to implement tax reforms to boost domestic revenue mobilization. This move would create the fiscal space necessary to finance social spending and priority investments, particularly in human capital, through increased spending on education and health.
In April, the IMF completed the first review of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program, resulting in the release of approximately $153 million for budget support. With this disbursement, Tanzania’s total access under the program reached around $304.7 million. The three-year program, amounting to $1.04 billion, was approved by the IMF board in July 2022, with an initial disbursement of about $151.7 million.
Tanzania’s economic recovery from the pandemic has been affected by both spillovers from the war in Ukraine and domestic factors. Economic growth slowed to an estimated 4.7 percent in 2022 from 4.9 percent in 2021.
However, the outlook for 2023 is more positive, with Tanzania’s economy expected to rebound to a growth rate of 5.2 percent. This recovery is attributed to the subsiding of global commodity price shocks and an improvement in the business environment.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has expressed its intention to expand its investment portfolio in Tanzania beyond the current value of Sh1.8 trillion. According to senior officials, this decision is in response to the Tanzanian government’s strategic plan to enhance the business climate and create a more favorable investment environment.
During a recent visit by the EIB team to Tanzania to assess ongoing projects, EIB Vice President Thomas Östros announced the potential increase in support. The delegation also held meetings with government officials from the Ministry of Finance and representatives from other multilateral institutions based in Tanzania. The EIB’s Eastern Africa hub office in Nairobi facilitated these discussions.
As the European Union’s long-term financing institution, owned by its member states, the EIB has already funded 28 projects in Tanzania, totaling Sh1.8 trillion (equivalent to 680 million euros). Additionally, the EIB has extended credit lines to commercial banks and microfinance institutions in Tanzania to support lending to the private sector, with a particular focus on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Some notable projects that the EIB has supported in Tanzania include the Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Programme in Mwanza, the Tanesco Power Project, the modernization of Dar es Salaam port, and the Kihansi hydroelectric power plant. The EIB’s continued commitment to Tanzania’s development underscores its dedication to fostering economic growth and sustainable progress in the country.
“I am pleased that the EIB team from the regional hub in Nairobi is following up on a pipeline of projects that we wish to support the government in actualising,” Mr Ostros said, according to a statement availed to The Citizen yesterday.
According to the statement, the EIB is currently preparing several new projects, including a solid waste management project in Tanga that is currently in a pre-feasibility study stage.
The project is under the EIB’s Clean Oceans Project Identification and Preparation (COPIP), which aims at reducing the amount of plastic waste ending up in oceans in the coastal cities of Sub-Saharan Africa. Other examples are direct investments in ICT companies to boost digitalisation.
Speaking during the visit, Tanzania’s Deputy Permanent Secretary for Public Finance Management, Amina K. Shaaban, said they were thrilled with the EIB visit.
“The fruitful discussions we have had on their support for development projects we can cooperate on with them. Their current visit is happening at the right time, as Tanzania is currently updating its Development Vision 2050 from the current one, which will end in 2025.”
She also lauded the work EIB Global is doing around providing investment support to women-led and/or women-owned projects with EU support.
Mr Ostros said he was pleased that the EIB team from the regional hub in Nairobi is following up on a pipeline of projects that they wish to support the government in actualizing.
“Our business model looks at ensuring that we work with the government to achieve shared development goals, which are also government priorities that improve citizens’ lives,” said Mr Östros.
He added: Having invested in over 28 projects to date, EIB has already signed over Sh1.8 trillion (680 million EUR) of support to the Government’s public sector initiatives, as well as offering credit lines (loans) to the country’s commercial banks and microfinance institutions for on-lending to private companies, especially SMEs, as well as to individuals in the private sector.
According to him, the bank has already disbursed Sh1.34 trillion, with more set to be released as projects kick-off.
EIB Global finances projects alongside other African and international development partners. In Tanzania, the bank works closely with the government to support investment in public sector infrastructure, back private sector business investment through local and international banks, and cooperate with large-scale corporate partners.
EIB Global’s growing interest in Tanzania has been showcased in various initiatives, including the EU-Tanzania business forum in February 2023, which brought together government officials, development partners, and business people from Europe and Tanzania, highlighting the various opportunities for economic partnership.
It was during this forum that EIB Global announced a Sh721 billion (270 million EUR) investment in the country, which included the bank’s largest-ever support to the Blue Economy anywhere in the world through a Sh267 billion (100 million EUR) financing initiative that is being implemented through partnering local commercial banks.
Hungary’s President, Katalin Novák, is scheduled to arrive in Tanzania today to commence her three-day visit to the country from July 17 to July 20, 2023.
During her visit, Ms. Novák will have a meeting with her host, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, on July 18, 2023, at the State House in Dar es Salaam, as announced by the State House’s Directorate of Presidential Communications.
Zuhura Yunus, the Director of Presidential Communications, highlighted the positive relationship between Tanzania and Hungary, particularly in the field of education. Hungary has sponsored numerous Tanzanian students, supporting their pursuit of bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and PhDs in various disciplines such as science, engineering, mathematics, and communication.
The diplomatic and economic ties between Tanzania and Hungary have been strong since the 1980s, although they experienced a decline in recent years. However, the relations are now on the path to recovery and regaining their previous strength.
During her time in Tanzania, President Novák will also have the opportunity to visit various attractions in the Arusha region. Her departure from Tanzania is scheduled for July 20, 2023, with her return journey to Hungary via Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Katalin Novák, at the age of 45, was elected as the President of the Republic of Hungary last year. She is not only the youngest president in the country’s history but also the first woman to hold this esteemed office.
Tanzania’s carbon offset market has garnered significant attention, attracting more than 20 corporations, including internationalinvestors, with a total investment value surpassing $20 billion (equivalent to Sh46.9 trillion).
This influx of investments is a result of the adoption of regulations and guidelines on carbon trading in Tanzania, which has facilitated an annual investment of over $1 billion (Sh2.3 trillion).
These investments align with Tanzania’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30-35 percent by 2030.
The country’s extensive protected forests, covering an area of 48 million hectares, present a lucrative market for carbon trading.
This provides a unique opportunity for Tanzania to leverage its natural resources, drive sustainable economic growth, and capitalize on the growing demand for carbon offsets.
The government’s success in attracting more than 20 corporations and their substantial investments in excess of $20 billion (Sh46.9 trillion) indicate that the production and sale of carbon offsets have become profitable in Tanzania.
Since the regulations and guidelines on carbon trading were adopted last October, according to Dr. Selemani Jafo, Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), investment has attracted more than $1 billion (Sh2.3 trillion), which will be mobilized annually through carbon trading throughout the country.
He was addressing yesterday at the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation’s (TPSF) High-Level Inter-Ministerial Dialogue on Carbon Trading.
Tanzania is on the cusp of a new age, one in which the carbon market may produce considerable benefits for the environment, local people, and the National Treasury, even if carbon offsets are intended to alleviate the consequences of climate change.
One metric ton of carbon or another GHG is equal to one carbon offset, which costs $65 (or around Sh152,100). According to Dr. Jafo, carbon trading would help the nation’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which aim to reduce GHG emissions by 30-35 percent by 2030.
“We need to establish further cooperation between Tanzania and carbon credit investors and partners for our economy and future generations,” said Dr Jafo. “We are committed to supporting all investors and stakeholders in carbon trading in our country,” he added.
According to Tanzania Forest Service Agency (TFS), Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (Tawa), Tanzania National Parks Authority (Tanapa), and Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) deputy minister for natural resources and tourism Mary Masanja, over 20 companies had submitted applications.
The investors are from Kenya, Russia, Singapore, the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Switzerland, Estonia, and Italy, according to Ms. Masanja. She stated, “We have already entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with some companies, and talks with others under the coordination of the National Carbon Monitoring Centre, are in progress.”
She said that the businesses planned to make investments in the central government’s game reserves, village woods, community-based wildlife management areas, tree planting programs, reserve forests, and more.
According to Ms. Masanja, Tanzania has 48 million hectares of protected forests, creating a market for carbon. “With the introduction of the carbon trade regulations, we are optimistic that citizens will stop cutting down trees, and instead capitalize on the available potential,” Ms. Masanja highlighted.
In this time of swift global change, according to TPSF Executive Director Raphael Maganga, it is critical for Tanzania to take a strategic position in the carbon market.
“With over 51 percent of the land covered with forests, Tanzania has a unique opportunity to capitalize on our rich natural resources,” said Mr Maganga. “We need to embrace renewable energy solutions and implement environmentally friendly projects that will attract investment, create jobs and contribute to our economic growth,” he added.
Africa, with its vast coastline spanning 18,950 miles across 54 countries, is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking beaches.
Offering diverse landscapes and a range of activities, these coastal gems cater to romantic getaways, family vacations, and thrilling adventures. Let’s explore ten must-visit beaches in Africa that showcase the continent’s awe-inspiring natural wonders.
1. Anse Source D’Argent, La Digue Island, Seychelles:
Located on the tranquil southwest coast of Seychelles’ La Digue Island, Anse Source D’Argent stands out as one of the archipelago’s most mesmerizing beaches. Garnering accolades from prestigious travel publications, it has rightfully earned the title of the world’s most photographed beach. With its crystal-clear waters, ideal swimming conditions, and vibrant marine life, this beach is a haven for snorkeling and sunbathing enthusiasts.
Nestled on the west coast of the Cape Peninsula, Camps Bay is not only a beautiful bay but also an affluent suburb of Cape Town. Its stunning white sand, along with breathtaking views of the ocean and Lion’s Head mountains, creates a picturesque setting. Camps Bay Beach offers an ideal backdrop for group activities and romantic strolls during warm summer evenings. The suburb’s luxury beachfront restaurants and boutique hotels attract celebrities and stylish visitors alike.
Situated on Zanzibar’s main island, Unguja, Nungwi stands as the second-largest settlement after Stone Town. This beach perfectly blends tradition and modernity, offering warm and sunny weather thanks to its equatorial location. Travelers flock to Nungwi for its exquisite beauty, wide range of activities, and accommodation options to suit every budget.
4. Margarida, Príncipe:
Located in the Mé-Zóchi District of São Tomé and Principe, Santa Margarida village boasts a 550-meter-long stretch of golden sand known as Margarida Beach. Its shallow, clear waters make it ideal for swimming and leisurely walks along the shoreline. This popular tourist destination offers a marina, navigable waterways, dining options, shopping, and a vibrant nightlife.
5. Plage d’Agadir, Morocco:
Situated just 2.3 kilometers from Agadir’s city center, Plage d’Agadir is one of the top-rated beaches in the Souss-Massa region. The beach’s length ensures it rarely feels overcrowded, making it a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike. With its calm waters, protection from winds, and pleasant ambiance, Plage d’Agadir is perfect for families with young children.
6. Trou aux Biches, Mauritius:
Nestled along Mauritius’ northern coast in the Pamplemousses district, the small settlement of Trou aux Biches boasts one of the island’s most stunning public beaches. Recognized as the World’s Leading Beach Destination at the 2011 World Travel Awards, Trou aux Biches offers a range of resorts and boutique hotels. Its convenient location, just west of Port Louis, makes it easily accessible for visitors.
7. Lamu Archipelago, Kenya Coast:
The Lamu Archipelago, situated near Kenya’s northern coast in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its pristine beaches and rich African-Arabic coastal heritage. Lamu Island, the highlight of the archipelago, offers white sandy beaches, delectable cuisine, friendly locals, and various accommodation options. Visitors can also indulge in dhow sailing, dolphin watching, and exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lamu Town.
8. Bazaruto Island, Mozambique:
Bazaruto, meaning the “island of the mist,” is part of the Bazaruto Archipelago, a national park since 1971. These picturesque islands in Mozambique boast untouched beauty and diverse ecologies. Snorkeling enthusiasts can marvel at over 2,000 fish species inhabiting the pristine coral reefs, alongside whales and dolphins. Fishing and surfing opportunities add to the allure of this Southern African destination.
9. Naama Bay, Egypt:
Located in the resort city of Sharm El Sheikh, Naama Bay allures tourists with its vibrant ambiance. Boasting cafes, restaurants, hotels, and bazaars, the bay offers a wide range of activities, including swimming, surfing, kayaking, and diving among exotic coral reefs. With year-round sunshine and pleasant temperatures, Naama Bay guarantees unforgettable vacations.
10. Île Sainte-Marie, Madagascar:
Known as a favored tourist destination, Île Sainte-Marie in Madagascar is a tiny island with a rich historical past as a pirate haven. Its idyllic setting features white sandy beaches, natural pools, and vibrant coral reefs. Visitors are captivated by the island’s unique atmosphere and find it difficult to leave.
Africa’s stunning beaches offer an array of natural wonders, making them irresistible to travelers seeking memorable experiences. From the idyllic shores of Seychelles and Zanzibar to the vibrant coasts of Cape Town and Lamu Archipelago, each beach presents its own allure. Whether you crave relaxation, adventure, or cultural exploration, Africa’s beaches are waiting to provide an unforgettable escape.
A statement released by DPO Pay on July 11 2023, the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has approved the company’s application to operate as a payment service provider in Tanzania.
The local company One Payment Tanzania Limited is the DPO’s registered name.
The business has obtained a license in accordance with the National Payment System Act of 2015, which stipulates that in order to offer payment services in Tanzania, Payment Service Providers (PSPs) must go through a rigorous application process.
The license, according to DPO Pay’s managing director Judy Waruiru, highlights the company’s dedication to regulatory and compliance requirements.
“This milestone demonstrates our dedication to driving financial inclusion and economic growth in Tanzania, empowering businesses of all sizes to thrive in the digital era.
“We will continue to prioritise the security of transactions, adhering to stringent data protection protocols and industry best practices,” Ms Waruiru said in the statement.
According to DPO Pay, which has been effectively functioning throughout Africa since 2006, Network International, a key enabler of digital commerce throughout the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, just bought the company.
In order to provide secure and continuous services to its partners and merchants, it has closely collaborated with regulators across the continent to get new licenses.
With its considerable experience in the travel and tourist industry, DPO Pay has attracted the attention and trust of major companies across a variety of industries, including hotels and resorts in Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar.
The company, the statement said, has established itself as the preferred payment solution for major merchants in the region, including industries such as Airlines, Hotels, online retailers and logistic companies.
With a firm focus on expanding its network, DPO Pay continues to seek collaboration with top-tier businesses and brands, and cater to the diverse needs of merchants across various industries.
The company’s robust security systems ensure that merchants and consumers can transact with confidence, safeguarding their sensitive information and maintaining the highest standards of integrity. With the recently updated DPO Pay Mobile app, merchants are able to collect and receive payments anywhere and anytime.
DPO Pay provides efficient payment solutions enabling businesses and individuals across the continent to accept both local and international payment options.
It has developed integrated payments technology to support businesses of all sizes in over 20 countries and accept payments securely and swiftly in multiple currencies and through diverse payment methods including cards, mobile money, bank transfers, USSD, and EFT.
Customers and businesses may interact with confidence because to the company’s strong security measures, which protect sensitive data and uphold the highest standards of integrity. The recently upgraded DPO Pay Mobile software allows businesses to accept payments anywhere at any time.
Businesses and people across the continent can accept both domestic and foreign payment methods thanks to DPO Pay’s effective payment solutions.
In order to help businesses of all sizes in more than 20 countries, it has developed integrated payments technology. This technology enables them to securely and quickly accept payments in numerous currencies using a variety of payment methods, including cards, mobile money, bank transfers, USSD, and EFT.
The Managing Director of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Limited Company (BOST), Edwin Alfred Provencal, has been honored as Africa’s Most Respected CEO in the Petroleum (Storage and Distribution category) for the year 2022.
The Managing Director of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Limited Company (BOST), Mr. Edwin Alfred Provencal, was named Africa’s Most Respected CEO in the Petroleum (Storage and Distribution category) for the year 2022.
The prestigious event took place at the Intercontinental Resort in Balaclava, Mauritius, under the auspices of the Business Executive and the Economic Development Board of Mauritius.
The awards platform recognizes corporate leaders who contribute to the advancement of Africa and its population. Mr. Ladislaus Matindi, the Managing Director of Air Tanzania Company Limited, also received recognition as Africa’s Most Respected CEO 2022 in the Air Transport category.
Mr. Provencal dedicated the award to the Board, Management, and Staff of BOST, acknowledging their significant role in the company’s turnaround.
The citation highlighted Mr. Provencal’s efforts in revitalizing BOST, bringing it from years of losses to profitability and transforming the company’s assets.
The event emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors for Africa’s progress, with a focus on leveraging the opportunities presented by the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).
The Africa’s Most Respected CEO Awards seeks to honor exceptional leadership in both the private and public sectors as Africa strives for socio-economic development.
In the aftermath of several decades, Tanzania has decided to lift the long-standing ban on night-time upcountry bus travel.
The government’s decision took into account input from stakeholders in the transport sector, as well as improvements in infrastructure and security.
During the announcement in parliament, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa stated that the ban had been implemented in the 1990s due to an increase in road accidents and incidents of bus hijackings.
He has now directed the relevant authorities to work to “establish a procedure to be followed by the owners and drivers of passenger buses who intend to transport passengers at night”.
The association of Tanzanian bus owners has welcomed the lifting of the ban, recognizing its potential to stimulate growth in the transport sector.
Authorities in Tanzania have detained two church leaders on suspicion of holding a number of sick individuals and promising to treat them through prayer and local plants.
The more than 100 people were being kept in so-called traditional wards (mud-walled huts with brick beds) built around the church in Nyamhinza village, Misungwi district, in the north-western region of Mwanza – with no medical treatment or food being provided.
Some had been there for up to a month and they were required to find food for themselves until they fully recovered.
They were found after locals alerted the police that some people were dying after leaving hospitals, including a woman who had joined the church soon after giving birth to twins.
At the end of last week, the police took the sick people back to hospitals for treatment. They are now investigating possible deaths and whether there are bodies buried nearby.
Mwanza regional police commander, Wilbroad Mutafungwa, told journalists on Wednesday that initial investigations didn’t show there were people buried there but they were still keeping a close watch.
He confirmed the arrests of the suspects, church leaders William Masum and his wife Kabula Lushika, saying they didn’t have permits to conduct worship and prayer activities, or to provide traditional healing services. They have not commented on the accusations.
“We are now doing a detailed investigation, including interrogating the suspects. Meanwhile I ask locals with classified information that will help the investigation to come forward and talk to the police,” he said.
The church is said to have been in operation for more than five years.
Two church leaders in Tanzania have been arrested by authorities for allegedly unlawfully detaining over 100 sick individuals, whom they promised to heal through prayer and traditional remedies.
The individuals were held in traditional wards, mud-walled huts with brick beds, located around the church in Nyamhinza village, Misungwi district, in the northwestern region of Mwanza.
During their detention, the individuals received no medical treatment or food and were required to find sustenance for themselves until they recovered.
Some had been confined for as long as a month. Local residents raised concerns and informed the police after several individuals who had left hospitals, including a woman who recently gave birth to twins and joined the church, died.
In response, the police intervened, returning the sick individuals to hospitals for proper medical care.
The authorities are now investigating potential deaths and the possibility of hidden bodies nearby. Mwanza regional police commander, Wilbroad Mutafungwa, stated that initial investigations did not uncover any evidence of buried bodies but maintained vigilance on the matter.
The arrested suspects, church leaders William Masum and Kabula Lushika (his wife), were found to be operating without the necessary permits for conducting worship, prayer activities, and traditional healing services.
As of now, the accused individuals have not provided any statements regarding the allegations.
“We are now doing a detailed investigation, including interrogating the suspects. Meanwhile I ask locals with classified information that will help the investigation to come forward and talk to the police,” he said.
The church is said to have been in operation for more than five years.
Tanzanians are furious after learning that a middle-aged lady sexually assaulted an eight-year-old kid and exposed him to STDs.
Desderia Mbwelwa, 57, has been sentenced to 29 years in prison at a court on Friday but details of the verdict have not been widely reported until now.
On the day of the attack, the woman found the victim herding cattle at a village in southern district of Iringa and asked where his friends were.
She is then said to have sexually assaulted him under a tree after he said that his friends were not around.
The case had five witnesses including a doctor who examined the boy and confirmed he had injuries and had contracted sexual infections due to contamination in the genital area.
Mbwelwa is said to have defended herself by saying she is an adult with children and grandchildren who depend on her.
Her lawyer, Frank Mwela, said that he plans to appeal against the verdict because his client was not tested to confirm if she indeed had sexually transmitted diseases.
“My client was not tested positive for those diseases, which both my client and her witness have confirmed they do not have because one of the witnesses is her husband,” he said.
