Category: The Citizen

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has officially launched a new political party, formalising his split with former ally Ousmane Sonko and setting the stage for a fresh political contest within the country’s ruling camp.

The new party, Republican Patriots, was unveiled on Saturday after months of growing tensions between Faye and Sonko, leader of the ruling Pastef party. The two leaders swept to power together in the 2024 presidential election on a joint platform that promised to tackle corruption, create jobs and secure a greater share of Senegal’s oil, gas and mineral wealth.

In recent weeks, several senior Pastef officials, regional leaders and members of the party’s youth wing have defected to Faye’s new movement. Some politicians from the opposition Alliance for the Republic have also joined the president’s camp. The alliance between Faye and Sonko began to unravel over disagreements on key government policies, particularly how Senegal should negotiate with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as the country grapples with a deepening debt crisis.

Earlier this year, Faye dismissed Sonko as prime minister, replacing him with Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo. Sonko, however, retained significant political influence after his party maintained its parliamentary majority and he was later elected president of the National Assembly. A new Cabinet formed in June excluded Pastef ministers after Sonko announced that his party would not participate in the government.

The rift has cast uncertainty over the reform agenda that brought the two men to power. Their administration has faced mounting economic pressure after officials discovered that the previous government had underreported billions of dollars in public borrowing, worsening Senegal’s debt burden and complicating efforts to implement campaign promises.

Political analysts say the creation of Republican Patriots marks a new chapter in Senegal’s politics and is likely to reshape the country’s political landscape ahead of local elections in 2027 and the presidential race scheduled for 2029.

The Tanzania Police Force has announced that 36 out of 130 suspects recently arrested in a nationwide crackdown on alleged criminal incitement and conspiracy have been formally arraigned in court.

According to a public statement released by Police Headquarters in Dodoma on Sunday, July 26, 2026, the suspects are facing serious charges linked to terrorism and the promotion of civil unrest.

This development follows an initial report issued by the police on July 9, 2026, which detailed the arrest of 130 individuals across the country.

Authorities stated that the group had been under surveillance by defence and security agencies for their activities on various platforms, including social media, where they were allegedly planning and inciting chaos and violence through protests that do not follow the laws of the country.

The Police Spokesman noted in the statement that the evidence gathered against the accused is comprehensive and covers both digital and physical interactions.

“Evidence collected through various means showed the existence of conspiracy, planning by words and by actions through face-to-face meetings, and discussions in online clubs which even those who managed to enter heard,” the statement read.

Furthermore, the suspects are accused of preparing and distributing various messages through networks and leaflets distributed in various areas.

The allegations against the group extend beyond the organisation of illegal demonstrations.

The police statement revealed a series of alarming plots aimed at destabilising national security and public order.

These included plans to assassinate government leaders and private citizens who did not support their agenda.

In a bid to create widespread panic, the suspects allegedly planned to “burn schools to bring fear and panic to parents and guardians.’

There were also alleged plots to sabotage the national power grid by “blowing up electrical transformers so that the country remains in darkness.’

To further hinder the government’s response to these criminal acts, the suspects reportedly planned to cut down trees to block roads, thereby preventing defence and security forces from reaching targeted areas quickly to provide assistance.

The statement further alleged that the suspects intended to destroy and burn both public and private property.

Perhaps most concerning to authorities were reports of planned attacks on security officers with the specific intention of “robbing them of weapons to use them to achieve the goals they had planned.’

The Police Force has categorised these actions as acts of terrorism under Tanzanian law.

In the statement, the spokesman clarified that, legally, terrorist acts include “conspiracy, planning, and inciting to perform acts built on fear to cause great fear to people, planning and inciting to injure and kill people, inciting to rob weapons… and preventing essential services by destroying infrastructure.’

A significant portion of the evidence involves the recovery of dangerous materials.

Police confirmed that among the 36 individuals already brought to court are four suspects who were apprehended in Iringa Region while in possession of 155 explosives.

Authorities have indicated that the legal process is far from over.

“Others will continue to be brought to court, including those who are still being sought following the evidence collected,” the statement noted.

The Tanzania Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, has vowed to continue its duties with a high level of professionalism to ensure the safety of all Tanzanians and the nation at large.

The public has been encouraged to remain law-abiding as judicial proceedings against the suspects continue.

The upcoming Nanenane agricultural exhibition in Zanzibar is set to take a new direction, focusing heavily on training women and youth to encourage agribusiness and reduce reliance on food imports.

Attracting investment into farming and livestock forms a core part of the archipelago’s strategic plan to achieve food self-sufficiency.

The 10th edition of the annual exhibition will run from August 1 to 8 at the Dole Kizimbani grounds, featuring 340 exhibitors across the agricultural and livestock sectors.

Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi is expected to officiate as the chief guest.

Addressing journalists on Sunday, July 26, 2026, the Minister for Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources and Livestock, Mr Suleiman Masoud Makame, said this year’s event will focus on practical demonstrations rather than theory.

“This time we are demonstrating practically where we started and where we have reached. We will hold tailored practical training sessions for farmers and livestock keepers, guiding them on how to start poultry farming or vegetable gardening step by step,” said Mr Makame.

He noted that the exhibition will adopt a more professional approach rather than serving merely as a marketplace for entrepreneurs displaying personal goods.

Mr Makame said the ministry will partner with financial institutions, agricultural organisations, and other stakeholders to teach, advise, and empower women and young people.

Success stories of individuals who built thriving ventures from scratch will also be highlighted to inspire new entrants into farming, livestock, horticulture, and spice cultivation.

A central goal of the event is attracting investment to cut external food reliance, particularly rice, where Zanzibar imports nearly 80 percent of its annual demand of 154,000 tonnes.

“We will utilise this exhibition primarily to pursue investors capable of investing in paddy farming and irrigation infrastructure,” he added.

Under the theme “Youth and women are catalysts for development,” the initiative aims to drive commercial farming.

The ministry is working alongside financial institutions, including the Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB), to facilitate access to affordable loans.

Participants expressed strong optimism about high turnout, though farmer Rajab Ramadhan Abdallah noted that the grounds require future expansion to accommodate growing interest.

The call was concurred by Minister Makame, confirming that space constraints remain a challenge as application requests continue to arrive.

The opposition Chadema has cleared an initial legal hurdle after the High Court of Tanzania granted it leave to file an application for judicial review against the Registrar of Political Parties.

Delivering the ruling on Thursday, July 23, 2026, High Court Judge Irvin Mgeta of the Manyara Sub-Registry also dismissed three preliminary objections raised by the Registrar and the Attorney General (AG).

Crucially, the court issued a temporary injunction restraining the Registrar from penalising the main opposition party pending the final determination of the main application. The ruling stems from application number 12812 of 2026, brought by Chadema’s Secretary General and the party’s Board of Trustees.

The applicants were represented by advocates Mpare Mpoki, Nyaronyo Kicheere, Jebra Kambole, and Hekima Mwasipu.

The legal dispute was triggered by a letter dated May 7, 2026, from the Registrar, requiring Chadema to show cause why it should not face suspension or financial penalties for alleged violations of sections 9(2) and 19(2)(f) of the Political Parties Act (Cap 258), as amended in 2023.

Among the accusations, the Registrar alleged that Chadema interfered with the judicial process by demanding the unconditional release of its National Chairman, Mr Tundu Lissu, who faces treason charges.

The Registrar cited inflammatory and disrespectful remarks allegedly made by party leaders against public officials, including the President of the United Republic of Tanzania.

In response, Chadema challenged the notice as irrational, unlawful, and biased.

The party argued that the Registrar wrongly cited provisions applicable only to provisionally registered parties, held the party accountable for personal statements made by individual members, and demonstrated pre-judgment in public media statements broadcast.

Furthermore, Chadema cited the arbitrary suspension of its subsidies and non-recognition of its elected leadership as clear evidence of bias.

Dismissing the state’s preliminary objections regarding alleged flaws in Chadema’s affidavits, Judge Mgeta ruled that the objections lacked merit and confirmed that the party met all procedural criteria for judicial review.

‘The application was filed within the statutory six-month timeframe, and the applicants have demonstrated sufficient interest and an arguable case that merits judicial determination,’ noted Judge Mgeta.

The temporary order preventing the Registrar from imposing sanctions or fines against Chadema remains active until the main judicial review application is fully heard and decided.

The sixth edition of the Yas Zanzibar International Marathon has officially been launched, with organisers confirming that the race will take place on October 25, as they target more than 10,000 local and international participants.

The event, launched in Zanzibar on Thursday, will once again have telecommunications company Yas Tanzania as the title sponsor for the fifth consecutive year, underlining the firm’s continued investment in sports development, healthy living and sports tourism.

This year’s edition will also introduce a fully digital registration and payment system through the Mixx by Yas platform, aimed at providing participants with a seamless registration experience. Launching the marathon, Zanzibar’s minister for information, culture, arts, and sports, Dr Riziki Pembe Juma, said the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar remains committed to working with the private sector to organize sporting events that stimulate economic growth, boost tourism, and promote healthier lifestyles.

“The Yas Zanzibar International Marathon has evolved beyond an athletics competition. It has become a platform that showcases Zanzibar to the world, promotes sports tourism, nurtures athletic talent and encourages people to embrace physical exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle,” said Dr Pembe.

She said the government would continue supporting initiatives that contribute to sports development while creating economic opportunities for local communities.

Yas Tanzania Chief Financial Officer Innocent Rwetabura said the company remains committed to using sport as a tool to unite communities, encourage active lifestyles, and position Zanzibar as one of Africa’s leading sports tourism destinations.

“The growing number of participants each year demonstrates increasing awareness of the importance of physical activity, especially as Tanzania continues to address the rise in non-communicable diseases,” he said.

Rwetabura added that the marathon has become an important platform for nurturing young talent while generating business opportunities for the tourism sector, hospitality industry, and other local enterprises as visitor numbers continue to rise.

He also noted that Yas continues to strengthen Zanzibar’s digital economy through the expansion of fiber broadband services and 4G and 5G networks across the islands.

The 2026 edition will be held under the theme “Kasi Swadakta kwa Viwango,” with organizers encouraging Tanzanians and international runners to register early for what is expected to be one of East Africa’s biggest road races.

More than 90 Tanzanians have been rewarded with cash prizes and electronic appliances through Mixx’s ongoing “Ikiingia tu Goli” campaign, with the digital financial services provider set to award its Sh50 million grand prize in the final draw next week.

The announcement was made during the presentation of prizes to winners of the campaign’s ninth draw, where Mixx reaffirmed its commitment to promoting digital financial services by rewarding customers who actively use the platform.

Mixx Head of Corporate and Partnerships, Justine Lawena, said the campaign, organised in partnership with Hisense, has continued to attract strong participation while encouraging more Tanzanians to embrace secure and convenient digital transactions.

In the latest draw, 10 customers emerged as winners, with seven receiving Sh1 million each in cash and three others taking home Hisense electronic appliances.

The latest winners bring the total number of beneficiaries to more than 90 since the campaign was launched.

“The FIFA World Cup may be over, but the biggest moment in our campaign is still to come. Next week, one lucky Tanzanian will walk away with the Sh50 million grand prize,” Lawena said.

He encouraged customers to continue transacting through the Mixx Super App, saying every eligible transaction increases their chances of winning.

Lawena also reminded customers to answer calls from 100, the official number used to contact winners.

“We urge customers to answer calls from number 100. Missing that call could mean missing the opportunity to confirm your prize. There is still time to participate by continuing to use Mixx services,” he said.

One of the Sh1 million winners, David Kisusi, credited the campaign with strengthening his confidence in the platform.

“I rely on Mixx for my daily transactions because it allows me to pay utility bills and access various services conveniently from my phone,” Kisusi said.

“What gives me even greater confidence is the platform’s security. Even when a transaction is made by mistake, there is prompt support to stop or reverse it.”

The “Ikiingia tu Goli” campaign is a joint initiative between Mixx and Hisense aimed at accelerating the adoption of digital financial services in Tanzania. It concludes next week with the announcement of the winner of the Sh50 million grand prize.

Tanzania basketball administrators have received a stern wake-up call following comments from Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda, who has challenged them to show commitment to the sport or step aside.

Known for his integral and hands-on approach in sports development, Makonda told basketball authorities to shape up, put up, or get out. Not biting his tongue or mincing words, Makonda puts the spotlight firmly on administrators for the disarray of Tanzanian basketball ahead of Tanzania’s Taifa Cup basketball tournament.

“The sports that want to remain where they are should prove they are committed or step aside for new blood,” Makonda said.

“For basketball, let the responsible bodies send their teams for the Taifa Cup. If they don’t send their teams, then they should step aside.”

The Taifa Cup will be Tanzania’s premier basketball tournament of 2026 and offers administrators a chance to prove their commitment to growing the sport at home. However, the drumbeats are only getting louder: stepping up efforts is nothing new in Tanzanian sport, but Makonda’s bold pronouncement has ignited conversation around where basketball goes from here.

Taifa Cup becomes a test of basketball commitment

Basketball is one of Tanzania’s most popular sports after football and continues to see robust participation at the grassroots level, particularly in urban centers. Coached by Egyptian Lasheen Tharwat, the Tanzania women’s national basketball team is the Twiga Stars and regularly competes in FIBA Africa Women’s competitions.

The Taifa Basketball League has offered a domestic route for talented players to continue their basketball careers, while below that there are schools, clubs, and district competitions. Key officials and administrators have expressed concern about the lack of growth and investment in Tanzanian basketball over the years. Better competitions, more visibility, notoriety, coverage on Tanzania betting sites on bettingtop10.com, and clearer development pathways have been common themes among those involved in the sport.

But the Taifa Cup presents a timely opportunity to change the conversation and prove basketball leaders can follow through on their responsibility to the sport.

Leadership under the spotlight

In his remarks, Makonda touched on a common thread among sports administrators in Tanzania: proving you have what it takes to lead. In basketball, football, athletics, and boxing, among other sports in Tanzania, leaders have been criticized when progress appears to slow or stall.

Makonda has consistently shown support for sports and athletes in Tanzania and made it clear that he feels responsible administrators should be doing more to help their respective sports.

Included in that work are:

Developing grassroots programs

Ensuring competitions are taking place

Helping clubs

Improving national teams

Basketball’s next chapter

The future of Tanzanian basketball is still very much up for debate, but what is certain is that the appetite to watch and play basketball in Tanzania remains high. Basketball continues to draw huge crowds across the country, especially in Zanzibar. Successful Tanzanian basketball athletes have also represented the nation on the continent and beyond.

The sport needs strong administrators and stakeholders who can push for more sponsorship and help navigate a challenging sports landscape. Everyone connected to basketball in Tanzania can agree on that.

Where basketball goes from here remains to be seen. However, it is a slam dunk about what needs to happen. The onus is now on administrators to prove they have what it takes or relinquish control to those who do.

Marvel Studios has officially introduced the next generation of Wakanda, announcing British actor David Jonsson as the adult Prince T’Challa in Black Panther 3. The reveal was made during Marvel’s Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con, where director Ryan Coogler confirmed his return to helm the highly anticipated sequel. The film is scheduled to hit cinemas on December 15, 2028.

Rather than recasting Chadwick Boseman’s King T’Challa, Jonsson will portray his son, also named T’Challa, known as Toussaint who was introduced as a young boy in the closing moments of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

The decision continues Marvel’s approach of honouring Boseman’s legacy while advancing the story through a new generation of Wakandan heroes.

Jonsson joined Coogler, Letitia Wright and Winston Duke on stage for the announcement, where he thanked the cast and fans, saying he was honoured to join the Marvel family.

Wright, who returns as Shuri, has also expressed excitement about welcoming Jonsson into the franchise, with Shuri expected to remain a central figure in Wakanda’s future.

The 32-year-old actor has quickly emerged as one of Britain’s most exciting rising stars, earning acclaim for performances in Rye Lane, Industry, Alien: Romulus and The Long Walk. His casting continues Marvel’s tradition of elevating breakout talent to headline major franchises.

Marvel also confirmed that Academy Award-winning director Ryan Coogler is returning to write and direct the third installment, while acclaimed actor Denzel Washington is set to join the cast in an undisclosed role, adding even more anticipation to the next chapter of the Black Panther saga.

As Zanzibar prepares to host the International Technology and Artificial Intelligence Expo, the government has announced plans to transform the islands into a hub for innovation and digital transformation in Africa.

The expo, organised by South Africa-based Africa Business Inc in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications, Information Technology and Innovation and the Unique Touch Company, aims to bring together policymakers and technology stakeholders to discuss and promote the growth of the digital economy.

Speaking at a press briefing on the expo on Friday, July 24, 2026, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and Innovation Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga said the initiative is part of efforts to position Zanzibar as an attractive destination for investment by leading global technology companies.

“We want to see major global technology companies such as Google, Amazon, Meta and others establish their headquarters or branches here, and for Zanzibar to become a centre of innovation. To achieve that, we need platforms such as this,” said Mr Soraga.

He said the government is continuing to establish policies and create a favourable investment environment while developing laws that align with technological advancement to strengthen the sector.

The Unique Touch managing director, Mr Edwin George, said the expo aims to bring together experts from different countries and fields to share knowledge and explore opportunities in technology.

He said artificial intelligence (AI) has already begun transforming business operations, education systems and government administration, making it necessary for societies to embrace technological change.

“It is important for Zanzibar to be part of these changes and ensure that our young people, entrepreneurs, innovators and institutions have an opportunity to fully participate in this new digital economy,” he said.

The Director of Innovation at the Ministry of Communications, Information Technology and Innovation, Mr Samola Chacha, said Zanzibar would benefit from the expo through increased knowledge and awareness in information and communication technology (ICT).

Speaking virtually, Africa Business Inc chief marketing officer Lebohang Norwana said the expo represents an important opportunity for Zanzibar.

She said Zanzibar’s strategic geographical location, combined with its rich cultural and historical heritage, makes it an ideal destination for hosting major international technology events.

“For a long time, Zanzibar has been known for its attractive beaches and tourism sector, but it is now seeking to expand its economy by taking advantage of opportunities created by the digital technology revolution,” she said.

Hosting an international technology event of this scale places Zanzibar in a strong position to attract technology-driven investments, particularly in artificial intelligence, financial technology (FinTech), agricultural technology (AgriTech) and smart tourism.

The expo is scheduled to take place from September 24 to 26 in Unguja, Zanzibar, and is expected to bring together more than 1,500 participants from different African countries.

Zanzibar President, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has sworn in two of the three High Court judges he recently appointed, who have pledged to oversee, expedite and deliver justice within the law-interpreting body.

The judge-designate absent from the swearing-in ceremony was Raya Issa Msellem, though no official statement was issued regarding her absence.

Besides the judges, Dr Mwinyi also swore in the Public Leaders’ Ethics Commission Chairman, Dr Mahadh Juma Maalim, and Planning Commission executive secretary, Dr Josephine Kimaro.

Speaking to journalists after being sworn in on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Zanzibar State House, the judges said they will ensure justice is administered in accordance with the law and workplace guidelines.

Zanzibar High Court Judge Valentine Andrew Katema stated he will ensure he is guided by wisdom and the law in dispensing justice.

“I shall not go against existing procedure, so in following procedure, we shall manage to protect all fundamental rights,” said Judge Katema.

He said members of the public should know that the court is open, and anyone facing issues accessing justice, whether aggrieved or otherwise, should follow legal procedures and attend court on trial days.

He used the opportunity to urge citizens not to fear going to court to give evidence that could add value to judicial decisions.

“When cases reach court, society should be ready to help the court with evidence, coming to court to give testimony so that ultimately the court renders correct and fair decisions,” he said.

According to Judge Katema, previously a court registrar, if a citizen fails to attend court to give evidence, they have not helped the court deliver justice known to that individual.

Because the court was unassisted, it would deliver justice based solely on the evidence presented before it.

Judge Khamis Ali Simai said citizens prefer that their rights are not delayed, so the judiciary will strive to proceed swiftly so cases do not linger without departing from the principles of justice.

“We will strive, as the High Court does, to deliver justice within timely frameworks, without cases lingering, so that they conclude in good time,’ said Judge Simai.

“I am going to enforce oath number three, stating I will administer justice without favour, fear, or malice. Thus, we will maintain the court’s momentum,” he said.

He added that they will ensure rights are delivered without favouritism while executing the duties society has entrusted to them.

Public Leaders’ Ethics Commission Chairman, Dr Maalim, said his initial step will be meeting major commission stakeholders to listen and learn.

He added that during his early days in office, he will review documents and various writings to better understand the commission’s work alongside similar global organisations.

“Therefore, during my early days, my main task is learning, so that later I can develop a better execution plan for my duties,” he said.