Category: The Citizen

Two people have died on the spot, and 12 others sustained injuries after a lorry carrying gravel collided with a minibus van at Kikafu Bridge area in Mnadani Ward, Hai District, Kilimanjaro Region.

Acting Kilimanjaro Fire and Rescue Regional Commander, Mr Jeremiah Mkomagi, confirmed the incident, saying it occurred on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 8:35 pm.

According to Commander Mkomagi, the crash was caused by brake failure on the lorry, which lost control before colliding with the minibus van and pinning it along the roadside.

‘Yesterday at around 8 pm, an accident occurred at the Kikafu area where a lorry carrying gravel veered off the road and hit a minibus van passenger vehicle, pinning it along the roadside,’ he said.

‘As a result of the impact, the minibus van also hit two other vehicles, leading to the deaths of two people and injuries to 12 others,’ he added.

He said fire and rescue officers, together with members of the public, arrived at the scene shortly after the accident and managed to rescue victims who were trapped inside the minibus van before rushing them to Hai District Hospital for treatment.

Commander Mkomagi said the two deceased, both women, have not yet been identified.

Their bodies are preserved at Hai District Hospital, while the 12 injured are receiving treatment at the same facility.

He added that no property was salvaged from the scene, with four vehicles sustaining damage in the crash.

‘I urge drivers to continue taking precautions when using the roads and observe traffic safety regulations to prevent avoidable accidents,’ he said.

Zanzibar’s Second Vice President, Mr Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, has cautioned ministers against confining themselves to offices and paperwork, insisting they must instead go into the field to listen to and address citizens’ concerns.

Mr Abdulla made the remarks on Sunday, July 5, 2026, during an ongoing tour inspecting various development projects, including Terminal 2 at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, the Mangapwani oil offloading facility at the integrated port, and road infrastructure works.

‘I have already issued instructions, and as the government chief executive, I do not want to see file-based ministers. I want them to go to the field and listen to the grievances facing citizens,’ he said.

He added that leaders who engage directly with citizens are better placed to understand challenges and provide solutions, unlike those who rely solely on office reports.

‘If you wait for reports in the office, you can be misled. Our leaders have already spoken, and my directive is that we go to the field,’ he said.

However, he commended the Ministry of Works and Transport for what he described as strong performance in supervising major development projects.

Speaking on the construction of Terminal 2 and the commercial centre at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, Mr Abdulla said the area is strategically important and, once completed, will contribute significantly to economic transformation and tourism growth.

‘This is a very important area in the upcoming AFCON games, and it will serve as a key gateway to support our success in the tournament because one of the main entry points will be the airport,’ he said.

He added that improved infrastructure would boost economic growth by increasing employment opportunities and enhancing service delivery across sectors.

Minister for Works and Transport, Dr Khalid Mohamed Salum, said Terminal 2 will have the capacity to handle 1.4 million passengers annually, while Terminal 3 will accommodate 1.6 million passengers per year.

‘Once these facilities are completed, the airport will handle 3.6 million passengers annually. Currently, we handle about 2.6 million passengers, so our capacity has increased,’ he said.

Inspecting the Mangapwani oil offloading facility, Mr Abdulla said there was a need to ensure local companies are given opportunities to participate in major infrastructure investments and tenders.

He said the facility will significantly improve fuel availability in Zanzibar and enhance supply reliability.

He added that, beyond faster fuel delivery, the project could also help reduce fuel prices due to lower logistical costs associated with offloading fuel on the islands.

Zanzibar Ports Corporation (ZPC) director general, Mr Akif Khamis said the government implemented the project in partnership with a local firm, UP Ltd, at a cost of about $15 million.

He said the former Mtoni fuel facility could only handle vessels of up to 2,000 tonnes, which often led to fuel shortages.

He added that ships now arrive directly from Saudi Arabia to deliver fuel to Zanzibar, unlike in the past when supplies depended on ports in Dar es Salaam and Mombasa.

‘Two ships have already arrived. The first came on May 31, 2026, and the second on June 26, 2026. Both vessels from Saudi Arabia carried petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel totalling over 35 million litres,’ he said.

He said the new infrastructure is designed to handle modern operations, including larger vessels carrying up to 100 million litres.

He added that modern equipment has also been installed to accurately measure fuel quantities and volumes.

GF Group has celebrated winning the Best Overall Pavilion award at the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), securing the prestigious accolade for a second consecutive year.

The company marked the achievement with a celebration attended by employees and their families.

Speaking at the event on July 5, 2026 Chief Executive Officer Imran Karmali said the award reflects GF Group’s remarkable journey over the past 19 years, highlighting the company’s commitment to innovation, teamwork and excellence.

“This award is not simply recognition of our pavilion’s appearance; it is a testament to the innovation, dedication and collaboration that have fuelled our growth,” he said.

Mr Karmali noted that GF Group has evolved beyond vehicle sales, expanding into vehicle assembly, manufacturing and the adoption of advanced technologies. He added that the company has also begun introducing products under its own GF brand as part of its drive to strengthen local manufacturing.

“Our ambition is to develop products for African markets that are manufactured in Tanzania and capable of competing internationally,” he said.

Looking ahead, Mr Karmali said the company will continue investing in emerging technologies, including electric vehicles, to remain at the forefront of the rapidly evolving automotive industry.

He also commended employees for their contribution to the achievement and urged them to maintain the highest standards of quality and customer service.

“This success belongs to every member of our team. We will build on this achievement by continuously improving our performance and contributing to the growth of Tanzania’s automotive industry,” he said.

GF Group operates in the automotive and industrial equipment sectors and has significantly expanded its investments in vehicle assembly and manufacturing in Tanzania.

Canada signed off from a groundbreaking World Cup campaign with an emotional message to supporters on Saturday, thanking ?fans for helping transform the country’s football landscape after dream run ended.

Moments after their 3-0 last-16 loss to Morocco, Canada Soccer’s Instagram account posted a heartfelt tribute to supporters, reflecting a tournament ?that featured numerous firsts and captured the imagination of ?the country.

“Every story has an ending. This one just ?doesn’t feel like one right now,” the post began.

“Over ?the last few weeks, we watched an entire country fall in ?love with this team. Streets filled with red. Living rooms became supporter sections. Kids who once dreamed about wearing the crest of their ?ancestral homes discovered a new dream.”

The team, who reached the ?World Cup knockouts for the first time and then sealed victory over ?Africa in the last 32, said the tournament had removed any lingering doubts about the place of the sport in Canada.

“We’ve always believed this was a football country. Now we ?know it is.”

Canada ?also thanked supporters ?who travelled, packed stadiums and followed the team from home.

“History wasn’t just made on the ?pitch. It was made in homes, schools, parks, ?pubs, ?and communities across this country,” the post read. “It was made every time someone chose to believe.”

The message ended on a note ?of ?optimism despite the disappointment of elimination.

“Our ?World Cup journey comes to a close,” it said. “Canada’s football journey is only ?just beginning. See you soon.”

Residents, including business owners and traders operating in shops and markets within Morogoro Municipality, have continued with their daily income-generating activities, with no reported threats to peace and security.

Transport and logistics services at bus terminals have also remained uninterrupted, while police officers continue with routine duties, including patrols in the town centre.

Speaking after a jogging exercise involving citizens, senior officials, and security agencies in the region, Morogoro Regional Police Commander ACP Andrew Kantimbo said peace remains the foundation of economic development, investment, and citizens’ welfare.

Commander Kantimbo urged residents to continue cooperating with security organs in maintaining unity and stability, while assuring them that the police force remains fully prepared to deal with anyone who attempts to disrupt peace.

Popular boxer Karimu Mandonga also took the opportunity to urge Tanzanians to uphold the principle that ‘unity is strength, division is weakness,’ as emphasised by the Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.

Mandonga said that threats which may appear minor, should not be ignored, warning that they can escalate into serious consequences if left unchecked.

He also called on security agencies to remain vigilant and respond early to any signs of insecurity.

Some traders said that although the region is currently calm and stable, they still experience fear and anxiety when recalling the incidents of October 29, 2025, that occurred in Dar es Salaam and other regions.

Kylian ?Mbappe converted a second-half penalty as France sweated through a suffocating Philadelphia furnace and wrestled their way out of a brutal scrap with Paraguay to snatch a 1-0 win on Saturday, setting up a World Cup quarter-final against Morocco.

Mbappe’s 19th World Cup goal in as many appearances ensured there would be no repeat of Paraguay’s shock elimination of four-time champions Germany – or Cape Verde’s near-miracle against ?Argentina the previous day – as France survived a contest their opponents repeatedly dragged into murky waters.

“We knew what kind ?of match we were going to have. If we have to get our hands dirty, we ?can do that. We can play ugly football. They thought we would turn up in tuxedos, but we were there,” ?said Mbappe.

“Even at that game, we were better than them. That’s their football – there is no right or wrong way to ?play the game. They tried to get at us that way, but we won.”

Despite Aurelien Tchouameni’s last-gasp withdrawal with a muscle injury, France looked prepared for the scrap, dominating the ball before turning frustration into urgency after the break to set up a repeat of their semi-final ?against Morocco four years ago.

Paraguay had hoped to avenge their 1998 last-16 defeat by eventual champions France, settled by Laurent Blanc’s ?golden goal, but their minimalist approach was again left unrewarded.

France made one change from the side who beat Sweden 3-0, with Manu Kone ?the injured Tchouameni alongside Adrien Rabiot in midfield, while Paraguay set up in a defensive 5-4-1.

With temperatures reaching 39 degrees Celsius (102.2°F), France found clear openings hard to come by against a Paraguay side who defended ruggedly.

Neither side managed a shot on target before the break, with Rabiot, Kone and Ousmane Dembele all trying their luck without reward, while Julio Enciso offered Paraguay’s lone ?threat at the other end.

For ?France, it was turning into ?a test of patience, but they pressed on after the interval and finally broke through when substitute Desire Doue, on for Bradley Barcola, was tripped in the box by Diego Gomez.

After ?a VAR review, referee Ilgiz Tantashev awarded the penalty and Mbappe coolly converted in the ?70th minute, wrongfooting ?Orlando Gill for his seventh goal of the tournament, putting him level with Lionel Messi and one behind the Argentine talisman in the all-time list.

Nerves crept in when Mike Maignan was finally called into action in the 90th minute, making his first save of ?the game ?as Paraguay, provocative until the end and hunting for fouls around the ?box, tried to turn the final minutes into chaos.

France then faced another sweaty spell in stoppage time after Mbappe was denied twice in quick succession by ?Gill, leaving Les Bleus to close out the win the hard way.

Minister for Home Affairs Patrobas Katambi has urged Tanzanians, including motorcycle taxi riders, bajaji operators and small-scale traders, to continue with their daily activities as usual on July 7, 2026, assuring them that the government has put in place adequate measures to safeguard lives and property.

Speaking on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Dar es Salaam during a meeting with representatives of informal business groups, including boda boda riders, bajaji operators, street vendors and food vendors, Mr Katambi said the government remained fully committed to maintaining peace and public order.

The meeting focused on the country’s security situation, with participants expressing their support for preserving national peace and stability.

Mr Katambi said some individuals had repeatedly announced unlawful demonstrations, describing such actions as attempts to undermine peace and warning that the government would not tolerate any activities intended to disrupt public order.

‘Boda boda riders across the country should continue with their work. Business owners should keep their shops open because you will be safe. Those claiming there will be no security should know that we are always prepared and do not need anyone to set a date for us,’ he said.

He cautioned against treating such incidents lightly, citing events of October 29, 2025, as well as alleged plans for further unlawful activities, and stressed that the government was ready to deal with any threats in accordance with the law.

‘We have already witnessed reckless attempts to toy with the nation’s peace. People are organising demonstrations outside the legal framework. This is unacceptable, and the government will take firm action,’ Mr Katambi said.

The Tanzania Police Force has assured the public that adequate security measures are in place to protect lives and property amid reports that some individuals are allegedly mobilising people to engage in violence and organise demonstrations against the law.

Police said the country’s security situation remains calm, with security and defence agencies closely monitoring what they described as attempts by a small group of individuals to disrupt public order.

The assurance was made on Sunday, July 5, 2026, by Police Force spokesperson, Mr David Misime, while addressing journalists at the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair popularly known as Sabasaba.

‘We want to assure Tanzanians that the security situation is stable. Security and defence agencies have made all the necessary preparations and continue to closely monitor any activities that may threaten peace and public safety,’ said Mr Misime.

He said security agencies had put in place sufficient measures to safeguard peace while monitoring individuals allegedly planning unlawful demonstrations and violent acts.

According to Mr Misime, investigations have uncovered alleged efforts to incite violence through social media platforms and online discussion groups.

He alleged that the plans included attacks on government leaders, destruction and looting of public and private property, arson targeting schools, and assaults on members of the security forces with the intention of seizing their weapons.

Mr Misime said police had already arrested several suspects to assist with investigations, but did not disclose the number of those in custody.

‘We have detained some individuals to assist with investigations. We will continue taking lawful measures against anyone found planning or participating in activities that threaten the country’s peace and security,’ he said.

He urged members of the public to continue with their daily activities without fear and to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting information that could help prevent criminal or violent acts.

‘The Police Force remains committed to protecting all citizens and ensuring that Tanzania continues to enjoy peace, security and stability,’ said Mr Misime.

British national John Evance is preparing to attempt a record-breaking ascent and descent of Mount Kilimanjaro within 16 hours on 7 July 2026.

Evance said his journey will begin in Mabungo village, where he will cycle to Marangu Mtoni before running up Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu route to the summit. After reaching the peak, he will descend through Maua village and return to Mabungo, where the attempt will conclude.

Speaking to The Citizen on July 5, 2026 Evance noted that most previous record attempts have started at the Marangu or Umbwe gates. However, he said his research into the mountain’s history and geography led him to conclude that Kilimanjaro begins at Mabungo, which is why he has chosen it as his starting point.

A representative from Team Kilimanjaro, Joseph Cheleli, said all preparations for the attempt have been completed to ensure success.

He also praised the government for improving infrastructure within Kilimanjaro National Park, saying the upgrades have enhanced tourist safety and contributed to a steady rise in visitor numbers each year.

Tour guides have described the challenge as a major opportunity to promote Tanzania and Mount Kilimanjaro globally, while warning that completing an ascent and descent within a single day requires extensive preparation due to harsh weather conditions, steep gradients, and potential health risks.

Evance previously attempted a similar record 26 years ago but was forced to abandon the climb due to health complications. He now returns with renewed determination to complete the 16-hour challenge.

Zanzibar’s Minister for Communication, Information Technology and Innovation, Mr Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga, has said the archipelago is pursuing a digital transformation agenda aimed at positioning itself as a leading centre for technology and innovation in Africa.

Mr Soraga made the remarks on July 5, 2026, during the second graduation ceremony for Master’s degree holders in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and Master of Technology in Ocean Structure at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras Zanzibar (IITMZ).

‘Our priorities are clear: digitising public services, building a strong digital economy, investing in artificial intelligence and harnessing the talents of our young people,’ said Mr Soraga.

He said the government, through his ministry, had already begun implementing its digital transformation agenda, with Zanzibar seeking to become a regional hub for innovation and start-ups.

He added that Zanzibar has abundant talent, but previously lacked platforms such as IIT Madras to unlock its potential.

Through such institutions, he said, young people now have greater opportunities to innovate and thrive.

Mr Soraga said the presence of IIT Madras would boost innovation across multiple sectors in the islands.

‘For Zanzibar, having IIT Madras is a great blessing. This is the only IIT Madras campus operating outside Chennai, India. There are only two in the world, and one is here in Zanzibar,’ he said.

He added that education remains central to the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar’s development vision.

‘Zanzibar is a small island; we do not have large agricultural land or abundant minerals. Our greatest resource is our people,’ he said.

He stressed that investment in human capital is key to sustainable development and a knowledge-based economy, noting that partnerships such as the one with IIT Madras align with this goal.

He urged graduates to observe their surroundings, identify challenges, and develop solutions that would position Zanzibar as an innovation hub in East Africa.

IITMZ governing council chairperson, Prof Mohamed Sheikh, said the partnership between India and Zanzibar goes beyond education delivery and aims to build a global innovation ecosystem on the islands.

‘Today, you are not just graduating; you are taking another step towards fulfilling the vision of leaders from both our countries,’ he said.

He added that bringing the academic heritage of IIT Madras to Zanzibar represented an investment in the region’s most valuable resource.

IITMZ Managing Director, Prof Prabhu Rajagopal, said the success of IIT is driven by international collaboration, strong private-sector partnerships, and a culture of turning research into practical solutions.

‘We are proud of IIT Madras Zanzibar, our first international campus. Our culture of excellence is reflected in the numbers, innovation hubs, and more than 565 start-ups. We aim to create 100 start-ups from here in Zanzibar,’ he said.

He added that the institution now has 129 students, about 50 percent of whom come from East Africa, including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia and Ethiopia, while 30 percent are women.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Ms Aisha Hamad Hassan said the cohort had come from different parts of the world but shared a common academic journey.

‘As the second cohort of graduates, we continue to make history and pave the way for those who come after us. We should be proud not only of our degrees, but also of the community we have built and the future we are helping shape,’ she said.