Category: The Citizen

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed health researchers to investigate the growing number of children suffering from cancer and heart diseases, warning that the trend is becoming an increasingly serious public health concern in Tanzania.

Speaking on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, during the inauguration of a new radiotherapy centre at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) in Moshi, President Hassan said the rise in non-communicable diseases among children demands urgent scientific attention to determine the underlying causes and guide preventive interventions.

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman was taking nothing for granted after his side sealed top spot in Group F with a 3-1 win over Tunisia on Thursday, warning that next opponents Morocco would ?provide a formidable test in the World Cup round of 32.

The Dutch finished the group stage with points and 10 goals scored, but Koeman said attention had already turned to Monday’s knockout clash in Monterrey, Mexico, where any thoughts of a favourable path through the tournament would be put aside.

“I’m not sure if we are the favourite in the match ?against Morocco,” Koeman told reporters. “We need to prepare for Morocco, because it’ll be a big game. It’s ?a good team with a lot of quality, and they can score easily.”

Koeman brushed aside ?questions of what might await beyond Morocco.

“I don’t think we’re in a situation yet to think about that,” he ?said. “We’re going towards our real test, and that’s what we’re going to prepare for.”

Despite their comfortable progress into the ?knockouts, defensive improvements remain on Koeman’s agenda after his team conceded for a seventh consecutive game.

“We do pay attention to that,” he said. “One or two players are not in the right position, people aren’t getting blocked, and that’s the sort of thing we’ll discuss with ?the players.”

The coach was keen to put the issue into perspective, noting the potency of his attack.

“Getting a goal ?against is part of the game, and we have scored 10 goals in three games as well,” he said.

Koeman identified greater and ?sharper transitions as areas where his team can still develop.

“The pace, the positions, to create more, to get more people in between the lines, and without the ball, we can be more compact sometimes,” he said. “We need to transition faster, or go back, or forwards, all of us together, so there’s room for improvement.

“You never stop learning in ?football. There are always moments ?in a game where, as ?a trainer, you think there’s room for improvement.”

Ecuador fans celebrate dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Germany

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The Dutch will remain at their base camp in Kansas City until Sunday before heading to Mexico, where hot conditions await.

“It’s fine ?by me. It’s a football country. It’s interesting. It’ll be hot,” Koeman said. “We’ll prepare ?really well.”

Koeman ?praised the Dutch supporters who painted Kansas City Stadium in a sea of orange on Thursday.

“You see so many orange shirts, and the songs that are being sung, and that gives you a fantastic feeling when you enter the stadium,” he ?said.

Now, however, ?his attention is fixed firmly on Morocco and the unforgiving nature ?of knockout football.

“We’ll play well and win the match, because now if you lose you go home and if you win you stay in ?the tournament,” he said. “And of course we want to go far in this tournament.”

Defending champions Dar City will be in action tonight when they face Chui in a Basketball Dar es Salaam League fixture scheduled at the Don Bosco court in Mbuyuni, with tip-off set for 8pm.

The match will mark Dar City’s sixth appearance since returning from their campaign at the Basketball Africa League (BAL) finals held in Kigali, Rwanda, where they gained valuable international experience.

Head coach Mohammed Mbwana said his side expects a challenging encounter despite maintaining an unbeaten run in the domestic league so far. ‘We managed to win the first five matches. Actually, the league is very tough despite our unbeaten run,’ said Mbwana, stressing that consistency will be key as the season progresses. Meanwhile, Pazi Basketball Club continued their strong form with a commanding 60-47 victory over Vijana ‘City Bulls’ in a lively league encounter played at the same venue on Wednesday night.

The match attracted a strong crowd, with both teams showing early intensity before Pazi asserted control in the second half. Pazi started well, edging the first quarter 13-10 through fast breaks and disciplined defensive organisation. Vijana responded in the second quarter, tightening their defence and improving shooting accuracy to level the game at 24-24 by halftime.

After the break, Pazi returned with renewed energy and sharper execution.

Their improved ball movement and aggressive defence allowed them to dominate the third quarter 42-35, shifting momentum firmly in their favour.

In the final quarter, Pazi managed the game effectively, maintaining composure to seal a deserved victory and extend their strong run in the league. Lerry Essonomme led Pazi’s charge with a game-high 19 points, combining pace and precision in attack.

He was well supported by Isaya Njamakoya with 10 points and Yannick Safari, who added nine points.

For Vijana City Bulls, Victor Michael top-scored with 13 points, while Fares Daniel contributed 12 points in a determined but unsuccessful effort.

In another fixture, ABB secured an 82-72 win over Srelio in a fast-paced contest that saw momentum swing between both sides.

The opening quarter ended 19-19 before ABB took control to lead 38-33 at halftime. Martin Kilo led ABB with 19 points, supported by Enerico Maengela’s 17 points.

Despite a strong display from Srelio’s Davison Evarist, who scored 32 points, ABB held firm to complete the victory, with Nina Msuya (13) and Badru Bilali (12) also contributing.

The government has suspended public political rallies by all political parties, citing security concerns and what it described as signs of potential public disorder ahead of the upcoming Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (Sabasaba).

The announcement was made in Parliament on Friday, June 26, 2026, by Home Affairs Minister, Mr Patrobas Katambi, while responding to a procedural question raised by Dodoma Urban MP, Mr Paschal Chinyele, CCM.

Mr Chinyele sought clarification on whether the government was aware of reports circulating about planned demonstrations that had raised public concern and what measures were being taken to safeguard citizens and their property.

National Assembly Speaker Mussa Azzan Zungu directed the Home Affairs minister to respond.

Mr Katambi said the government was aware of information circulating on social media suggesting that demonstrations were being planned, although those behind the calls had not clearly stated their objectives.

He said some individuals had cited demands for a new Constitution among the reasons for the proposed demonstrations, but noted that the issue is already included in the ruling CCM’s election manifesto and that the government has planned processes to address it.

The minister said security agencies had stepped up surveillance to detect any signs of potential public disorder, including activities conducted through social media platforms.

‘I am directing Inspector General of Police Camillus Wambura to instruct all Regional Police Commanders, who will in turn direct district and ward police commanders, to strengthen coordination and the implementation of security plans,’ he said.

Mr Katambi said Tanzania was preparing to host visitors from various countries during the Sabasaba trade fair, describing the event as important for promoting economic growth and international engagement.

He said the government would not tolerate acts of violence or any disruption that could interfere with business and other economic activities.

‘I direct Inspector General Wambura not to issue permits for any public rallies during this period, regardless of whether they are organised by Chama Cha Mapinduzi or any other political party,’ he said.

‘This is a time for citizens to focus on building the country’s economy. We must ensure that Tanzanians, businesspeople, and investors can continue their activities peacefully and without disruption,” he added.

Mr Katambi also said that from Friday, authorities would begin questioning individuals alleged, on the basis of evidence including video recordings, to have incited unrest or encouraged acts of violence through various public platforms.

The government’s directive comes despite constitutional provisions guaranteeing political parties the right to hold public meetings as part of political freedoms.

In recent weeks, social media has carried reports of possible indefinite demonstrations linked to demands for a new Constitution and calls to “Free Tundu Lissu”, although no individual or organisation has publicly claimed responsibility for organising the proposed protests.

Australia coach Tony Popovic hailed a “special day” for the Socceroos ?at the World Cup after they reached the of 32 with a 0-0 draw against Paraguay on Thursday.

Following a 2-0 win over Turkey and a 2-0 ?defeat by the United States, Australia qualified ?for the knockout phase at a third World ?Cup and second time in succession.

“One wonderful achievement, ?from the backing of the FA all the ?way through to the staff, the players, the fans. It’s a special day,” said Popovic.

Australia only needed a draw against ?the Paraguayans to advance but Popovic said his ?team had tried their hardest to win.

“You can have opinions on ?the game was played, or what we both thought we needed, but we at no stage felt that we were playing for a draw.

I ?thought we ?controlled the game ?quite well, and were in control, and had the better opportunities.”

Popovic declined ?to comment on making six changes to ?his ?starting 11, saying that every player was important and that “no one is entitled to the shirt”.

Australia will face ?the ?runner-up in Group G in ?Dallas, where they could meet any of Egypt, Belgium, Iran or ?New Zealand.

The United States conceded a stoppage-time goal to lose 3-2 to Turkey on Thursday but coach Mauricio Pochettino ?said there was little reason for concern after his side finished top of their World Cup group.

The US will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara in the round of 32 on Wednesday, and ?Pochettino was frustrated that much of the post-match discussion centred ?on the defeat rather than the co-hosts achieving their ?main goal of winning Group D.

“At the moment no one congratulated ?us for finishing first in our group,” Pochettino told reporters. “I congratulate ?the players, the staff and the fans to finish first in a very difficult group.”

Turkey had already been eliminated before kickoff but the Argentine said the ?mood after the match was as if his team were the ?ones going home.

“Our objective was to finish first, and we finished first,” he . “I’m ?so positive and I’m happy. Your questions are a little bit weird.”

Pochettino said the defeat had to be viewed in context, with the U.S. already through to the knockout stage and making wholesale ?changes to their starting ?line-up after ?victories over Paraguay and Australia.

“Whenever a team has already qualified and another team has already been knocked ?out, so many situations come into play,” he ?added.

Pochettino said ?the performance reinforced his belief in the depth of the squad, with several players making their World Cup debuts.

“We are a much better ?team ?now than before,” he said. “We qualified as ?number one and we went to the next round. I need to remind you ?that we won the group.”

For many university freshers, admission to higher learning institutions is no longer followed by settling into hostels or remaining under their parents’ roofs, but by a new decision to live on their own.

The trend has raised questions among parents and students alike, sparking debate over whether it reflects a generation seeking independence and personal growth, or whether it exposes young people to unnecessary risks at a critical stage of their education.

Australia booked their place in the World Cup’s round of 32 on Thursday with a cagey 0-0 draw against Paraguay that delighted pragmatic coach Tony Popovic but left the South Americans with a nervous wait to see if they will ?advance.

In a physical, scrappy contest at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Paraguay pushed late after being dominated early but it ended with the Socceroos holding on to make the tournament’s knockout phase for a third time, four years after reaching the last 16 in Qatar.

Popovic’s team sealed second place in Group D behind the United States and will head to Dallas to meet the second-placed team in Group G, which remains wide open before Egypt face Iran ?and Belgium meet New Zealand on Friday.

It was hardly a performance that will have Australia’s next opponents shaking in their boots ?but players and staff celebrated with hugs and back-slapping, and soaked up a warm ovation from thousands of lingering ?Aussie fans.

“I’d like to think that we dominated the game in a crucial World Cup qualifier with a very young squad in the ?third match, when everything’s on the line, and the players showed composure, patience, quality, and resilience,” Popovic told reporters.

“We’ll now go to Dallas and try ?and do something special.

“Overall we deserved it. We were very good today.”

Paraguay, on four points, may have done enough to advance as one of the eight best-finishing, third-placed sides but the 2010 quarter-finalists will need to wait for other results in the final group matches.

“Well, the feeling I have is that that was not enough, that ?was not the result we were aiming for,” said Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro.

“Now we have to wait, there is some uncertainty … I’m very optimistic, ?however, and I think that we will go to the knockout stage and we will continue in the World Cup.”

Popovic made six changes to his starting 11 ?a bold shake-up, bringing back livewire Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, while adding Cristian Volpato to his forward line in a signal of attacking intent.

The changes came after he was roundly criticised for benching Irankunda and Metcalfe for the 2-0 defeat against the U.S., with both having scored goals in the 2-0 win over Turkey.

With Jordan Bos switching from left back to right to cover for the injured Jacob Italiano, Australia made promising raids ?down the right but the finishing ?touch proved elusive.

Minutes after kickoff, Volpato set ?up Jackson Irvine on the right of the penalty area but he thumped an angled shot straight at Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.

Bos and Volpato drew saves from Gill late in the half without genuinely testing him.

With Paraguay restricted ?to one shot in the half, Alfaro injected Mauricio at the break, and the Brazilian-born attacker blazed fruitlessly from distance five minutes after the ?restart.

The Paraguayans grew ?into the contest with the help of the energetic Julio Enciso, who repeatedly sliced through Australia’s defence.

He blew one of Paraguay’s better chances with a low shot that flashed well wide of the left post eight minutes from time.

In an end-to-end finish, Bos had Socceroos fans rising from their seats in the ?89th minute ?as he split two defenders, charged into the box from the right and sent ?his shot fizzing by the far post.

Mauricio gave Beach a late test when he found a sliver of room on the edge of the area but his tepid, low shot ?was easily dealt with and Australia held on to advance with more substance than style.

Belgium winger Jeremy Doku is not ready to play the full 90 minutes against New Zealand in their crucial Group G World Cup match after returning from ?illness and his brief absence for the birth of his son, coach Rudi said on Thursday.

The 24-year-old had drawn criticism from L’Equipe TV presenter France Pierron for leaving the squad mid-tournament to attend the birth of his son, Praise, who was born on Monday.

Doku featured in Belgium’s opening 1-1 draw ?against Egypt but missed their goalless draw with Iran due to breathing issues in training.

“Jeremy ?came back three days ago. So, he only participated in the practice today. ?He did a little more, but he did not train during seven days and that’s ?not insignificant,” Garcia told reporters.

“So, we’re thrilled to have him back. He’s probably not going to play ?for 90 minutes. But we know that he can make the difference once on the pitch.

“But all our game is not based upon one player. It’s the collective spirit. That’s the true force of Belgium.”

Striker Romelu Lukaku, ?still searching for his first goal of the tournament, is also unable to play a ?full match.

“Lukaku cannot handle 90 minutes,” Garcia added. “If he starts, he will be substituted. If he doesn’t start, he ?help us from the bench. But he’s fit.”

Belgium centre back Brandon Mechele said the players were pleased for Doku.

“It’s lovely news that he became a father and that he was also present with his wife to help her. So, everybody was happy. It gives a boost for him, ?but also for us that ?he’s back, that ?he can help the team,” Mechele said.

Despite being widely tipped to top the group, Belgium head into Friday’s match in third place with two ?points.

Egypt lead with four, while Iran also have two points but are ?above Belgium ?on goals scored. New Zealand, still seeking a first World Cup victory, are bottom with one point.

“We need to match their intensity. If we manage that, I don’t see a problem for us,” defender ?Mechele added.

“On ?paper, we have more quality than New Zealand with ?all due respect to them.

“We might have lacked that intensity a bit in the previous match, but that was a ?wake-up call. I think we will be ready tomorrow.”

What started as a dream for a young girl from Tanzania has grown into one of the country’s most recognizable music success stories.

This year, singer and songwriter Nandy is marking a major milestone with the launch of Nandy Festival 2026, a celebration of her 10-year journey in the music industry.

The festival officially kicked off in Shinyanga, drawing thousands of fans to ShyCom Grounds for a night of music, entertainment, and celebration.

The opening stop set the tone for what organisers describe as a touring festival experience, with the next edition now set to take place in Kigoma.

For Nandy, the Shinyanga event was a performance and a moment to reflect on a decade of growth, achievement, and the unwavering support of her fans.

Known for hit songs that have dominated airwaves across East Africa, Nandy has spent the last ten years evolving from a promising talent into one of Tanzania’s leading female artists.

The festival serves as a tribute to that journey while creating a platform that brings together music lovers, fellow artistes, brands, and local communities.

In her message following the launch, Nandy expressed deep gratitude for the milestone, thanking God, her fans, media, and sponsors for their continued support. She wrote:

‘This year is a blessed year artistically as I have been granted the official launch of NANDY FESTIVAL.

This festival is not just entertainment, but also employment for many young people who will earn income through it, from artistes to both big and small business owners,’ she said.

She described the festival as more than entertainment, emphasizing its potential to create employment opportunities for young people, from artists to small and large business owners involved in the value chain.

The Shinyanga edition featured live performances, fan interactions, and a festive atmosphere that highlighted the artist’s strong connection with her audience.

With Kigoma now confirmed as the next stop, the festival continues its regional rollout as part of this year’s programme.

Beyond the music, Nandy Festival represents a growing trend in Tanzania’s entertainment industry, where artists are creating their own signature events and experiences.

Such festivals not only strengthen fan engagement but also contribute to tourism, local businesses, and the wider creative economy.

As Nandy celebrates a decade in the spotlight, the festival stands as both a thank-you to her supporters and a statement of intent for the future.

If the Shinyanga opening is any indication, Nandy Festival is shaping up to become a touring entertainment experience with national reach.