Category: The Citizen

A 12-year longitudinal study in southwest Tanzania has found that eliminating a parasitic worm responsible for lymphatic filariasis significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection, offering new insight into the intersection of neglected tropical diseases and HIV prevention.

The study, titled Impact of quasi-elimination of Wuchereria bancrofti on HIV incidence in southwest Tanzania: a 12-year prospective cohort study, was published in The Lancet HIV.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has claimed that Israel smuggled thousands of Starlink internet receivers into Iran to help anti-government protesters maintain access to the internet and social media during state-imposed shutdowns.

Speaking at the JNS International Policy Summit in Jerusalem on Tuesday, Bennett said he initiated a plan to acquire and secretly deliver tens of thousands of Starlink devices into Iran during his tenure as prime minister between 2021 and 2022.

According to Bennett, the aim was to ensure uninterrupted internet access and enable protesters to organise more effectively against the Iranian government.

However, he accused the current administration of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of abandoning the initiative before it could be fully implemented.

‘Unfortunately, the current incompetent Israeli government stopped doing that. And when the protests happened, that infrastructure was not there,’ Bennett said.

Starlink, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, provides satellite internet services. Although the service is not officially licensed in Iran, Musk has previously indicated that Starlink is active in the country.

Iran has in the past accused Israel and the United States of smuggling Starlink devices into the country to undermine its security.

Iranian authorities have repeatedly restricted public access to the internet during periods of unrest, including during nationwide protests and throughout the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel that began in late February.

Previous reports have shown that some Iranians turned to Starlink services during internet blackouts.

Bennett, who now leads a right-wing opposition party and is among politicians seeking to replace Mr Netanyahu in elections due by October, said Israel and other Middle Eastern countries should work together to counter the Iranian leadership.

Describing Tehran’s rulers as ‘a rotten, old, disconnected and incompetent regime’, he predicted that the government would eventually collapse, drawing comparisons with the fall of the Soviet Union.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Iran had agreed to allow nuclear inspections ‘into infinity’ and that any Iranian assets unfrozen under a recent agreement would be used to purchase humanitarian supplies from the United States, claims swiftly rejected by Tehran.

Washington agreed to suspend sanctions on Iran for 60 days from Monday following the first round of talks held under a fragile peace deal reached last week to end more than three months of war.

US Vice President JD Vance said discussions with Iranian officials in the Swiss resort of Buergenstock had laid the groundwork for a final agreement and that Tehran had agreed to allow international nuclear inspectors back into the country.

However, Iran denied that nuclear issues had been discussed during the talks, which were mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, and insisted that no agreement had been reached to allow inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to return.

Iran rejects US claims

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said on Tuesday that Iranian officials had not met IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi in Switzerland and had no plans to permit inspections of the country’s damaged nuclear facilities.

Trump dismissed Tehran’s denials, accusing Iran of making ‘false statements’.

‘Iran has fully and completely agreed to highest level nuclear inspections long into the future,’ he said in a post on Truth Social.

He also said any Iranian assets released under the agreement would be held in an escrow account and used to purchase food and medical supplies from the US, including corn, wheat and soybeans.

But Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, rejected the assertion, insisting that Tehran alone would determine how any unfrozen assets are used.

‘Iran is the only country to decide what to do with its assets,’ he told reporters, adding that no other country would have influence over those decisions.

Progress amid uncertainty

The contradictory statements underscored the uncertainty surrounding efforts to end a conflict that has destabilised the Middle East.

On Monday, the parties agreed on a mechanism aimed at ending hostilities between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. They also established a communications channel intended to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil supplies that Iran blockaded during the war.

As part of initial economic relief measures, the US Treasury announced a sanctions waiver valid until August 21, allowing Iran to resume oil exports and receive payments.

Bahreini said ‘good progress’ had been made and announced that two working groups would soon be established to address sanctions relief and Iran’s nuclear programme.

He said five elements of the initial agreement must first be fully implemented before formal negotiations begin on the nuclear issue and any future role for the IAEA.

Iran has maintained that its nuclear programme is peaceful and suspended cooperation with the IAEA after war broke out, following months of limited inspections after earlier US and Israeli air strikes.

Tensions persist in Lebanon

Bahreini said Lebanon formed an ‘unquestionable’ part of the interim agreement and that it included the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese territory.

Although a ceasefire has largely held in southern Lebanon since Sunday, Lebanon’s Civil Defence and state media reported that Israeli gunfire killed two people on Tuesday. Hezbollah accused Israel of violating the ceasefire.

Israel has said it will maintain a security zone in southern Lebanon and continue acting against what it describes as threats to its security.

Israeli and Lebanese officials were due to begin a fresh round of talks in Washington on Tuesday. The conflict with Hezbollah has killed thousands of people and displaced millions.

Meanwhile, tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz began recovering on Monday. However, Iran and Oman indicated in a joint statement that charges could be introduced for vessels using the strategic waterway.

The two countries said a joint working group would discuss navigation management, services and related costs while respecting their sovereign rights.

Domestic pressure on Trump

Oil prices have eased since the interim agreement was reached, with crude prices falling further on Tuesday after dropping three percent on Monday.

The conflict with Iran, which began with joint US-Israeli strikes, has become a growing political challenge for Trump and fellow Republicans ahead of November’s midterm elections.

Rising fuel prices have fuelled public frustration, while some Republican lawmakers continue to press for the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear programme.

Despite the diplomatic progress, sharp differences over inspections and sanctions relief suggest that negotiations remain fragile and a comprehensive settlement is still far from certain.

Key institutions mandated to regulate noise pollution, including the National Environment Management Council (NEMC), local government authorities, and environmental committees at village, street, and ward levels, have not consistently enforced the law, leaving residents exposed to persistent disturbances from entertainment venues operating in residential areas, as revealed by an investigation by The Citizen.

Although these institutions have undertaken measures such as public awareness campaigns and the closure of some offending establishments, excessive noise remains a recurring problem across many neighbourhoods.

Debate continues over amendments to the Finance Act, 2026, that would allow the Government to borrow from the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), with critics arguing that the new provision does not clearly explain how such loans would be repaid.

Others have questioned how the government can borrow its own reserves, noting that funds held by the central bank are national assets and that the government already has the authority to access them during emergencies.

Israeli authorities and security forces deliberately targeted Palestinian children, resulting ?in genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza, and war crimes in the occupied West Bank, an independent UN inquiry said Tuesday.

The report by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel examined violations against Palestinian children since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas on October 7, 2023.

Around 30 percent of those killed in the Gaza war were children, the report found.

A previous report by the commission in September found that Israel had committed genocide ?in Gaza and that top Israeli officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu incited these acts – accusations that Israel called scandalous.

Israel’s mission in Geneva said Israel ?rejected what it called the Commission’s “second defamatory advocacy report”.

“Israel dismisses this libelous sham,” it said in a statement, adding that “every child ?deserves protection” and asserting that the report ignored “the brutal tactics of Hamas”.

The UN commission said that Palestinian children were deliberately targeted and killed during the war, including after ?a ceasefire came into effect in October 2025. It said this was a key element establishing genocidal intent by Israeli authorities and security forces to destroy the Palestinian ?group, in whole or in part, in Gaza.

‘The evidence shows that Palestinian children have been deliberately targeted and killed by the Israeli security forces,’ said Srinivasan Muralidhar, the commission’s chair, in a statement accompanying the report.

Child deaths

The report found that the proportion of children killed was higher than in previous conflicts. Between October 7, 2023 and October 7, 2025, at least 20,179 children were ?killed, around 30 percent of the overall death toll.

By comparison, in hostilities in Gaza in 2008-2009 and 2014, children made up approximately 24 percent of conflict-related fatalities, the report said.

After initial talks under a fragile new peace deal aimed at easing tensions across the Middle East.

Israeli ?forces continued to use high-payload munitions and weapons with wide-area effects in densely populated residential areas despite mounting child casualties, the commission said.

‘This indicates that such attacks, which killed children in high ?numbers, were intentional,’ it said. It said it believed children were targeted collectively because the Israeli security forces considered the civilian population as a whole to be associated with Hamas and other armed groups.

A rebuttal shared by Israel’s mission in Geneva said Israel “consistently strives to minimize harm to children even in situations of conflict” and that Israel rejected the suggestion it deliberately targets children “in the strongest terms”.

Muralidhar said that by targeting children, Israel was undermining the capacity of the Palestinian people to exist and to determine ?their future.

Conditions imposed by Israel in Gaza, ?including widespread attacks, repeated displacement and ?starvation caused by the blockade of aid, food and medicine, severely harmed children’s health and development, resulting in preventable deaths and trauma, the report said.

The inquiry also found that attacks on healthcare and reproductive facilities impacted the survival of newborns and reported ?increases in miscarriages, and that nearly all children in Gaza were reported to require psychological support.

Israel’s rebuttal said the report ?failed to mention Israel’s ?role in facilitating vaccinations and the entry of medical staff, and the establishment of field hospitals. It accused Hamas of systematically diverting humanitarian aid and fuel for hospitals. Hamas has rejected such accusations.

West Bank

In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the Commission found a sharp increase in violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian children and documented evidence of torture, including ?sexual and ?gender-based violence, during mass arrests and detention.

It said Palestinian children, particularly boys, were subjected to systematic mistreatment ?in detention, including forced stripping, beatings and food deprivation.

The commission concluded that the treatment constituted the crimes against humanity of torture and other inhumane acts causing great suffering or serious injury.

Israel’s rebuttal said the ?report’s findings on the West Bank omitted context on the “constant terrorist threat” that it said Israeli security forces were responding to.

More than three decades after Namibia attained independence and over six decades since Tanzania became a frontline state in Africa’s liberation struggles, the leaders of the two nations believe a new battle must now be fought- the battle for economic liberation.

That message dominated Namibian President, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s three-day State Visit to Tanzania, where she and President Samia Suluhu Hassan repeatedly stressed that the historical ties forged during the struggle against colonialism and apartheid must now be translated into jobs, investments, trade and prosperity for ordinary citizens.

Tanzania is seeking to deepen economic cooperation with Russia, targeting increased investment in strategic sectors including mining, infrastructure, energy and agriculture following President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s recent landmark visit to the Russian Federation.

The call was made during celebrations marking Russia Day at the Russian Cultural Centre in Dar es Salaam over the weekend. The event, hosted by Russian Ambassador to Tanzania, Andrey Avetisyan, was dedicated to Crimea and brought together government officials, diplomats, business leaders and members of the Russian community in Tanzania.

Speaking at the event, Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde said relations between the two countries had entered a new phase driven by stronger economic diplomacy and growing trade ties.

Mr Mavunde, who represented the Tanzanian government at the event, said President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s state visit to Moscow and St. Petersburg earlier this month had opened a new chapter in bilateral relations.

‘This was a truly historic moment and the first visit by a Tanzanian Head of State to Russia in nearly six decades,’ he said. ‘The discussions between President Samia Suluhu Hassan and President Vladimir Putin have injected fresh momentum into our partnership and laid a strategic roadmap for future cooperation.’

The minister noted that Tanzania and Russia are preparing to mark 65 years of diplomatic relations, recalling that Russia was among the first countries to recognise Tanzania’s independence and establish diplomatic ties in December 1961.

According to Mr Mavunde, bilateral cooperation has expanded beyond historical and political ties to include trade, investment, education, tourism, energy and mining.

He said annual trade between the two countries has been growing by an estimated 20 to 25 percent, with dozens of Russian companies sourcing products from Tanzania while Tanzanian firms continue to import goods from Russia.

To accelerate this growth, Tanzania is inviting more Russian state-owned corporations and private investors to explore opportunities in the country.

‘We welcome targeted partnerships in strategic infrastructure, mineral value addition, green energy and large-scale modernised agriculture,’ Mr Mavunde said.

The minister also highlighted growing collaboration in education, noting that Russia has expanded scholarship opportunities for Tanzanian students to 150 annually, alongside additional slots offered by Russian universities.

He said language and cultural exchanges would play an important role in strengthening future cooperation, particularly among young people.

Another major outcome of President Samia’s visit, according to Mr Mavunde, is the planned launch of direct Air Tanzania flights linking Tanzania and Russia from July.

He described the new route as a significant milestone expected to boost tourism, trade and investment by reducing travel barriers between the two countries.

In the mining sector, Mr Mavunde reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the development of the Mkuju River uranium project being implemented by Mantra Tanzania Limited, a subsidiary of Rosatom.

He said the project, which is expected to be completed by 2028, represents one of Tanzania’s highest-priority strategic investments and will support the country’s entry into the nuclear energy value chain.

‘The project demonstrates our shared commitment to using advanced technologies to support sustainable industrial and economic development,’ he said.

Mr Mavunde added that the government remained committed to supporting Rosatom’s long-term engagement in Tanzania and facilitating the successful implementation of the project.

He further reiterated Tanzania’s commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations with Russia based on mutual respect, sovereign equality and shared development interests.

‘As President Samia stated during her visit, Tanzania values Russia’s long-standing friendship and contribution to Africa’s development,’ Mr Mavunde said. ‘The success of the recent visit demonstrates what can be achieved when nations build bridges based on mutual respect and common interests.’

One of the league giants, Simba SC kept the pressure firmly on their title rivals after a narrow but important 2-1 victory over Pamba Jiji FC at the KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam on Sunday in the Mainland Tanzania Premier League. The result ensured the title race remains tightly contested as the season enters its decisive phase.

The win means Simba SC remain second on the table with 61 points from 26 matches, just two points behind leaders Young Africans (Yanga), who continue to top the standings with 63 points.

The gap keeps the championship battle finely poised, with every remaining fixture now carrying significant weight. In the chasing pack, Azam FC sit third with 55 points, while Singida Black Stars, TRA United, and JKT Tanzania remain within reach of the upper half, hoping to finish strongly.

Simba SC started the match with high intensity and quickly imposed themselves on possession. Their early pressure paid off in the 7th minute when Ellie Mpanzu broke the deadlock. The goal came from a perfectly weighted pass by Neo Maema, who split the Pamba Jiji defensive line and released Mpanzu into space. The forward showed composure to slot the ball past the goalkeeper and give Simba an early lead.

However, Pamba Jiji FC responded positively and refused to be overwhelmed. Their persistence was rewarded in the 18th minute when Mathew Tegisi Momanyi capitalised on a defensive lapse to level the score. The equaliser shifted momentum slightly, forcing Simba SC to reorganise and regain control in midfield.

The second half saw a more dominant Simba side, with increased tempo and sharper attacking transitions. They controlled possession and pushed Pamba deeper into their own half, creating several chances before finally restoring their advantage in the 64th minute. Libase Gueye finished off a well-worked move to make it 2-1, a goal that ultimately proved decisive.

Despite late pressure from Pamba Jiji FC, Simba SC’s defence held firm, showing discipline and game management to secure all three points. The victory was crucial in maintaining their title challenge and ensuring the race with Yanga remains alive heading into the final stretch of the campaign.

The result also highlights Simba SC’s growing consistency under pressure, with key attacking contributions from Mpanzu and Gueye underlining their depth in crucial moments of the season. While Young Africans (Yanga) still hold a narrow advantage at the top, the two-point margin ensures that the championship outcome remains wide open.

In another Mainland Premier League fixture, Tanzania Prisons secured a 2-1 win over Dodoma Jiji FC at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya. The result leaves Tanzania Prisons in 15th place with 23 points from 26 matches, as they continue their fight to avoid relegation in a tense end to the seaso

The High Court of Tanzania, Morogoro Sub Registry, has quashed the conviction and 30-year prison sentence of Thomas Francis and Clarence Francis after finding the prosecution failed to prove the charge of armed robbery beyond reasonable doubt.

The appellants were convicted by the Kilosa District Court for allegedly committing armed robbery on July 6, 2024, at Mbegesela hamlet in Ikombe village, Mikumi Ward, Kilosa District, where they were accused of stealing Sh8 million from Mr Hamis Ndemeka and threatening him with a machete.

They were sentenced to 30 years in prison.

However, in a ruling delivered on Friday, June 19, 2026, Justice Stephen Magoiga overturned the conviction following their appeal.

He said the trial was marred by evidential gaps and legal irregularities, including failure to administer oaths or affirmations to the accused and witnesses before giving evidence.

In their appeal, the appellants raised eight grounds, arguing the prosecution failed to prove the existence of the alleged Sh8 million or how it was stolen, and that the trial court failed to properly evaluate defence evidence, including a claimed land dispute with the complainant.

They also cited inconsistencies in prosecution testimony, saying key accounts did not corroborate the complainant’s version of events.

They further argued the investigation was defective, as the case was initially reported as assault and later changed to armed robbery, with no money, weapon, or bag ever recovered or produced in court.

Justice Magoiga noted serious doubt arising from the shift in classification nearly a year after the incident.

He said the investigating officer gave no explanation why the initial report did not refer to stolen money, despite the complainant being issued a PF3 form and taken to the hospital.

The court held this unexplained change weakened the prosecution’s case.

The judge also noted that although the appellants were arrested on July 6, 2024, and granted police bail, they were not arraigned until June 25, 2025, almost a year later, with no satisfactory explanation for the delay, raising fair trial concerns.

On evidence, the court found no proof that the alleged machete, cash, or bag were recovered or linked to the appellants, or that they were ever searched in connection with the offence.

Justice Magoiga said this failure to trace or produce key exhibits fatally weakened the prosecution’s case.

The court also questioned the cause of the complainant’s injuries, noting that while a machete attack was alleged, the investigating officer also observed broken glass and blood at the scene, leaving uncertainty over how the injuries occurred.

It further identified contradictions in witness testimony, including claims unsupported by the complainant’s own evidence, and noted a long-standing land dispute between the parties which could not be ignored in assessing credibility.

The High Court also found procedural irregularities in the District Court trial, where witnesses and appellants testified without being sworn or affirming statements as required by law.

However, Justice Magoiga ruled that a retrial was unnecessary, stating the prosecution’s case itself fell far below the standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt.

‘I find that the prosecution failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt,’ he said.

The court allowed the appeal, quashed the conviction and 30-year sentence, and ordered the immediate release of the appellants.