Category: The Citizen

Botswana President Duma Boko has ignited widespread debate across Africa after delivering an unusually candid message on relationships, urging people not to remain in unhealthy unions at the expense of their peace and wellbeing.

Speaking during an address to members of the Botswana Defence Force, President Boko stressed that while marriage is an important institution, no one should feel compelled to endure toxic relationships that lead to suffering or violence.

The President emphasised that he was not promoting divorce, but rather encouraging couples to prioritise respect, harmony and personal safety.

He said relationships should never descend into abuse, urging those facing irreconcilable differences to separate peacefully instead of allowing situations to escalate into tragedy.

His remarks quickly spread across social media, with clips of the speech attracting millions of views and prompting heated debate. Many praised Boko for openly addressing an issue often considered taboo, describing his message as honest, compassionate and timely.

Others, however, argued that his comments could weaken the institution of marriage and encourage couples to separate rather than work through their differences.

The discussion has since spread beyond Botswana, reigniting conversations across Africa about healthy relationships, emotional wellbeing and the importance of leaving abusive partnerships before they turn violent.

Boko’s remarks come as Botswana continues to strengthen efforts to combat gender-based violence, with the President repeatedly calling for greater restraint, mutual respect and emotional maturity in resolving personal conflicts.

He has maintained that disagreements should never lead to violence, particularly against women and children.

The long-held dreams of Songosongo island residents in Kilwa District, Lindi Region, to secure reliable transport will finally materialise following the commencement of a modern ferry construction project designed to provide safe travel and boost the local economy.

The Sh5.7 billion ferry, fully funded by the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, is being constructed by the contractor Qiro Group Ltd.

Speaking on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, during the project’s official launch at the Malindi port slipway in the Urban West Region of Unguja, Lindi Regional Commissioner Zainab Telack said the ferry would bring immense relief to the islanders who have long endured severe transport hurdles.

She noted that despite the island’s critical importance to the national economy, driven by its natural gas reserves and luxury tourist hotels, transportation has remained perilously unreliable, with residents sometimes getting lost at sea while using makeshift vessels.

“This island is vital to our economy; it produces substantial natural gas and serves as a premium tourism destination boasting large hotels. Until now, our tourists have strictly relied on air travel,” Ms Telack stated.

“We are now confident that this modern ferry will offer tourists an alternative, safe route to explore our country. Tourism drives our economy. Therefore, alongside providing safe transit for Songosongo residents, we are unlocking the doors to accessible tourism on these islands, which will ultimately boost the economy for both the citizens and the nation at large,” said the regional commissioner.

Songosongo Ward councillor Hassan Mbai said the island’s 5,600 residents feel as though they have been reborn, noting that since independence in 1961, they have relied on highly unreliable and dangerous maritime transport.

“To tell the truth, if we were not in paradise, then we must be near its gates. God has miraculously protected us all these years, even though our local ferries were incredibly unsafe,” Mr Mbai reflected.

He added that the dire transport situation forced government experts and institutional officials to execute local projects remotely via phone calls, as reaching the island was considered too hazardous.

“On behalf of the residents of Songosongo and Kilwa, we are overjoyed today. We firmly believe our travel safety will drastically improve once this modern vessel is completed,” he said.

For his part, acting TPDC executive director, Mr Francis Mwakapalila noted that the corporation deeply recognises the immense economic and strategic contributions of Songosongo island through its continuous natural gas production.

“Consequently, this investment forms a core part of our CSR strategy to uplift the welfare and living standards of the communities surrounding our project areas,” said Mr Mwakapalila.

He revealed that TPDC allocated Sh5.76 billion for the project, with 100 percent of the funding derived from the corporation’s effective internal revenue management, ensuring that national energy resources directly benefit the citizens.

Furthermore, the Director of Ferries at the Tanzania Electrical and Mechanical Services Agency (Temesa), Mr Lukombe King’ombe, noted that alongside the Songosongo project, the agency is managing the construction of six other similar vessels to serve various regions across Mainland Tanzania.

“We are currently constructing a new ferry for the Mafia-Nyamisati route, which will serve as the second operational vessel there. Additionally, we are building five other ferries designated to serve communities across Lake Victoria,” explained Mr King’ombe.

A consulting engineer from the Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute (DMI), Mr Lazaro Isaac, detailed that the new ferry will measure 28.8 metres in length and 8 metres in width.

It will boast the capacity to carry 54 seated passengers, two small vehicles, and an estimated 10 tonnes of general cargo.

He noted that the eight-month project commenced following an advance payment of Sh1.5 billion on June 16, 2024.

Execution has currently reached 31 percent, and the contractor is expected to complete the vessel by February 2027, as per the contract.

Wrapping up the launch, Qiro Group Ltd managing director, Mr Yang Hao, popularly known locally as ‘Makame Mchina’, assured stakeholders that his company is fully committed to delivering the ferry on schedule while strictly adhering to all stipulated quality and safety requirements.

Botswana President Duma Boko has ignited widespread debate across Africa after delivering an unusually candid message on relationships, urging people not to remain in unhealthy unions at the expense of their peace and wellbeing.

Speaking during an address to members of the Botswana Defence Force, President Boko stressed that while marriage is an important institution, no one should feel compelled to endure toxic relationships that lead to suffering or violence.

The President emphasised that he was not promoting divorce, but rather encouraging couples to prioritise respect, harmony and personal safety.

He said relationships should never descend into abuse, urging those facing irreconcilable differences to separate peacefully instead of allowing situations to escalate into tragedy.

His remarks quickly spread across social media, with clips of the speech attracting millions of views and prompting heated debate. Many praised Boko for openly addressing an issue often considered taboo, describing his message as honest, compassionate and timely.

Others, however, argued that his comments could weaken the institution of marriage and encourage couples to separate rather than work through their differences.

The discussion has since spread beyond Botswana, reigniting conversations across Africa about healthy relationships, emotional wellbeing and the importance of leaving abusive partnerships before they turn violent.

Boko’s remarks come as Botswana continues to strengthen efforts to combat gender-based violence, with the President repeatedly calling for greater restraint, mutual respect and emotional maturity in resolving personal conflicts.

He has maintained that disagreements should never lead to violence, particularly against women and children.

The East African Kiswahili Commission (Kakama), in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), has launched a Disaster Preparedness and Response Framework for Media Institutions aimed at strengthening the role of news organisations in disaster risk reduction and emergency response.

The framework was launched in Bujumbura, Burundi, on July 7, 2026, with further details provided by Dr Caroline Asiimwe during an interview with The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi on July 16, 2026.

According to UNESCO, the framework is aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the United Nations’ disaster risk reduction agenda, with the objective of building more resilient communities.

UNESCO said the publication is the first of its kind, providing practical recommendations to help media institutions develop or strengthen disaster preparedness and response plans. It also seeks to improve community resilience by promoting accurate reporting that encourages informed decision-making and behavioural change.

The organisation noted that climate change has led to a rise in disasters worldwide, disrupting livelihoods, damaging infrastructure and placing millions of people at greater risk.

According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), disasters cause annual global economic losses exceeding $2.3 trillion (about Sh6.21 quadrillion).

UNDRR also reports that only 40 percent of African countries have multi-hazard early warning systems. Countries with such systems record disaster-related death rates that are eight times lower than those without them.

In addition, 32 African countries have established disaster loss databases. However, UNESCO emphasised that collecting data alone is insufficient unless vital information reaches communities promptly and in languages they understand.

Speaking during the launch, Dr Caroline Asiimwe said bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and public action requires the active involvement of the media.

She said radio, television, newspapers and digital platforms play a critical role throughout the disaster management cycle, from preparedness and prevention to response and recovery.

‘Across Africa, particularly in East Africa, the media have made a significant contribution during major emergencies, including floods, famine and public health crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic,’ said Dr Caroline Asiimwe.

She added that without the media, many communities would have been deprived of life-saving information during emergencies, even though news organisations themselves are often affected by the disasters they cover.

However, Dr Caroline Asiimwe noted that many media outlets still focus on reporting disasters after they occur rather than investing in preparedness journalism centred on risk assessment and prevention.

She said the framework is intended to ensure the public continues to receive accurate and reliable information before, during and after disasters, while enabling media institutions to maintain operations even when facing emergencies.

She added that translating the framework into Kiswahili will make it more accessible to a wider audience across East Africa.

Following the recent World Kiswahili Language Day celebrations, Kakama and UNESCO resolved to distribute the framework to media organisations across the region to strengthen institutional preparedness and promote coordinated disaster response within the media sector.

The initiative was made possible through the translation of the publication into Kiswahili as part of broader efforts to promote discussions that reflect East Africa’s environmental realities and priorities in collaboration with the scientific community.

Dr Caroline Asiimwe said the framework will help translate scientific research and technical data into clear, accessible language that supports informed government action and community participation.

She also urged media organisations to adopt the framework as part of their institutional resilience strategies to reduce the economic impact of inadequate disaster preparedness, while ensuring they remain trusted sources of information during emergencies.

Dr Caroline Asiimwe commended UNESCO and all partners involved in developing the publication, saying its ultimate goal is to build resilient, well-informed communities capable of participating in global discussions through their own languages, particularly Kiswahili.

The Nigerian government has repatriated 1,490 of its citizens from South Africa following a wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.

The returnees arrived in Nigeria aboard government-arranged flights after violence in parts of South Africa forced many to flee their homes and businesses.

The attacks reportedly left several people injured and caused widespread damage to properties owned by foreign nationals.

Nigerian authorities said the evacuation was carried out to ensure the safety of affected citizens, while also urging South African authorities to bring those responsible to justice and strengthen measures to protect foreign residents.

The latest unrest has renewed concerns over recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa, where migrants from other African countries have repeatedly been targeted during outbreaks of unrest.

Both Nigeria and South Africa have called for calm and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic relations despite the tensions.

Tanzania’s athletes heading to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, have been challenged to return home with medals as the country targets a strong showing at one of the world’s biggest multi-sport competitions.

The call was made yesterday by National Sports Council (NSC) secretary general Neema Msitha during the official flag handover ceremony held in Dar es Salaam.

Msitha said the government had fulfilled its responsibility by providing the team with the required support, including funding training camps, allowances and travel tickets, and now the responsibility had shifted to the athletes to deliver results on the international stage.

She reminded the athletes that they carry the hopes of Tanzanians, who expect them to justify the investment made in their preparations by producing impressive performances in Glasgow.

‘The government has done its part by ensuring that you receive all the support needed, including training camps, allowances and tickets.

The remaining responsibility is now with you as athletes to go out there and do your best for the nation,’ said Msitha. ‘You must understand that you have a debt to Tanzanians. People will be following your performance and expecting good results. Go to Scotland with confidence, compete with determination and fight for medals.’

Msitha also urged the athletes to maintain discipline, focus and commitment throughout the Games, saying representing Tanzania at such a prestigious event was a great honour.

‘Tanzania is not going there just to participate. We want to see our athletes compete strongly and show the world what we are capable of achieving,’ she added. Tanzania will be represented by a 12-member squad in Glasgow, comprising six athletes in athletics, three amateur boxers, two judokas and one swimmer.

The athletics team features Cecilia Panga, who will compete in the women’s 5,000m and 10,000m races, Hamida Nassoro in the 1,500m and 5,000m events, and sprinter Winfrida Makenji in the 100m and 200m races. The men’s athletics team includes Daniel Sinda in the mile race, Benjamin Fernandi Ratsim in the 10,000m, and Josephat Gisemo, who will compete in both the 5,000m and 10,000m races.In boxing, Yusuf Changarawe (80kg), Fai Issa Faki (55kg) and Zawadi Amos Kutaka (women’s 57kg) will represent Tanzania, while the judo team consists of Andrew Thomas Mlugu (81kg) and Ibrahim Mohamed Hamis (60kg). Swimmer Collins Saliboko, who competed at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, will lead the team as captain and is currently training in South Africa under coach Kanisi Mabena.

Saliboko said the athletes understand the expectations placed on them and are ready to make the country proud.

‘We know Tanzanians are expecting good results from us. We have prepared well and we are ready to compete at the highest level,’ he said.

Head of delegation Henry Tandau said the team will depart on July 21, ahead of the Games scheduled from July 23 to August 2.

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will bring together around 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth teams, with 215 medal events set to be contested across 10 sports.

Concerns over the return of banned plastic bags have resurfaced in Dodoma after the government suspended operations at a factory in Chang’ombe Ward accused of producing plastic packaging materials without approval.

Deputy Minister in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment) Reuben Kwagilwa ordered the factory to stop production after an unannounced inspection found large quantities of plastic bags being manufactured without the required permits.

‘I direct that this factory stops production. NEMC, working with the police, should seal the premises and ensure production activities stop.

We must prevent the production, distribution and use of these bags,’ Mr Kwagilwa said. He said plastic bags pose a serious environmental threat because they can take between 350 and 500 years to decompose.

The government banned plastic bags on June 1, 2019, to reduce pollution and promote environmentally friendly alternatives. However, residents in Chang’ombe say the bags have returned and are now common in many areas.

Charles Moto, a resident of Mtakuja Street, said the ban was a positive step but called for stronger enforcement against illegal production and greater promotion of environmentally friendly packaging.

‘Plastic bags are difficult to decompose. The government should continue promoting alternatives that are safer for the environment,’ he said.

Mr Moto warned that plastic waste can create breeding grounds for insects, make urban areas dirty and pose risks to livestock that may accidentally consume the bags.

Another resident, Yassin Daud, said citizens must also take responsibility by disposing of waste properly.

He said even permitted packaging materials can become a source of pollution if they are not collected and disposed of correctly.

Mtakuja Street Chairman Hemedi Hemedi urged authorities to conduct thorough assessments before allowing plastic bags into the country, saying only environmentally safe materials should be approved.

He said although the plastic bag business contributes to the economy, its environmental impact is significant.

Mr Hemedi said the 2019 ban initially improved urban cleanliness, but the situation has worsened as plastic bags have gradually returned to circulation.

Friday, July 17, 2026 – 6 min read

On July 11, the African continental stage of the World School Team Chess Championship (WSTC) concluded in Cape Town. The competition was held under the auspices of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) with the support of Freedom Holding Corp. and its founder, Timur Turlov. This is the first time a tournament of this level for school teams has taken place on the African continent. According to the CEO of Freedom Holding Corp., advancing chess projects helps create equal opportunities for children regardless of their background, social status, or country of residence.

Winners of the African Tournament

Twenty-six school teams representing 22 African countries took part in the competition. Bronze medals were won by students from Welgemoed Primary School (South Africa). The team from Moi Nyeri Complex Primary School (Kenya) took second place. The tournament winner was Sr. Miriam Duggan Primary School (Uganda).

Since 2025, the WSTC has been held under the auspices of FIDE in partnership with the International School Chess Federation (ISCF), headed by Timur Turlov, founder and CEO of Freedom Holding Corp. The African stage was financially supported by the Holding.

‘Chess is a universal language – a game that allows us to transcend borders and find common ground. In chess, each piece has its own unique capabilities. When building the Freedom digital ecosystem, we, like chess players, have learned to coordinate various parts of a single whole, ensuring their effective interaction,’ said Timur Turlov.

Freedom has been systematically involved in organizing major chess competitions and supporting international tournaments. Among the projects funded by the Holding in 2024 are the Asian Youth Championship in Almaty, the World Team Rapid and Blitz Championship in Astana, and the World Team and Individual Rapid and Blitz Championships on Wall Street in New York. The New York tournament featured the world’s leading chess players, including Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, and Ian Nepomniachtchi.

The Tournament United Children from Across the Continent

For most participants, the competition in Cape Town was their first experience performing on the international stage. Of all the schoolchildren who came to the tournament, 91 participants had no official chess rating prior to the event.

A special part of the African stage ceremony was the letters from chess players who had taken part in previous stages of the championship in Asia. The schoolchildren who had already finished competing were asked: ‘What would you say to the other participants if you were on stage during the opening ceremony?’ The children wrote about victories and defeats, friendship beyond borders, big dreams, and the world that opens up to them through chess.

One letter read: ‘If you lose, it’s okay – you can be a little sad. However, only for a short while. Then it’s better to analyze the game and imagine that learning something new was your plan all along.’

Another participant noted that the language barrier does not prevent children from understanding each other:

‘Don’t be afraid if you and your opponent speak different languages. In chess, you can understand each other without words – right after the first move.’

In another letter, children were reminded that an international championship is not just a competition but also an opportunity to see the world: ‘I hope that you will look not only at the board but also around you at this championship. The world is truly vast, and it’s wonderful to discover it while playing chess.’

New Opportunities for Children from Vulnerable Communities

Patrick Mukasa, coach of the winning team from Sr. Miriam Duggan Primary School, said that many of his students grew up in disadvantaged areas and belong to socially vulnerable groups. According to him, chess gives them the opportunity to get an education, travel, and implement their abilities.

‘I believed in my kids because we were the favorites of the tournament – the best team in the country and the region. These children train at an academy located in a ghetto. They grew up in unfavorable conditions and face all the problems associated with that. I trained them so that they could take advantage of the opportunities that chess provides. Thanks to this game, they develop and travel the world. I am proud that talented children from such areas will be able to contribute to our country and the whole world,’ said Patrick Mukasa.

Why Timur Turlov Is Promoting School Chess

Freedom Holding Corp. is an international FinTech ecosystem operating in 22 countries. The Holding allocates more than USD 15 million annually to the development and popularization of chess.

Supporting sports and educational projects goes hand in hand with the growth of the business itself. According to the financial statements for FY 2026, Freedom Holding Corp.’s net profit more than doubled to USD 153.3 million, while revenue reached USD 2.2 billion for the first time since the company’s listing on Nasdaq.

Timur Turlov was one of the initiators of the establishment of the International School Chess Federation and became its head in 2024. ISCF is part of the FIDE structure and unites national organizations engaged in promoting chess in schools. One of the federation’s key goals is to facilitate the inclusion of chess in educational curricula across different countries.

‘Our mission, as representatives of the chess world and the International School Chess Federation, is to help national federations and activists disseminate knowledge and integrate chess into school programs,’ said Timur Turlov.

In April 2026, Freedom acquired ChessBase – one of the oldest and largest international platforms in the field of chess software, analytics, and databases. The Holding intends to invest EUR 5 million in the project’s development and provide the platform with access to its own client audience, which numbers over 14 million users.

At the same time, Freedom Holding Corp. continues its international expansion. In early July, the Holding obtained a permit to conduct banking activities in Turkey. The company is also working to obtain banking licences in the European Union, primarily in France.

Timur Turlov’s strategic goal is to transform the Freedom digital ecosystem into a global platform present in the markets of Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East.

After the conclusion of the African stage, the 2026 World Schools Team Championship cycle will continue in the Americas. The continental tournament will be held from August 11 to 16 in San José, the capital of Costa Rica. Following the four continental stages, the strongest school teams will meet in December at the championship’s grand final.

Online content creators in Mbeya have urged the government to strengthen enforcement against people who write, publish and circulate inflammatory content on social media, saying tougher action is needed to curb misinformation and prevent public unrest.

They also encouraged fellow content creators to use social media to create economic opportunities rather than spread content that fuels tension and panic.

The calls were made on July 16 during a two-day seminar organised under the Dumisha Amani Project, funded by the United Nations Peace and Development Fund (UNPDF) through the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund.

Participants said that, just as the government has established a special fund to support content creators, there should also be effective legal mechanisms to hold accountable those who publish and disseminate inflammatory information.

Mr Heneliko Malo said social media offered significant opportunities for economic empowerment if used responsibly, instead of being exploited to spread divisive content.

“Social media offered significant opportunities for economic empowerment if used responsibly, instead of being exploited to spread divisive content.

“Some people misuse social media simply to attract more followers or readers. We should use these platforms for positive purposes and avoid publishing content that incites hatred or unrest. Authorities should monitor such activities and take appropriate action against offenders,” he said.

Ms Vaileth Mwakalinga urged content creators to verify information before publishing it rather than focusing solely audiences.

She said regular training was essential to improve professional skills and help creators understand both the benefits and risks associated with social media.

“Training helps us improve our knowledge, creativity and content production skills. Those who lack knowledge should be educated, but those who deliberately violate ethical standards for personal gain should face legal action,” she said.

Another participant, Mr Given Kitunda, popularly known as Docho, said unethical content creators were contributing to the spread of misinformation and public panic.

He urged the government to strengthen oversight of the sector and take action against unregistered or irresponsible content creators.

“We appreciate the government’s initiative to establish a special fund for content creators. However, those operating without registration or professional standards are damaging the industry’s reputation and should be held accountable,” he said.

Mbeya Regional Community Development Officer, Mr Elukaga Mwalukasa, said the government recognised the growing importance of digital content creators and was committed to building their capacity to help them operate professionally and benefit from opportunities in the digital economy.

“We want them to use social media responsibly, follow professional and unlock economic opportunities. The government values young people and will continue supporting them,” he said.

Dumisha Amani Project Officer, Mr Edmund Mbigili, said the initiative aims to equip young content creators with the skills needed to use digital platforms productively while promoting peace and countering harmful online content.

“Our goal is to help young people use social media to create economic opportunities without contributing to conflict or hate speech. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, we must also strengthen our ability to address harmful online content,” he said.

Confusion spread in Shinyanga after reports emerged that the district secretary of the Council of Chadema Youth (Bavicha), Alfred Massanja, had been abducted by unknown people in the early hours of today.

The Citizen followed up on the reports circulating online since dawn and sought confirmation from party officials regarding the alleged abduction.

Speaking to The Citizen by phone on July 17, 2026, Chadema Serengeti Zone Secretary Jackson Mnyawami confirmed that the incident occurred, saying further follow-up had established that Mr Massanja was arrested by police and remains in custody.

‘The incident happened at around 4am when unknown people with covered faces stormed his home. They ordered him to come out and threatened to kill him if he refused. His wife then came out and opened the door, allowing them to enter before they took him away in a vehicle without registration plates,’ Mr Mnyawami said.

He added: ‘After the commotion at his home and among neighbours, we decided to follow up once day broke and discovered that he had been arrested by police. He is still there, although the reason for his arrest was not known at the time. People believed he had been abducted because of the manner in which he was taken and the threats he received.’

However, the Shinyanga Regional Police Command confirmed that it was holding Mr Massanja, 43, a resident of Ndala Ward in Shinyanga Municipality, over allegations of inciting demonstrations planned for July 7, 2026.

According to the police statement, Mr Massanja is accused of mobilising various groups from different parts of Shinyanga Region to participate in the planned demonstrations.

‘We are continuing with investigations and questioning the suspect. Once the investigations are complete, appropriate legal procedures will be followed,’ the police statement said.