Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Innovative Tanzanian start-ups now have a new opportunity to secure growth capital under a fresh funding call for develoPPP Ventures Cohort 11. The programme offers Pound 100,000 (Sh260 million) in non-dilutive funding, alongside tailored technical assistance to help high-growth ventures scale sustainably.

The call for applications, announced on May 20, 2026, will remain open until June 30, 2026. It is implemented by DEG Impulse, a subsidiary of Germany’s development finance institution DEG. Eligible sectors include clean technology, renewable energy, healthcare, insurance, agriculture and sustainable finance, with a focus on businesses that are already generating revenue and are ready to scale.

Previous beneficiaries say the programme has played a significant role in supporting their growth. “Funding helped us surpass revenue targets, expand across Tanzania, and open new operations in multiple zones,” said Baraka Cassian, Founder and CEO of Simplitech Limited, Cohort 6.

“The programme provided flexible capital and enabled us to grow sales by 30 per cent while improving margins and reaching more smallholder farmers,” said Alfred Chengula, Co-founder of Imara Technology Ltd, Cohort 6. Selected start-ups will receive Pound 100,000 (Sh260 million) in matching non-dilutive funding, in addition to advisory support and access to a curated East African start-up network.

The programme also supports businesses transitioning from early-stage growth to long-term profitability. Applicants must demonstrate a working revenue model, provide at least one year of financial statements, and show a credible path to profitability within three years.

Start-ups must also prove their ability to raise matching funds equivalent to the grant value. Since its launch, develoPPP Ventures has supported 36 start-ups across Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda, mobilising more than Pound 48 million (Sh145.2 billion) in follow-on investment.

The programme has attracted over 3,000 applications and supported ventures that have created jobs and expanded access to essential services across multiple sectors. The initiative is delivered in partnership with ecosystem actors, including VC4A and Ennovate Ventures, which help strengthen Africa’s start-up investment pipeline and connect founders with global networks and investors.

It is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented in partnership with Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). .

Former Confederation of African Football (CAF) General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba has been elected president of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s football governing body, FECOFA, marking a significant leadership shift in Congolese football administration. Mosengo-Omba, who previously served as CAF’s general secretary, emerged as the leading candidate in the federation’s electoral process, which attracted close attention across African football circles due to his senior background in continental governance.

His election follows a period of restructuring within FECOFA, with the body seeking to stabilise its administration after years under a FIFA-appointed normalisation committee. Reports indicate that Mosengo-Omba entered the race as a front-runner after other contenders withdrew or were disqualified, leaving him effectively unopposed in the final stages of the process.

During his campaign, he outlined plans to reform and professionalise Congolese football, focusing on governance standards, competition development and restoring credibility to the domestic game. His appointment is widely viewed as a return to national football leadership for one of Africa’s most experienced football administrators, who has held senior roles within both CAF and FIFA structures.

However, the election has also drawn scrutiny amid ongoing debate over governance standards and eligibility procedures within Congolese football, issues that have accompanied the electoral process in recent weeks. Mosengo-Omba is expected to assume office at a time when DR Congo football is seeking greater stability and improved performance both domestically and on the continental stage.

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Ugandan dance sensation Ghetto Kids are set for a major global spotlight after being invited by Colombian superstar Shakira to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup halftime show. In a video shared on her official Instagram account on Wednesday, May 20, Shakira revealed the invitation while speaking about ‘Dai Dai’, the tournament’s official song featuring Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy.

She praised global fan engagement with the track, highlighting the surge of dance videos inspired by the song across social media. “I’ve already invited the Ghetto Kids from Uganda,” she said, naming the group among international dance creators contributing to the song’s viral momentum.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19 across 16 host cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Founded in 2014 by Dauda Kavuma, the Ghetto Kids are a dance and music group made up of children from the Katwe slums in Kampala.

The group first gained international attention after a homemade dance video to Eddy Kenzo’s hit song Sitya Loss went viral. Since then, they have appeared on major international platforms, including French Montana’s Unforgettable music video and performances linked to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

In 2023, the troupe also earned a Golden Buzzer during their appearance on Britain’s Got Talent, further cementing their reputation as one of Africa’s most recognisable youth dance groups. .

Dar es Salaam. The Dar Rapid Transit Agency (Dart) management has said it is considering to introduce facial and palm recognition technology for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) passengers as the agency seeks to increase access and address mounting losses linked to its current smart card ticketing system.

The proposed biometric system, which would allow commuters to access buses using their faces or palm prints, is currently at the planning stage and is intended to complement, rather than replace, the existing smart card system. “We are preparing people first.

We have not started implementation yet, but that is where we are heading,” Dart’s Chief Executive, Mr Said Tunda, said in an interview. Mr Tunda explained that passengers would undergo a one-time biometric configuration, after which they would receive a permanent control number linked to their account.

Once registered, commuters would be able to top up their fare accounts through mobile money platforms and other digital payment systems without necessarily depending on physical cards. “The system will be able to identify that a passenger travelled on a particular day, accessing the gate through either their left or right palm or facial recognition.

Smart gate will automatically open once the passenger approaches,” he said. According to Mr Tunda, the technology is aimed at increasing convenience for passengers, particularly those who frequently lose or forget their cards.

The move comes as Dart struggles with low utilisation of its smart cards despite significant investment in the costly smart cards. Mr Tunda revealed that the authority had invested about Sh2 billion in the smart card system but recovered only around S00 million, leaving a deficit of approximately Sh1.6 billion.

He said the agency incurs a loss of about Sh5,000 in each card which is sold for Sh1,000. Although about 430,000 cards have already been distributed, fewer than 200,000 are currently active in the system, according to the agency. Mr Tunda attributed the situation partly to commuter behaviour and slow adaptation to the system.

“It is a behavioural change issue. People will gradually understand and adopt the system.

These things come out after a process,” he said. He, however, declined to disclose the total number of cards initially procured by the authority.

When asked whether the card system had been a mistake, Mr Tunda avoided directly criticising earlier decisions. Speaking on the proposed system, Land Transport Regulatory Authority Consumer Consultative Council (Latra CCC) Head of Finance Ms Fatuma Kulita, raised concern over the practicality and user-friendliness of the proposed biometric payment system being considered by the Dart for commuters.

“I am struggling to comment positively because I do not yet know whether the system will be user friendly because it may sound good in theory but the requirements for accessing the service would become difficult for passengers,” she said. Ms Kulita questioned how the registration process would work for commuters arriving unexpectedly or travelling occasionally.

“Introducing complicated systems without proper preparation could create operational challenges similar to those experienced with previous transport payment systems,” she said. “There are people who travel daily and others who may have just arrived from upcountry and need immediate access to transport.

How long would it take to scan them and enter all their details into the system? Will there be enough machines to scan everyone? Will the process truly be easy and efficient,” she said. “Otherwise, we may end up introducing systems that eventually become difficult to operate,” she added.

Despite the concerns, Ms Kulita said was waiting to receive more detailed explanations from Dart on how the system would function in practice. Tanzania Road Safety Initiative (TARSI), Executive Director, Mr Maliki Barongo, believes the biometric approach could help to reduce operational losses associated with producing physical cards at high cost and selling them at subsidised prices.

Another transport official who was interviewed in connection to the new system, raised reservations about whether the system would be practical for ordinary commuters. The official, who declined to be named, said it was still unclear whether the proposed technology would be accessible and convenient for all users.

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Dar es Salaam. On January 9, 2018, United States Congressman Brendan Boyle tabled proposals during the 115th Congress session seeking amendments to the 1971 Election Campaign Act requiring presidential candidates to undergo mental fitness examinations and publicly disclose the results before elections.

The proposal was registered as Bill HR 4742. The proposed amendments later became widely known as the “Stable Genius Act”, a phrase derived from how President Donald Trump repeatedly described himself while insisting he possessed exceptional and unwavering intelligence. The proposal was driven by concerns that Trump was mentally unfit to lead and that Americans should not again elect a president without understanding the state of his mental health.

Critics argued that Trump’s excessive confidence in his own intelligence reflected dangerous overconfidence, itself viewed by some as a psychological concern. For that reason, the phrase “stable genius” gradually shifted from describing intellectual consistency to symbolising what critics considered unstable behaviour.

That is why the proposed amendments to the Election Campaign Act became known as the Stable Genius Act. The bill was reintroduced on July 12, 2019, during the 116th Congress under Bill HR 3736. However, no further action was taken after its reintroduction.

Trump later contested the presidency in both 2020 and 2024 without any requirement for mental assessment. His eventual return to power in 2024 was viewed by critics as the beginning of renewed global instability.

On February 28, 2025, Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House in a meeting held inside the Oval Office. The talks, attended by Vice President JD Vance, attracted global attention after Trump and Vance publicly rebuked Zelenskyy instead of engaging in diplomatic discussions aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war.

At a time when US foreign policy traditionally sought to portray America as a defender of democracy, equality and the rule of law, Trump further damaged that image by invading Venezuela and removing former president Nicolas Maduro from power. Trump openly declared that the United States intended to benefit from Venezuela’s oil resources.

The Greenland dispute has since cooled, particularly after Trump, in cooperation with Israel, launched attacks against Iran. Tehran responded militarily and surprised many observers with the scale of its capabilities.

Trump had earlier insisted the United States needed control of Greenland for security reasons, although many analysts believe the territory’s vast mineral wealth was the real attraction. Greenland covers roughly 2.

2 million square kilometres, making it comparable in size to the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Saudi Arabia. For decades, Greenland’s economy has relied mainly on fishing and financial support from Denmark.

In recent years, however, attention has increasingly shifted to Greenland’s natural resources. The territory is believed to possess substantial reserves of rare earth minerals, uranium and iron ore.

This is precisely what intensified Trump’s interest in controlling Greenland. As debate over Greenland continues, Trump has also revived his controversial proposal to turn Canada into the 51st state of the United States.

For more than two centuries, America has existed as a union of 50 states, but Trump has repeatedly suggested expanding that number by incorporating Canada. Regarding Iran, it is increasingly evident that the invasion failed to achieve its objectives.

Trump’s actions have contributed to a worsening global cost-of-living crisis after Iran retaliated by threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz, triggering sharp increases in global oil prices. Trump’s decision to attack Iran militarily was largely influenced by his close partnership with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

However, Trump’s constantly shifting positions have also fuelled tensions between Tel Aviv and Washington over whether the war should continue or stop. Within a single day, Trump often issues several contradictory statements.

Critics argue such behaviour has weakened the prestige of the US presidency and diminished confidence in the country itself. For years, the United States defended Taiwan’s separation from China.

Yet during Trump’s visit to China from May 13 to 15, 2026, he warned Taiwan against declaring formal independence. Trump’s remarks were widely viewed as a major setback for Taiwan’s relationship with Washington.

Nevertheless, some observers urged the Taiwanese government to ignore the comments because Trump frequently reverses his own positions within short periods. Canadian writer J Michael Cole, who lives in Taipei, Taiwan, advised the Taiwanese government not to overreact to Trump’s remarks.

“We must remember that Trump has a habit of saying many things. Sometimes he contradicts himself within 24 hours depending on what he has heard at that moment and whom he has spoken to,” said Cole, effectively urging officials to treat Trump’s statements cautiously.

At the same time, information compiled by Artificial Intelligence indicates that Trump has made more than 30,000 statements later proven false. Critics say this further reinforces arguments that many of his remarks should not be taken seriously.

On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, The New York Times published findings showing that 64 percent of Americans opposed their country entering war with Iran. At the same time, anti-Trump demonstrations known as “No Kings” reflected growing resistance to what protesters described as authoritarian tendencies within the United States.

The protests underscored mounting domestic pressure on Trump ahead of the midterm elections scheduled for November 3, 2026. Trump fears that heavy Republican losses in Congress could expose him to attempts to remove him from office. However, one reality remains increasingly clear: Trump’s presidency has had profound consequences for US foreign policy.

America’s global soft power has weakened significantly during his second term in office. .

Mwanza. The East African Community (EAC) has launched its 2025 report on the state of the Lake Victoria Basin — the first of its kind — featuring nine chapters that provide an in-depth assessment of the lake region’s current conditions.

The report analyses a range of challenges affecting the lake, including ecological degradation, environmental pressures, urban planning gaps, industrial growth, employment trends, tourism, and transport infrastructure such as roads, railways and inland water transport systems. Speaking on May 20, 2026 during a preparatory meeting ahead of the climax of the Lake Victoria Day commemorations scheduled for May 21, 2026 — marking 30 years since the MV Bukoba ferry disaster — the Executive Secretary of the Lake Victoria Basin Commission, Dr Bwire Masinde, said urgent intervention is needed to rescue the lake.

Dr Masinde said the lake’s condition, particularly in major urban centres such as Mwanza City, continues to deteriorate due to severe environmental pollution. He noted that plastic waste and other solid refuse are still being dumped into the lake, accelerating ecosystem damage.

“Over the years, the state of Lake Victoria has continued to worsen. Experts warn that if urgent measures are not taken, within the next 30 to 50 years it may become extremely difficult to restore it to its original condition,” said Dr Masinde.

He added that several fish species that were once abundant have begun to disappear due to environmental destruction and unsustainable fishing practices. “We must act now.

Fish that were once plentiful have declined significantly. If we do not restore the lake’s environment before pollution intensifies further, some species may disappear completely,” he warned.

Dr Masinde further noted that Nile perch, a key economic species and a major source of food for communities around the lake, has declined sharply. Tilapia stocks have also reduced, while indigenous fish species continue to vanish.

He stressed the need for robust strategies to promote sustainable fishing while safeguarding drinking water quality, warning that solid waste entering the lake eventually turns toxic, posing serious health risks to surrounding communities. The report also highlights a worrying rise in illegal fishing activities across the Lake Victoria region.

The use of poison, prohibited nets and other illegal technologies continues to spread across Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. Dr Masinde called on relevant authorities to strengthen patrols and enforcement mechanisms to curb illegal fishing within the lake.

“We commend the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania for the steps it is taking, and Uganda has also made significant efforts. However, it is still not enough.

Communities themselves must take ownership of the fight against illegal fishing,” he said. He warned that the use of poison in fishing poses a direct health threat, as fish caught using toxic substances are consumed by the same communities that harvest them.

“Communities must understand that stopping illegal fishing is their responsibility. It is difficult to comprehend how one can knowingly consume poisoned fish and share it with family and neighbours,” he added.

Dr Masinde further observed that there has been a rise in non-communicable diseases, including cancer, in the Lake Victoria region. He noted that in the 1960s such illnesses were rare in the area, but today referral hospitals such as Ocean Road in Tanzania, alongside facilities in Kisumu, Kenya, and Kampala, Uganda, are receiving increasing numbers of cancer patients from the region.

He said the East African Community has developed short-, medium- and long-term strategies to address the multiple challenges facing the lake. On his part, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Tanzania Resident Representative, Amon Manyama, said Lake Victoria remains a vital resource for citizens of Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi.

“We would like to see all citizens — youth, women, the elderly and other groups — benefiting from the resources of Lake Victoria,” said Mr Manyama. He said UNDP’s contribution includes supporting research to determine the level of pollution in the lake and identifying effective solutions, including the use of technology to remove water hyacinth.

He added that such innovations could help convert the invasive weed into fertiliser and animal feed, while plastic waste could be recycled into new products, creating economic opportunities for youth and women. On safety, Mr Manyama said governments have introduced ambulances, constructed emergency monitoring stations and strengthened patrol services using specialised boats to assist lake users.

He noted that these interventions are also expected to boost tourism in the Lake Victoria region. UNDP, he said, has already conducted an assessment of tourism attractions in Tanzania’s Lake Zone regions, with a promotional campaign set to begin soon, starting with Ukerewe Island, which has been identified as a unique destination.

The Permanent Secretary in Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment, Dr Alfred Okidi, called for stronger collective action to improve the state of Lake Victoria, involving governments, development partners, the private sector and citizens. He said the key responsibility of relevant institutions is to ensure sustainable management of resources in the Lake Victoria Basin, which spans five East African countries — Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi.

Dr Okidi added that the Lake Victoria Day commemorations were approved by the sectoral Council of Ministers and East African Community leadership, with May 21 designated annually for the observance. He recalled that the day holds particular significance for Tanzania, as it coincides with the commemoration of the MV Bukoba disaster, which claimed hundreds of lives from Tanzania and across East Africa.

For the first time, the commemorations are being held alongside academic discussions bringing together stakeholders from various sectors within member states to examine environmental pollution challenges, regional cooperation and financing mechanisms for development and conservation projects. Experts participating in the discussions presented recommendations submitted for funding consideration.

Overall, strategic projects worth more than US$2 billion are required urgently to restore and protect Lake Victoria. The launch of the report, which was funded by the German Development Agency (GIZ).

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania continues to train thousands of future teachers every year, but new research suggests that many enter classrooms during practicum placements unprepared, insufficiently supported and overwhelmed — raising concerns about the long-term quality of education.

A study by the University of Dodoma has highlighted challenges facing teacher trainees during teaching practicum, including fear of classroom management, lack of mentorship, professional isolation and shortages of teaching and learning materials in schools. The study, titled Enhancing Teacher Training: A SWOT Perspective on Practicum Experiences in Tanzanian Higher Education, was conducted by researcher Mariam John Nyang’anyi and published in the Journal of Educational Management and Policy Issues (2025).

Based on interviews, classroom observations and document analysis involving 12 teacher trainees placed in secondary schools in Morogoro Region, the research presents a detailed account of the practicum experience in Tanzania. At the centre of the findings is the argument that improving education quality is closely linked to strengthening teacher preparation, particularly the practicum component where trainees first encounter real classroom environments.

“The teaching practicum is essential for bridging theory and practice,” the study notes, adding that it helps trainees develop teaching skills through lesson delivery, planning and feedback. However, the findings show that many trainees are not adequately prepared for the emotional and psychological demands of teaching.

A key concern identified was what researchers termed “self-doubting tendencies”, with trainees reporting difficulties in public speaking, maintaining classroom discipline and managing large classes. “I experience considerable shyness when speaking loudly in front of groups, leading to uncertainty and recurring insecurity in social teaching situations,” said one trainee, identified as Alex.

Another trainee, Grace, said she still found it difficult to discipline students despite completing two practicum sessions. “Despite completing two practicums, I hesitate to discipline students due to uncertainty about the outcomes,” she said.

The study raises questions about whether teacher training institutions are adequately preparing students beyond academic theory to include emotional readiness and classroom confidence. According to the researchers, such challenges can weaken teaching effectiveness and ultimately affect learner outcomes.

A student teacher from Dar es Salaam, who completed practicum training in Coast Region and requested anonymity, said lack of guidance in schools remains a major challenge. “You arrive at school excited, but sometimes nobody guides you properly.

Some teachers see you as extra work instead of future colleagues,” she said, adding that feedback was often limited. The study similarly found that weak mentorship and professional isolation from experienced teachers were major barriers affecting trainees’ development.

“The isolation I observed from in-service teachers reduces my concentration on teaching efforts,” said another trainee, identified as Hellen. Researchers also cited poor infrastructure and shortages of learning materials as key constraints.

Observations revealed overcrowded classrooms, limited laboratory access and inadequate teaching resources, forcing trainees to rely heavily on improvisation. Despite these challenges, the study noted several positive outcomes from the practicum experience.

Many trainees reported improvements in lesson planning, communication skills, classroom interaction and creativity. Some said the experience helped them connect theoretical knowledge to real classroom practice, while others noted gains in resilience and adaptability.

The researchers recommend reforms including stronger collaboration between universities and schools, structured mentorship systems, emotional resilience training, improved classroom management preparation and better assessment of practicum placement schools. They also call for increased investment in school resources, particularly in rural areas where conditions remain most challenging.

The study concludes that the practicum can either serve as a critical bridge into the teaching profession or become a discouraging experience that pushes young teachers away from classrooms. .

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has appointed nine judges to the Court of Appeal of Tanzania in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s highest appellate court.

According to a statement issued by the Directorate of Presidential Communications at State House and signed by Chief Secretary Ambassador Moses Kusiluka, the appointees include serving High Court judges and principal judges from various divisions across the country. Those appointed are Justice Abdi Shaaban Kagomba of the High Court, Dodoma Zone; Justice Yohane Bokobora Masara of the High Court, Arusha Zone; and Justice Immaculata Kajetan Banzi, Principal Judge of the High Court in Kagera Region.

Others are Justice Rabia Hussein Mohamed of the High Court of Zanzibar; Justice Cyprian Phocas Mkeha, Principal Judge of the Commercial Division of the High Court in Dar es Salaam; and Justice Yose Joseph Mlyambina, Principal Judge of the Labour Division of the High Court in Dar es Salaam. The list also includes Justice Imani Daud Aboud of the High Court, Dodoma Zone; Justice Mzee Ibrahim Ibrahim of the High Court of Zanzibar; and Justice Juliana Laurent Masabo, Principal Judge of the High Court in Dodoma.

The statement added that the swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed Court of Appeal judges will be conducted on a date to be announced later. .

Dar es Salaam. Stakeholders have expressed mixed reactions following President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s decision to appoint a special criminal investigation commission to probe violence linked to the October 29, 2025 General Election, with some describing it as an opportunity for accountability while others question whether it can win public trust.

President Hassan announced the formation of the new commission on Monday through a statement issued by Chief Secretary Moses Kusiluka. According to the statement, the ‘Criminal Investigation Commission on Violent Incidents During and after the 2025 General Election’ has been formed under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, Chapter 32. The commission will be chaired by Court of Appeal Judge Shabani Ally Lila, alongside retired High Court judges Gad John Mjemmas, Awadhi Mohamed Bawazir and Aishieli Nelson Sumari as commissioners.

The move marks another significant phase in Tanzania’s response to violence that erupted during and after the 2025 General Election, leaving hundreds dead, thousands injured. The newly appointed body is expected to conduct deeper criminal investigations into killings, disappearances and alleged abuses reported during the unrest as the government faces continued pressure from opposition parties, civil society organisations and sections of the international community to ensure accountability and national reconciliation.

Some analysts believe the newly established commission could still provide an important opportunity for the country to rebuild trust and strengthen long-term stability if it conducts its work independently and transparently. A political analyst from the State University of Zanzibar, Prof Ali Makame Ussi, said the commission now carries the responsibility of ensuring that the process gains public confidence and meets citizens’ expectations on accountability.

“The commission has a major task of ensuring that it earns the trust of the public and achieves the objective of holding those responsible accountable, as many citizens expect,” he said. According to Prof Ussi, the success of the process would play an important role in helping Tanzania restore unity and achieve lasting peace and stability.

“If the process is handled properly and fairly, it will help the nation return to unity and long-term calm,” he said. A lecturer at the University of Dodoma, Dr Paul Loisulie, said the commission faces a significant credibility test from the outset.

“The first responsibility before the commission is to build public trust so that its findings can help remove the country from the current deadlock,” he said. Dr Loisulie noted that divisions that emerged before and after the election had not yet healed because opposing sides still remained far apart.

“Even the earlier report did not unite the country. It was itself received in a divided manner,” he said.

He warned that the commission could face resistance from different groups unless wider national consensus was first established. However, National Coordinator of the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC), Mr Onesmo Olengurumwa, said the country still lacked a clear consensus on the best path forward.

“As a nation, it is as if we still do not fully understand what we want and what we should do to achieve it,” he said. Mr Olengurumwa argued that the country needed a broader and more transparent process built around public participation, truth-seeking, reconciliation and institutional reforms.

“We should undertake something we are certain will help us move forward,” he said. For her part, Human rights activist Dr Ananilea Nkya said another major challenge would be whether the commission could independently investigate and identify suspects who may still occupy positions within state institutions.

“People are already exhausted, traumatised and frustrated. Some of the suspects in the killings could still be among leaders within government structures, and many fear the commission may struggle to openly address that,” she said.

Religious leaders have also weighed in on the debate, urging the commission to pursue truth and responsibility without fear. Bishop Amon Kinyunyu of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania said the new body should now focus on identifying those responsible for the violence and recommending practical accountability measures.

“The earlier commission helped explain what happened. This criminal commission must now identify the people responsible and ensure accountability measures are taken in order to help heal the nation,” he said.

For political parties, Deputy Secretary for Information, Publicity and Public Relations at ACT Wazalendo, Ms Shangwe Ayo, said the party still preferred an independent international investigation. “We still see the same situation as before.

Just as we did not support the previous commission, we do not see how this new commission will help us obtain anything meaningful,” she said. “Our position remains unchanged.

We believe only an independent international investigation will help establish the truth about what happened on October 29.” Vice Chairman of NCCR-Mageuzi for Mainland Tanzania, Mr Joseph Selasini, also questioned whether the process would help restore public confidence. “The leaders are trying to avoid accountability.

The earlier report was not positively received by sections of society,” he said. Mr Selasini warned that creating another commission based on recommendations from a process already rejected by some groups risked deepening divisions rather than resolving them.

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Kibaha. A research centre focusing on development and poverty alleviation strategies inspired by the philosophy and approaches of Chinese President Xi Jinping has been launched on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in Kibaha, Tanzania’s Coast Region.

The centre has been launched as Southern African liberation movements seek new approaches to transform their economies and alleviate poverty. The centre, established at the Mwalimu Nyerere Leadership School, is expected to serve as a platform for leaders and officials from six Southern African liberation movements to study China’s development experience and exchange ideas on improving citizens’ welfare.

The facility has already received more than 200 books and publications detailing China’s economic policies, poverty reduction strategies, and development experience, which Chinese authorities say contributed to lifting more than 800 million people out of poverty between 2012 and 2021. Leaders attending the launch represented liberation movements from six countries, including Tanzania’s CCM, South Africa’s ANC, Namibia’s SWAPO, Angola’s MPLA, Mozambique’s FRELIMO, and Zimbabwe’s ZANU-PF. Speaking during the launch, CCM Secretary-General, Dr Asha-Rose Migiro, said the longstanding solidarity among Southern African liberation movements should be preserved because it continues to play an important role in promoting development across the region.

She said the establishment of the centre marks a new chapter of cooperation aimed at strengthening efforts to combat poverty through the exchange of development experiences and policy ideas. “This unity has a long history linked to the liberation and development of our people.

We believe this centre will strengthen efforts to fight poverty and improve the lives of citizens,” she said. Head of the Tanzanian delegation, Mr Richard Kasesela, said the centre would become an important hub for learning how China implemented its development strategies and transformed the lives of millions of citizens within a relatively short period.

He said leaders and officials from the participating movements are expected to meet regularly for training on rural development, infrastructure investment, use of technology, and economic empowerment initiatives. “China has shown how practical development policies can rapidly improve people’s lives.

This is valuable experience for African countries seeking economic transformation,” he said. Principal of the Mwalimu Nyerere Leadership School, Prof Marcelina Chijoliga, said the centre was established through cooperation among the secretaries-general of the six liberation movements and would strengthen the institution’s role in leadership and development training.

“This is a leadership institution where we train different groups, including public servants and private sector stakeholders, to strengthen their skills and improve performance in their responsibilities,” she said. According to organisers, the centre is expected to strengthen cooperation between China and Southern African countries, build leadership capacity, and support research on strategies for reducing poverty and improving economic development.

Many countries within the Southern African bloc continue to face significant economic challenges despite possessing abundant natural resources. Tanzania, for example, continues to invest heavily in infrastructure projects such as the standard gauge railway, energy, ports, and mining, while a large share of the rural population still depends on agriculture for livelihoods.

South Africa, despite remaining Africa’s largest economy, continues to struggle with high unemployment and widening income inequality. Zimbabwe is still battling inflation and economic instability that continue to affect the daily lives of ordinary citizens.

Angola and Mozambique remain heavily dependent on oil and gas revenues, while unemployment and limited social services continue to be major public concerns. Namibia also faces persistent unemployment, particularly among young people, alongside growing concerns over income inequality.

The alliance among Southern African liberation movements dates back to the 1960s during anti-colonial and anti-apartheid struggles, when the parties worked together politically and diplomatically to support independence movements across the region. Under the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Tanzania played a central role in supporting liberation movements by providing shelter, training, and logistical assistance to freedom fighters from different Southern African countries.

Following independence, the liberation movements continued to maintain political, economic, and social cooperation aimed at advancing regional solidarity and improving the welfare of citizens. .