Category: The Citizen

Arusha. The High Court, Dar es Salaam Sub-Registry, has sentenced Cosmas Msumari to death by hanging after finding him guilty of murdering his elder brother, Lucas Msumari, by striking him on the head with a hammer.

The incident occurred on April 6, 2023, at Togo Street in Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam, where the two brothers shared a single rented room and worked in the same office but in different departments. Delivering judgment on September 30, 2025, Judge David Ngunyale said the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, convicting the accused of murder contrary to sections 196 and 197 of the Penal Code.

One of the key pieces of evidence was the accused’s caution statement, in which he admitted committing the crime. He also led police to where he had hidden the hammer and to the shop where he had purchased it.

Court records show that on the day of the incident, Lucas failed to report to work, prompting concern from his colleagues. Their sister, Lucia Msumari, was informed and, upon arriving at the brothers’ home, found a crowd gathered and discovered Lucas’s body lying in a pool of blood.

Lucia testified that the brothers had been living together, but after the incident, Cosmas disappeared and was only arrested after the burial. Police officer D9688 Haji Ramadhan, who arrested the suspect, said Cosmas confessed to the crime and led investigators to the hidden hammer.

A hardware shop owner confirmed selling him the weapon for Sh14,000. In his defence, Cosmas denied the charge, claiming he lived elsewhere and that police coerced him into signing a statement he did not understand. Judge Ngunyale said although no one witnessed the crime directly, circumstantial evidence was overwhelming.

The prosecution proved the accused lived with the deceased, bought the hammer, and was present at the scene. “The evidence clearly shows that the accused prepared to commit the offence by purchasing the hammer and was present at the crime scene,” said Judge Ngunyale before sentencing him to death by hanging.

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Dar es Salaam. The Tanzanian Police say they are investigating claims that former Ambassador to Cuba, Humphrey Polepole, has been abducted, while stressing that he is yet to report to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Polepole had earlier been summoned to the DCI to provide explanations over allegations he made on social media. However, recent posts on social media, reportedly from one of his relatives, claim he has been kidnapped.

In a statement on Monday, 6 October 2025, Police Spokesperson said Polepole had been legally required to appear before the DCI for questioning, but has not complied. “Humphrey Polepole was served with a legal notice under the country’s laws to report to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to provide explanations regarding various allegations he made on social media, but to date he has not complied,” the statement read.

The police added that preliminary investigations are ongoing to verify the social media reports. “We have begun examining these claims to establish the truth,” they said.

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Dar es Salaam. Emerging female leaders across Africa have been urged to take courageous steps that translate into tangible change in their leadership journeys.

Speaking at the official opening of the 5th Women’s Leadership Forum in Dar es Salaam, organised by the Uongozi Institute, Tanzania’s Ministry for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups Permanent Secretary, Dr John Jingu, stressed that leadership is about moving beyond learning to creating real-world influence and transformation. Delegates at the forum came from a range of African countries including Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Gambia, Zambia, Nigeria, Liberia and Tanzania.

“Don’t just sit and take notes,” Dr Jingu told participants. “Find someone who inspires you.

Lift others up. Share your vision.

Most importantly, take one action. Break one barrier.

Build one bridge for someone else.” He highlighted the forum’s role as a leading platform promoting women’s leadership across public service, business, academia, and civil society.

This year’s theme, “The Contribution of Women Leadership in Africa,” is rooted in the African humanist philosophy of Ubuntu ‘I am because we are.’ Dr Jingu said impactful leadership goes beyond personal achievement, urging women to make room for others, reshape systems, and lead with compassion and collaboration.

He cited President Samia Suluhu Hassan as an exemplary transformative female leader. He also noted persistent challenges including unconscious bias, the dual burden of work and home responsibilities, and confidence gaps that many women face.

“This forum isn’t just a celebration. It is a space for honest dialogue, growth, and collective empowerment,” he added.

Uongozi Institute CEO Kadari Singo launched a new Women in Leadership Program designed to boost women’s presence in senior political, business, and economic roles. Participants were selected competitively and have already completed the first phase of training.

Sing highlighted that women currently occupy only 22 percent of parliamentary seats and 21 percent of ministerial positions, mostly in social sectors, warning that at this pace gender equality could take more than a century. The European Union Officer, Alessandro Pisani, described the forum as a milestone in advancing gender equality, while UN Women’s Representative in Tanzania, Katherine Gifford, called the initiative a “development necessity,” emphasising long-term support for women in decision-making roles.

Finland’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Theresa Sitting, noted that entrenched social expectations, including early caregiving roles, often hinder women’s leadership. “Leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about self-awareness and resilience.

We must embrace failure, rise again, and keep going,” she said. .

Nairobi. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has called on African nations to accelerate technological transformation in agriculture and integrate indigenous knowledge systems as part of efforts to attract more young people to the sector.

Speaking at the closing session of the Post-COP African Youth Workshop on customary tenure rights and agroecology, FAO team lead for land governance and social inclusion, Husna Mbarak, said agricultural mechanisation could shift the long-standing perception of farming from a “dirty job for the old” to an appealing and profitable career for Africa’s youth. “New technology will empower young people to do more than they ever expect, because it changes the notion that agriculture is outdated or unattractive,” she noted.

According to FAO, more than 400 million Africans aged between 15 and 35 constitute over 75 percent of the continent’s population, a figure projected to double by 2050. The agency stressed that engaging this demographic in productive and sustainable agriculture was crucial to achieving food security and economic resilience. However, the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) reports that climate change has already reduced crop yields by about 34 percent, leaving millions of smallholder farmers struggling to adapt.

Despite the majority of young Africans residing in rural areas, many lack access to secure land tenure, affordable credit, or modern agricultural technologies — constraints that continue to drive ruralurban migration. Participants at the workshop observed that youth are well-positioned to champion agroecology — a holistic approach to farming that safeguards biodiversity, promotes soil health, and minimises environmental degradation.

Founder of the Youth Initiative for Land in Africa (YILAA), Innocent Antoine Houedji, said the future of African agriculture depends on combining technological innovation with a renewed respect for traditional ecological wisdom. “Technology without environmental consciousness is short-sighted,” he remarked, adding that agroecology offers a pathway that harmonises productivity with sustainability.

Delegates also raised concerns over the persistent marginalisation of indigenous knowledge systems in climate and biodiversity governance frameworks. They cautioned against investment models that prioritise industrial agriculture at the expense of ecosystems and local communities — a practice they said contradicts the spirit of the African Climate Summit 2025 Declaration on Agroecology.

Executive Director of RECONCILE, Ken Otieno, urged policymakers to ensure that young people are meaningfully involved in decision-making on land governance and climate adaptation. Studies show that fewer than 10 percent of rural youth in Africa own land, largely due to restrictive customary tenure systems and weak enforcement of land rights legislation.

Laureen Ongesa, co-chair of the Youth and Land Multi-Stakeholder Platform in Africa (YLMPA), called on governments to implement youth-sensitive land policies that support agroecology, pastoralism, and sustainable land use planning. She said empowering young people with access to land, finance, and knowledge is key to transforming agriculture into a driver of inclusive growth.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s leading female golfer, Madina Idd, is set to represent the country at the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing, scheduled to take place from October 13 to 15, 2025, at the prestigious Royal Nairobi Golf Club in Kenya.

The high-profile tournament, part of the Sunshine Development Tour, will bring together elite golfers from across the region for three days of intense competition and camaraderie. Registration for the event opened on September 22 and will close on October 6, with players expected to register via golfplus.

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The East Africa Swing serves as one of the most important stages in the Sunshine Development Tour calendar, offering golfers from the region an opportunity to gain ranking points, refine their skills, and compete on a professional platform that feeds into the Sunshine Tour, one of Africa’s leading golf circuits. Madina Idd, who has established herself as Tanzania’s most consistent female golfer, said she is excited about the opportunity to compete alongside the region’s best players.

“It’s always an honor to represent Tanzania in international tournaments,” she said. “Events like the East Africa Swing help us test our game against top players while also strengthening regional golf ties.

I’m looking forward to giving my best performance in Nairobi.” Madina has been instrumental in raising the profile of women’s golf in Tanzania through her outstanding performances at various tournaments, including the Tanzania Ladies Open, the Geita Open, and the EAC Ladies Challenge Trophy.

Her participation in the Sunshine Development Tour underscores the growing recognition of Tanzanian golfers on the continental stage. The Royal Nairobi Golf Club, one of the oldest and most scenic courses in East Africa, will host the event.

Known for its lush fairways and challenging layout, the course promises an exciting contest as top male and female professionals vie for honors and ranking points. .

Dar es Salaam. Mainland Premier League champions Young Africans (Yanga SC) have resumed training today as they prepare for their crucial CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie against Malawi’s Silver Strikers.

The first leg of the tie is scheduled for next week in Lilongwe, with the return fixture set for October 25 in Dar es Salaam. The aggregate winner will advance to the group stage of Africa’s most prestigious club competition–a major objective for Yanga this season.

Yanga’s preparations, however, begin without several key players who have joined their national teams for international duty. Among the absentees are Bakari Mwamnyeto, Dickson Job, Israel Mwenda, Aziz Andabwile, Ibrahim “Bacca” Abdullah, and Offen Chikola, all of whom are part of the Taifa Stars squad.

The list of internationals extends beyond Tanzania, including Pacome Zouzoua (Ivory Coast), Djigui Diarra and Lassine Kouma (Mali), Celestine Ecua (Chad), Moussa Balla Conte (Guinea), Prince Dube (Zimbabwe), and Duke Abuya (Kenya). Their absence means Yanga must rely on squad depth and tactical discipline to maintain sharpness during this critical period.

Despite missing several regular starters, head coach Romain Folz is expected to use this break strategically to refine tactics, evaluate squad options, and give playing time to fringe players. The French tactician remains confident that returning internationals will reintegrate quickly and regain match rhythm before the Silver Strikers clash.

Yanga enter this phase of the season determined to make a significant mark in the Champions League. The club’s management has emphasized the importance of this campaign, viewing it as an opportunity to cement Yanga’s status among Africa’s elite football clubs.

Success in this tournament is seen not only as a sporting achievement but also as a boost for the club’s prestige on the continent. The tie against Silver Strikers, Malawi’s reigning champions, is expected to be a stern test.

The Malawian side is known for its high-tempo, attacking style of play and will rely heavily on home support in Lilongwe. Despite these challenges, Yanga’s experience in continental competitions, tactical awareness, and squad depth provide a strong foundation to secure a favorable result on the road before finishing the job at home in Dar es Salaam.

As Yanga regroup and refocus, the team’s preparations during this international break are crucial. Maintaining fitness, cohesion, and tactical clarity during the absence of key internationals will be vital to ensure they are fully ready for the two-legged tie.

Fans and management alike are watching closely, hoping the reigning Tanzanian champions can take the next step in their continental journey. With determination, preparation, and a squad capable of rising to the challenge, Yanga aim to advance to the CAF Champions League group stage, a milestone that would reinforce their ambition to be recognized as one of Africa’s top football clubs.

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Dodoma. The High Court will on Friday, 10 October 2025, deliver its judgment on the fate of Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT-Wazalendo) member Luhaga Mpina, who is seeking reinstatement as the party’s presidential candidate.

The case, heard by a panel of three judges — Fredrick Manyanda (presiding), Abdallah Gonzi and Sylvester Kainda — was scheduled on Monday, 6 October, for oral submissions from lawyers representing all parties. However, when proceedings began, both sides said they had no further submissions and asked the court to proceed with its ruling.

Mpina, through his lawyers, filed a constitutional petition challenging his exclusion from the 2025 General Election presidential race, set for 29 October. The combined application, case number 24027, was filed by Mpina and the ACT-Wazalendo Board of Trustees against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney General.

At the Dodoma High Court registry, Judge Manyanda said all parties had submitted the required documents and that the court would take three days to review them before delivering the judgment. He said that should any clarification be needed, lawyers would be called back; otherwise, they must wait until the ruling.

“This matter is significant and urgent as it affects the interests of many. Having received all submissions, we will review them and deliver the judgment promptly on Friday, 10 October 2025, at 2pm,” said Judge Manyanda.

He urged members of the public who wish to observe the hearing to attend in the afternoon. Outside the Court Mpina praised the media for helping publicise his case, saying without their support it would have remained largely unknown.

He also thanked ACT-Wazalendo leaders for their encouragement and for supporting his lawyers, who have worked tirelessly to uphold the law. The former Kisesa MP said he would welcome an early ruling, even as soon as the next day, so he could explain to Tanzanians why he is running for president.

“While our colleagues continue with the campaign, we are in court. Honestly, I would prefer if the decision came even tomorrow, so I could tell citizens why I am running,” he said.

ACT-Wazalendo leader Dorothy Semu expressed confidence in the judiciary to act fairly and reinstate the party’s candidate, allowing voters to make their choice. She said the party will continue campaigning for parliamentary and council seats in the meantime.

Mpina and ACT-Wazalendo are represented by lawyers John Seka, Edson Kilatu, and Jasper Sabuni. The government is represented by Marck Murwambo, Vivian Method, Stanley Kalokola, and Erick Rumisha.

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Paris. France’s new Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu and his government resigned on Monday, hours after Lecornu announced his cabinet line-up, in a major deepening of France’s political crisis that drove stocks and the euro sharply lower.

The swift, unexpected resignation came after allies and foes alike threatened to topple the new government. The far-right National Rally immediately urged President Emmanuel Macron to call a snap parliamentary election.

The hard left France Unbowed said Macron himself must go. Lecornu, who was Macron’s fifth prime minister in two years, stayed in the job for only 27 days.

His government lasted 14 hours, making it the shortest-lived in modern French history at a time when parliament is deeply divided and the euro zone’s second-largest economy is struggling to put its finances in order. Lecornu blames parties stubornness “One cannot be prime minister when the conditions are not met,” Lecornu said in a short speech after his resignation.

To explain why he could not go forward and strike compromises with rival parties, he blamed the “egos” of opposition politicians who rigidly stuck to their manifestos, while those inside his minority coalition were focusing on their own presidential ambitions. “You should always prefer your country to your party,” he said.

New cabinet line-up angered opponents After weeks of consultations with political parties across the board, Lecornu, a close ally of Macron, had appointed his ministers on Sunday and they had been set to hold their first meeting on Monday afternoon. But the new cabinet line-up had angered opponents and allies alike, who either found it too right-wing or not sufficiently so, raising questions on how long it could last, with no group holding a majority in a fragmented parliament.

Lecornu handed his resignation to Macron on Monday morning. “Mr.

Sebastien Lecornu has submitted the resignation of his Government to the President of the Republic, who has accepted it,” the Elysee’s press office said. French politics has become increasingly unstable since Macron’s re-election in 2022 for want of any party or grouping holding a parliamentary majority.

Opposition wants snaps elections Macron’s decision to call a snap parliamentary election last year deepened the crisis by producing an even more fragmented parliament. But France could now possibly be headed for another snap parliamentary vote.

“I call on the President of the Republic to dissolve the National Assembly this joke has gone on long enough, the farce must end,” National Rally chief Marine Le Pen said after Lecornu resigned. Mathilde Panot, of the hard left France Unbowed, said: “Lecornu resigns.

3 Prime Ministers defeated in less than a year. The countdown has begun.

Macron must go.” French stocks and Euro fall Paris’ CAC 40 (.

FCHI), opens new tab dropped 2%, on track for the biggest one-day drop since August, making it the worst-performing index in Europe, as banking shares came under heavy fire. The euro slid 0.

7% on the day to $1.1665. Lecornu’s two predecessors, Francois Bayrou and Michel Barnier, were brought down by parliament over efforts to rein in France’s public spending at a time when ratings agencies and investors are watching closely. France’s debt has risen to 113.9% of gross domestic product, while the deficit was nearly double the European Union’s 3% limit last year “It’s just one government after another this is the major problem for French assets, but it has a spillover effect for the rest of Europe,” said Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG Group.

Deep Instability France has rarely suffered a political crisis so deep since the creation in 1958 of the Fifth Republic, the current system of government. The 1958 constitution was designed to ensure stable governance by creating a powerful and highly centralised president endowed with a strong majority in parliament, and to avoid the instability of the periods immediately before and after World War Two.

Instead, Macron – who in his ascent to power in 2017 reshaped the political landscape – has found himself struggling with a fragmented parliament where the centre no longer holds the balance and the far-right and hard-left hold sway. France is not used to building coalitions and finding consensus.

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Arusha. As global resistance to frontline malaria treatments rises, Tanzania is taking a leading role by hosting the inaugural International Symposium on Artemisia from October 810, 2025, in Arusha.

The three-day event will bring together more than 100 scientists and experts from over 30 countries to discuss the future of the Artemisia plant, famed for producing artemisinin–the key compound in the World Health Organization’s recommended first-line malaria treatment. While artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) remain central to global malaria control, increasing resistance in some regions has prompted urgent calls for innovative solutions.

The symposium provides a platform to explore Artemisia’s broader potential, including its use in treating tuberculosis, schistosomiasis, reducing antibiotic use in livestock, and as a natural biopesticide in agriculture. Tanzania’s hosting of the summit underscores its commitment to advancing scientific research and innovation in health and agriculture.

Experts headlining the event include Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Dr Seif Shekalaghe and Director General of the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticide Authority (TPHPA), Prof Joseph Ndunguru. Artemisia, is a hardy genus of herbaceous plants and shrubs, thrives in dry, or semi-arid regions.

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Arusha. Tanzania’s tourism industry players say the recently concluded Global Travel and Local Tourism Industry Players Summit has created a powerful platform for business deals and cross-border collaborations between international travel agencies and local tour operators.

The event, held in Arusha, drew nearly 300 stakeholders from various continents and has been hailed as a new benchmark for international tourism gatherings in the region. Co-Partner at Msangai Tours, Mr Eric Joshua, described the summit as a “game-changer,” noting that it opened opportunities for direct partnerships with international travel agents.

“This summit has allowed us to secure partnerships that will bring tourists directly to us. Such global exposure would have been difficult to achieve without it,” he said, thanking Africa Booking.

com for organising the event. The summit was convened by Africa Booking Match Ltd, a pan-African safari business matchmaking platform, in collaboration with local industry stakeholders.

It featured an indoor travel exhibition, Business-to-Business (B2B) sessions, and panel discussions aimed at advancing sustainable tourism. Pro bono co-chair of the organising committee, Mr Sirili Akko, said the central theme, Bridging Gaps between Local and International Players, aligned with the 2025 UN World Tourism Day theme, Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.

“This summit sets a new standard for tourism events in the region and reinforces Arusha’s position as an emerging international hub for tourism development,” said Mr Akko. Industry participants echoed calls to make the summit a regular event, especially to support small and medium-sized operators who face marketing challenges but aspire to grow globally.

As the summit concluded, participants expressed optimism that the partnerships and ideas forged in Arusha would drive long-term growth in Tanzania’s tourism sector. Organisers announced plans to make the summit an annual event each September to coincide with World Tourism Day.

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