Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. The World Gold Council has signalled readiness to deepen cooperation with Tanzania as the government moves to expand gold investment, strengthen small-scale mining and accelerate value addition within the country.

The commitment emerged during a high-level meeting between the government, the World Gold Council and gold refining company GGR, as officials explored ways to grow gold trade, improve production standards and attract more capital into the sector. The meeting, attended by ministers and technical experts, was chaired by the Minister of State in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Prof Kitila Mkumbo.

He thanked the World Gold Council for its willingness to work with Tanzania and urged international investors to expand value addition activities. “We welcome strategic partners who see Tanzania not only as a source of gold, but as a place to process, refine and build industrial capability,” Prof Mkumbo said.

World Gold Council Chief Executive Mr David Tait (pictured) said Tanzania’s approach to working with small-scale miners was encouraging. He said the Council is ready to collaborate with the government to strengthen capacity across the gold value chain, from production practices and compliance to market access that meets international standards.

Mr Tait also welcomed Tanzania’s renewed focus on geological research and signalled readiness to cooperate on advanced exploration initiatives, including the use of satellite technology to expand mineral surveys. He said such collaboration could improve geological data, reduce exploration risk and support sustainable development of mineral resources.

Minister for Minerals Mr Anthony Mavunde said strengthening small-scale mining remains central to Tanzania’s gold strategy, noting that the segment’s contribution to the economy has grown in recent years. He said the government is working to align small-scale production with responsible sourcing standards and formal markets.

He said that targeted support, improved technology and reliable market access would raise productivity and formal participation. Ministers responsible for youth and for community development, gender, women and special groups also highlighted the Mining for a Brighter Tomorrow programme, which focuses on empowering women and young people within the gold value chain.

They said expanding participation would increase employment and broaden the sector’s social and economic impact. With global demand for responsibly sourced gold rising, officials said Tanzania is positioning itself to combine mineral potential with stronger governance, inclusion and industrial growth.

The engagement with the World Gold Council is expected to strengthen Tanzania’s role in the formal global gold market while increasing domestic value from its mineral resources. .

Dar es Salaam. After several months of sudden prominence, the People’s Liberation Party (Chaumma) is reportedly entering a period of instability, with internal disagreements among members and leaders, while pressing questions remain unanswered.

The party’s financial surge has prompted some members to demand detailed reports on revenue and expenditure, seeking clarity on how much was spent and what remains following the 2025 general election activities. Members say requests for financial statements are often met with hesitation from party leaders, fuelling concern and creating divisions.

Meanwhile, the leadership insists that no party provides revenue and expenditure statements to individual members at home, and anyone claiming otherwise should specify the meeting they attended. Leaders have also denied any internal conflict or silence, stating that continuous day-and-night efforts are underway to ensure the party’s survival and growth.

The current unrest stems from Chaumma’s spectacular displays before and during the October 2025 campaigns, including helicopter visits and hiring expensive venues for events. Previously, the party held national meetings in modest halls, but during the campaigns it shifted to luxury hotels and expensive venues, with convoys of cars and motorcycles accompanying visits, raising questions about the source of its sudden wealth.

This wave of prosperity coincided with thousands of members defecting from Chadema, with Chaumma celebrated in opulent halls. The surge in wealth and membership forced the party to relocate its headquarters from Mwananyamala to Kinondoni Biafra in Dar es Salaam.

Confusion and unanswered questions have emerged since the October 29, 2025, General Election, with leaders rarely heard from. In that election, Chaumma won one constituency MP, Ms Agnesta Kaiza of Segerea in Dar es Salaam, and two special seats, Ms Devotha Minja and Ms Sigrada Mligo.

Hesitation over revenue and expenditure A party official, who requested anonymity, said the current tensions arise from unclear funding sources during the election. Members have repeatedly requested financial reports to understand spending and remaining funds, but leadership hesitates to provide answers.

“Currently, everyone is questioning the revenue and expenditure during the elections. They want to know what was received and what is left, causing hesitation from leaders,” said the source.

The source added that the demand for transparency stems from growing discontent, which has hampered activities despite substantial election funds. “No party activities are ongoing because there is neither unity nor funds.

If united, we would contribute together for party programmes, but now everyone acts individually,” the source said. The member said even funds allocated to constituency candidates were distributed unequally.

“They checked the candidate’s profile; if popular, they received Sh10 to Sh15 million, if not, they got only Sh5 million. This caused resentment,” said the source.

Leaders deny issues Contacted, Chaumma’s Deputy Secretary-General for the Mainland, Mr Benson Kigaila, said no party provides reports to individual members at home, and anyone claiming they were denied should specify which meeting they attended. “Which party provides revenue and expenditure statements to individual members at home? The person claiming this, which meeting did they attend? Which session did they request the report for?” questioned Mr Kigaila.

“He wants to know how much he personally contributed to the party. What party was he in before? I have moved beyond small matters to discuss serious ones, not foolish questions from idle people,” he added.

The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, also contacted the party’s Vice-Chairman for the Mainland, Ms Devotha Minja, who said the party has a finance department authorised to discuss revenue and expenditure. “Not everyone can speak or be given financial reports.

The department exists to provide information, but not to all,” she said. In May 2025, in an exclusive interview with Mwananchi, Mr Kigaila was asked how Chaumma raises funds for elaborate campaigns.

He said: “At Chadema, we staged campaigns and never asked where the funds came from. We moved the party and brought Chaumma, staging campaigns, and people ask us where the money came from.

” He added that those who helped raise funds at Chadema continue assisting at Chaumma. Member conflicts Another party cadre said everyone now acts individually within Chaumma, unlike previously.

“If you see the leaders, it looks like they are united, but that is deception. There is a split, with disagreements among leaders and members,” said the member on condition of anonymity.

“We see no future beyond leaders blaming each other. Nothing has happened since the general election.

It seems the party is heading to an end,” added another leader declining to be named. The leader said internal tensions will soon surface publicly, as many former Chadema members have distanced themselves to pursue personal agendas.

“Some who moved from Chadema to Chaumma are busy with their own affairs, not party matters. In a few days, you will hear some announcing their political futures,” added the leader.

Some members previously expressed similar concerns, including a former Chadema member now in Chaumma, Mr Patrick Asenga, who intends to return to Chadema, claiming his current party has lost direction. “In a few days, I will officially announce my decision to return home to Chadema.

At my age, I cannot retire from politics,” he said. “You see it participating in strategic meetings, but it has clearly lost direction.

Instead of focusing on the ruling party, it engages with others,” he added. He said Chaumma has lost vitality, leading to political death, and explained that a party depends on people and must show closeness to citizens, especially in hardship.

Another Chaumma member, Mr Henry Kileo, said he is now disengaged from politics and focusing on business to recover losses incurred during the election. “I have stayed away from politics; I know nothing.

I have been working on my businesses since the election ended. I don’t know what is happening, I don’t talk to members, and I do not participate in any platforms,” he said.

Asked if he is ready to return, he replied: “If I am ready, I will know what to do, but for now, I am busy with business. That is why I don’t follow what is happening.

” Leaders’ response Responding, Mr Kigaila questioned where the alleged conflicts are, what kind they are, and who is involved. “I don’t know of any conflict.

The person saying there is a conflict, who conflicts with whom, what kind of conflict is it, and where did it happen? Let them present facts,” he said. Regarding the party’s silence and lack of plans, Mr Kigaila asked who plans between ordinary members and leaders.

“If the complaint comes from a regular member, how would they know, as they are not part of planning?” he said. “The person saying there are no plans, do they know the plans of other parties? Plans are made by leaders; how would an ordinary member know? We are working to build the party.

Those writing on social media, let them write; pens and banners are theirs,” added Mr Kigaila. Ms Minja said party leaders work day and night to keep the party moving and have succeeded.

She added that some matters require meetings, such as a general assembly, which have not occurred since the election. However, she said the October 2930 events shocked the nation and disrupted the party.

“The party was somewhat confused, as was nearly everyone in the country. If people complain that meetings were missed, let them discuss it in meetings,” she said.

She noted that the Registrar of Political Parties, Judge Francis Mutungi, recently held a meeting with all parties, attended by Chaumma Chairman Hashimu Rungwe, and Secretary-General Salum Mwalimu. “So, how can you say the party is weak when it participates in meetings and carries out minor activities? I see some want to drag us backward, but even with small numbers and limited resources, we will move forward,” she said.

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Sydney. Australia said on Sunday it would spend a $3.9 billion ($2.76 billion) to progress construction of a shipyard that will help deliver nuclear-powered submarines under the trilateral AUKUS defence pact with the US and Britain.

Announced in 2021, AUKUS is Australia’s largest-ever defence investment and will see U.S.

-commanded Virginia-class submarines based in Australia from 2027, several Virginia submarines sold to Australia from around 2030, and Britain and Australia building a new class of AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the A$3.9 billion as a down payment to deliver the new shipyard in Osborne, a suburb of Adelaide in South Australia state.

“Investing in the submarine construction yard at Osborne is critical to delivering Australia’s conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines,” Albanese said in a statement. Official projections put the total cost of the build at A$30 billion “over coming decades”, he said.

Osborne is where Australia’s ASC and Britain’s BAE Systems will jointly build Australia’s fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, the core component of the AUKUS pact. Until that work begins later this decade, the shipyard is where much of the maintenance is performed on the country’s existing Collins-class submarine fleet.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said the down payment would be spent on building enabling infrastructure for the shipyard. “This is just the beginning,” Malinauskas said in the statement.

In December, a Pentagon review of the AUKUS project found areas of opportunity to put the deal on the “strongest possible footing,” including ensuring that Australia is moving fast enough to build its nuclear submarine capacity. .

Munich. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to begin a two-day trip on Sunday, to bolster ties with Slovakia and Hungary, whose conservative leaders, often at odds with other European Union countries, have warm ties with President Donald Trump.

Rubio will use the trip to discuss energy cooperation and bilateral issues, including NATO commitments, the State Department said in an announcement last week. “These are countries that are very strong with us, very cooperative with the United States, work very closely with us, and it’s a good opportunity to go see them and two countries I’ve never been in,” Rubio told reporters before departing for Europe on Thursday.

Rubio, who in his dual role also serves as Trump’s national security adviser, will meet in Bratislava on Sunday with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who visited Trump in Florida last month. The US diplomat’s trip follows his participation in the Munich Security Conference over the last few days.

Will meet Viktor Orban on Monday On Monday, Rubio is expected to meet with Hungarian leader Viktor Orban, who is trailing in most polls ahead of an election in April when he could be voted out of power. “The President said he’s very supportive of him, and so are we,” Rubio said.

“But obviously we were going to do that visit as a bilateral visit.” Orban, one of Trump’s closest allies in Europe, is considered by many on the American hard-right as a model for the US president’s tough policies on immigration and support for families and Christian conservatism.

Budapest has repeatedly hosted Conservative Political Action Conference events, which bring together conservative activists and leaders, with another due in March. Ties with Moscow and clashes with the EU Both Fico and Orban have clashed with EU institutions over probes into backsliding on democratic rules.

They have also maintained ties with Moscow, criticised and at times delayed the imposition of EU sanctions on Russia and opposed sending military aid to Ukraine. Even as other European Union countries have secured alternative energy supplies after Moscow invaded Ukraine in 2022, including by buying U.

S. natural gas, Slovakia and Hungary have also continued to buy Russian gas and oil, a practice the United States has criticised.

Rubio said this would be discussed during his brief tour, but did not give any details. Fico, who has described the European Union as an institution that is in “deep crisis”, has showered Trump with praise saying he would bring peace back to Europe.

But Fico criticised the U.S.

capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in early January. Hungary and Slovakia have also so far diverged from Trump on NATO spending.

They have raised defence spending to NATO’s minimum threshold of 2% of GDP. Fico has, however, refused to raise expenditure above that level for now, even though Trump has repeatedly asked all NATO members to increase their military spending to 5%.

Hungary has also planned for 2% defence spending in this year’s budget. On nuclear cooperation, Slovakia signed an agreement with the United States last month and Fico has said U.

S.-based Westinghouse was likely to build a new nuclear power plant.

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Doha. The Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB) is participating in the International Agriculture Exhibition in Qatar as part of its strategy to expand global partnerships, attract investment and strengthen Tanzania’s agricultural sector.

The exhibition brings together investors, development finance institutions, agricultural technology experts, input suppliers and policymakers from across the world, creating a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange. TADB said its participation reflects its commitment to transforming agriculture into a modern, productive and competitive sector.

The international forum offers an opportunity to share experiences, access new technologies and explore best farming practices from different countries. The bank is also promoting investment in irrigation farming, climate-smart agriculture and the adoption of modern technologies such as digital farming.

These areas are considered critical in improving productivity, enhancing resilience to climate change and ensuring sustainable agricultural growth. Through the exhibition, TADB aims to build strategic networks that will enhance access to financial resources and technical expertise to support farmers across Tanzania.

The bank believes that stronger international cooperation could also help unlock new export markets, particularly in the Middle East region. Agriculture remains a key pillar of Tanzania’s economy, contributing significantly to employment, farmers’ incomes and national GDP.

By engaging with global stakeholders, TADB seeks to ensure Tanzanian farmers benefit from improved access to capital, innovation and reliable markets. The bank’s participation in the Qatar exhibition also strengthens economic diplomacy between Tanzania and Qatar, paving the way for deeper trade and investment cooperation.

Overall, TADB’s presence at the expo marks another step in advancing Tanzania’s agricultural transformation agenda and promoting sustainable economic growth through a competitive agricultural sector. .

Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam was awash with excitement as the second edition of the Aga Khan Education Service, Tanzania Inter-school Chess Tournament drew large crowds and delivered a strong statement on the growing popularity of chess among students in the country.

The event not only thrilled fans but also highlighted how chess is increasingly being embraced as a powerful tool for learning, discipline, and personal growth beyond the classroom. The tournament was hosted by the Mzizima Knights Chess Club at the Aga Khan Primary School, attracting more than 60 young players across different age categories.

According to former Mzizima Knights president Prisha Chheda, competitors were grouped into Under- 8, Under-10, Under-14, Under-16, and Under-18 categories, ensuring fair competition and broad participation. Prisha said the players came from a wide range of schools and chess academies, including the International School of Tanganyika, DIA, HOPAC, Aga Khan, French School, Braeburn, Rising Star Chess Academy, Academic Achievement International School, The Apton School, Al Muntazir, Indian School, and Feza Boys.

The diversity of participating institutions underlined the expanding chess culture within Dar es Salaam’s school community. On the overall standings, the International School of Tanganyika topped the tournament with 15 points, showcasing depth and consistency across age groups.

AKES, Tanzania finished second with 11 points, while DIA secured third place with 8 points. Prisha described the tournament as an amazing spectacle, noting that scores of fans filled the venue to witness matches supported by the AKES, Tanzania.

She explained that the junior inter-school chess tournament was designed to connect young players from different schools and help nurture a strong chess community. The initiative allows juniors to improve their skills, find peers to play and practice with, and gain competitive experience without the pressure and fear often associated with open tournaments.

The event also aimed to promote sportsmanship, critical thinking, and collaboration, while showcasing schools’ commitment to extracurricular development. In the Upcoming Category, Tej Patel claimed first place, followed by Ibrahim Bin Imran in second and Uzair Harunani in third, while Hannah Dawoodbhai emerged as the best female player.

In the Under-8 category, Aarav Patel finished first, Ayansh Shetty second, and Kaushik Sangadi third, with Aliyah Arab taking the female award. The Under-10 category saw Riaan Varun George win ahead of Hanwen Guo and Vraj Masrani, while Vihana Divecha led the girls’ standings, followed by Zoey Andris and Sophia Dawoodbhai.

In the Under-14 division, Veeraj Mehta took top honours, with Zhanyi Wu (Michael) second and Vihaan Mehta third, as Zivah Honest Gugu won the female prize. Mugema Duval emerged victorious in the Under-16 category ahead of Muhammad Asad and Zhe Yu (Jason).

The Under-18 title went to Parsa Naser, followed by Henry Micheal and Cheal Nouidui. Speaking at the event, Head of School at the Aga Khan Mzizima Secondary (International Section), Johnson Monari, said they were proud to host a fully student-led tournament that reflected strong agency and leadership.

He noted that chess sharpens critical thinking, improves concentration, and teaches respect, resilience, and sportsmanship skills that extend far beyond the chessboard. “In recent years, declining focus and concentration among students has become a concern.

Chess is a powerful tool to sharpen critical thinking, improve concentration, and help students remain calm under pressure,” said Monari. He stressed that beyond cognitive benefits, chess teaches respect, resilience, and how to handle both victory and defeat.

“Through this tournament, we aim to nurture lifelong skills that extend far beyond the chessboard,” he added. Hemmatrieya Jamdar, President of Mzizima Knights, thanked all participants for their involvement and support.

He expressed sincere appreciation for their contribution to the event’s success and stated that the organization looks forward to even greater participation in the third edition next year. The organising committee brought together a team of dedicated individuals who played vital leadership and advisory roles to ensure the tournament’s success.

Joyce and Wilson were members of the core committee, while Jamilu Baguma served as the club patron, offering strategic guidance and steady support that helped guarantee the smooth running of the competition. The club’s current presidents, Arianna Ladha and Hemattreya Jamdar, were instrumental in steering coordination, overseeing logistics and supervising the overall execution of the event, ensuring that every detail was handled professionally.

Media and communications were led by Kush Babla and Khadijah Tapya, who worked to secure strong visibility and comprehensive coverage for the tournament. They were supported by a committed team comprising Shaurya Kumar, Prisha Shetty, Aman Sadiqali, Maryam Ipillinga, Aiman Sangey and Angel Mary Abraham, all of whom contributed significantly to various operational aspects of the competition.

Administrative duties, along with additional media responsibilities, were overseen by Habiba Nyenzi, whose coordination helped keep the event organised and efficiently managed throughout. .

Washington. President Donald Trump on Friday signalled support for possible regime change in Iran, saying it “seems like that would be the best thing that could happen,” as the United States Department of Defense deployed a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East.

His remarks come at a time when Washington is simultaneously pursuing diplomacy with Tehran over its long-running nuclear dispute with Western powers, even as it strengthens its military presence in the region. Sources familiar with the matter said US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are scheduled to hold negotiations with Iranian representatives in Geneva on Tuesday, with Oman acting as mediator.

The two are also expected to meet officials from Russia and Ukraine as part of broader efforts to address the war in Ukraine. Speaking after a military event at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Trump criticised Iran’s leadership and said years of negotiations had failed to yield results.

He declined to name who should lead Iran if change occurred but insisted there were people who could take over. Washington wants any nuclear deal to cover not only Iran’s atomic programme but also its ballistic missiles, support for armed groups across the region and its domestic governance.

Tehran says it is willing to discuss limits on its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief but has ruled out linking talks to its missile programme. Trump has repeatedly threatened military strikes if no agreement is reached, while Iran has warned it would retaliate, raising concerns about a wider regional conflict.

The US previously targeted Iranian nuclear facilities in strikes last year. Asked what remained to be struck at those sites, Trump replied: “the dust,” adding that any further action would target whatever was left.

Carrier deployments US officials described the complex process of repositioning military assets. The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R.

Ford will join the USS Abraham Lincoln, alongside guided-missile destroyers, fighter jets and surveillance aircraft already moved to the Middle East in recent weeks. The Gerald R.

Ford, the newest and largest carrier in the US fleet, had been operating in the Caribbean with escort ships and earlier took part in missions near Venezuela. Trump said the second carrier was being sent “in case we don’t make a deal,” adding that it would be ready if needed.

Officials said the vessel would take at least a week to reach the Middle East. With only 11 aircraft carriers available, such deployments are significant and typically planned well in advance.

The Ford, powered by a nuclear reactor, can carry more than 75 aircraft, including F-18 Super Hornets and E-2 Hawkeye early warning planes, and is equipped with advanced radar systems. It will be supported by ships including the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy and destroyers USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney and USS Roosevelt, which provide air, surface and anti-submarine defence capabilities.

While aircraft carrier missions usually last about nine months, they can be extended during periods of heightened military activity. Navy officials have previously warned that prolonged deployments at sea may affect crew morale.

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Milan. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Italy and its African partners focused their latest talks on the continent’s debt burden, with Rome offering countries the option to suspend repayments when struck by extreme climate events.

“Today, once again, we focused on an issue that is central for Africa, which is debt,” Meloni said late on Friday at the close of the second ItalyAfrica meeting in Addis Ababa. “We have launched a broad initiative on debt conversion for joint development projects.

To this, we are adding the introduction of debtsuspension clauses for those nations affected by extreme climate events,” she added. Meloni is scheduled to attend on Saturday the plenary session of the 39th ordinary meeting of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa.

She did not provide details on how the proposed suspension mechanism would work or which countries might take it up. Italy has made cooperation with African countries a cornerstone of its foreign policy, particularly through its “Mattei Plan,” which Rome says aims to build longterm partnerships in energy, agriculture, and infrastructure.

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Arusha. The Court of Appeal sitting in Mbeya has acquitted three men who had been sentenced to death by hanging after being convicted of murder.

Those released are Masikitiko Lusambo, Huruma Mwasile and Aman Mswima who, on June 22, 2023, were sentenced by the High Court, Mbeya Zone, to that penalty after being found guilty of murdering Shukuru Sandala. The appellants and another person (who was acquitted after being found not guilty) were charged with murder contrary to Sections 196 and 197 of the Penal Code.

The offence was alleged to have occurred on February 9, 2020 in the Mtakuja area, Mbalizi, Mbeya Region, and in Criminal Appeal No. 761/2023 the appellants challenged their conviction.

The decision acquitting them was delivered on February 13, 2026 by a panel of three judges of the country’s highest court, namely Rehema Kerefu, Lucia Kairo and Deo Nangela. After reviewing the proceedings and grounds of appeal, the Court found that the High Court had erred in law by relying on circumstantial evidence that did not meet the threshold of proving guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

The judges explained that there were major inconsistencies between the charge sheet and the caution statement of the first accused, particularly regarding the date of the incident and the name of the deceased. They stated that under the law such inconsistencies ought to have been rectified through amendment of the charge, which was not done.

Additionally, the Court found that the prosecution failed to call crucial witnesses, including the doctor who conducted the post-mortem examination, nor did it tender the post-mortem report to establish the cause of death. They said exhibits allegedly recovered at the scene, including a knife and a blood-stained jacket, as well as the Government Chemist’s report, were also not produced in court.

The judges stressed that in cases relying on circumstantial evidence, such evidence must form a complete chain leaving no room for doubt, and in this case they found that the chain had not been properly established. Due to those shortcomings, the Court was satisfied that the prosecution’s case had not been proved to the required legal standard, thus allowing the appeal, quashing the death sentence and ordering that the appellants be released immediately unless held for other lawful reasons.

“Some of the key witnesses, documents and items listed during committal proceedings and the preliminary hearing, including the knife and jacket which the sixth witness claimed were recovered at the scene, were not produced in court and no explanation was given by the prosecution for that failure,” reads part of the judgment. “It is also on record that the caution statements of the other accused, although listed during committal proceedings and the preliminary hearing, were not tendered in the trial to shed more light on the matter,” another part reads.

“Furthermore, the doctor who examined the body of the deceased and prepared the post-mortem report was not called and the report itself was not produced to establish the cause of death. Again, no explanation was given by the prosecution if that witness could not be traced,” added the judge.

How the murder occurred Earlier, prosecution evidence presented before the High Court alleged that the deceased, who worked at Urafiki Bar on the night of the incident, had been on duty when the first prosecution witness, Mr Furaha Moses, said he asked a bodaboda rider to take her home. He said instead the deceased was directed to take her home using that motorcycle and, when they reached the communication tower, they met people who stopped them requesting transport.

He said the deceased recognised them by name as Haruna and Aman and promised to return to pick them up. She was taken to her home and later that night received information that Shukuru had been killed near the communication tower area.

The second witness, Ms Mary Mwazyunga (wife of the first witness), told the Court that on the day of the incident her husband was dropped home by Shukuru and later they received news of his death. The third witness, the deceased’s brother Mr Maiko Njebele, confirmed to the Court that on the material day Shukuru was at work and later he received information that he had not returned after taking the first witness home.

He subsequently discovered he had been killed and went to identify the body at hospital. For his part, the fifth witness, Mr Ezekiel Mwaweza, confirmed the deceased’s last movements before the incident and that he allowed him to take the first witness home using his motorcycle.

The sixth witness, a police investigation officer, H 4910 DC Hassani, told the Court that he arrived at the scene at midnight with other officers and found the deceased’s body with a facial injury. He said they also recovered a broken knife and a blood-stained jacket, then took the body to hospital and prepared a sketch plan of the scene.

The first appellant said he was arrested on February 10, 2020 at his home and taken to Mbalizi Police Station and the following day recorded a statement in which he was mentioned in connection with motorcycle theft. He said later, on April 8, 2020, they were arraigned in court for murder and he denied the caution statement, claiming he was forced to sign on the date he was taken to court without knowing its contents.

The second appellant said he was arrested on February 10, 2020 at 2pm in a bar, while the third appellant said he was arrested on February 13, 2020 while leaving a bar without being told the offence. All appellants denied knowing each other and said they met for the first time at the Government Chemist’s Office when fingerprints were taken.

In the appeal that set them free, the appellants raised two grounds, namely that the judge erred in convicting and sentencing them on the basis of unreliable circumstantial evidence. The other ground was that the judge erred in convicting and sentencing them when the prosecution case had not been proved beyond reasonable doubt.

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Dar es Salaam. As Tanzania pushes towards its ambitious target of ensuring 80 percent of households use clean cooking energy by 2034, the private sector is increasingly stepping forward to align with the national development agenda.

On Saturday, February 14, 2024, a new partnership between TotalEnergies and Hisense signalled how corporate collaboration can dovetail with the government’s clean energy drive, championed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Speaking at the launch of the joint campaign in Dar es Salaam, TotalEnergies marketing manager, Ms Caroline Kakwezi, said the initiative, dubbed “Gesi TotalEnergies, Jiko Hisense”, was designed to support the state’s push for cleaner solutions.

“Today we are very pleased to partner with Hisense to launch this major campaign, which will run until April 7, 2026, with the clear objective of supporting government efforts to promote clean cooking energy,” she said. “As you know, the national strategy aims to ensure that by 2034, 80 percent of Tanzanians are using clean energy.

TotalEnergies and Hisense have come together to reach people in their kitchens and demonstrate the importance of clean energy by offering modern stoves alongside gas solutions,” added Ms Kakwezi. Under the campaign, customers who purchase selected Hisense cookers at discounted prices will receive a free TotalEnergies gas cylinder complete with essential accessories.

According to Ms Kakwezi, the offer is available in six outlets across Dar es Salaam, including Jamhuri, Mlimani City, Dar Village, Kunduchi, and Samora. For Hisense, the campaign is as much about social responsibility as it is about business growth.

Hisense sales and marketing officer, Mr Oscar Edgar, said the initiative was crafted to complement the national clean energy roadmap. “As businesses dealing in electrical appliances and energy solutions, we felt it was important to align ourselves with the government’s 2034 clean energy target,” he said.

“We believe that by bringing these products together, we will greatly benefit Tanzanians while reinforcing the importance of safe and clean cooking technologies.” Tanzania’s clean cooking strategy has gained fresh momentum under President Hassan, who has consistently positioned clean energy as both a public health and environmental priority.

Recently, the government rolled out the National Clean Cooking Strategy (20242034), aiming to reduce reliance on firewood and charcoal–sources still used by the majority of households. Hisense Sales and Marketing Officer (right) and TotalEnergies Marketing Manager, Ms Caroline Kakwezi (left), inspect an electric and gas cooker alongside a gas cylinder shortly after launching a campaign to promote clean cooking energy in Dar es Salaam.

PHOTO | JACOB MOSENDA According to official data, traditional biomass contributes significantly to deforestation and indoor air pollution, with women and children bearing the brunt of health risks linked to smoke inhalation. By promoting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), electricity, and other modern alternatives, the government hopes to curb environmental degradation while improving household health outcomes.

Energy economist Dr Deus Ngaruko, of the University of Dar es Salaam, said partnerships such as the one between TotalEnergies and Hisense demonstrate how market forces can accelerate policy implementation. Environmental policy analyst, Ms Neema Mwambene, agreed that such initiatives reflect a maturing business environment in Tanzania, where profitability and public interest increasingly intersect.

“In the past, corporate campaigns focused almost exclusively on sales volumes,” she noted. “Now we are seeing companies explicitly referencing national strategies and aligning their messaging with government priorities.

That is a positive shift,” added Ms Mwambene. She cautioned, however, that sustained impact will depend on consistency, “Short-term promotions are helpful, but what matters is long-term affordability, reliable supply chains, and consumer education.

If businesses remain committed beyond campaigns, they can significantly contribute to the 2034 goal.” .