Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has stressed that the fight against malaria in Africa requires strong African leadership and stewardship, genuine ownership of programmes, and long-term political commitment.

She said the war against malaria is not solely a health issue, but also a development, economic and human capital agenda for Africa. President Hassan was speaking on Saturday, February 14, 2026, during a high-level media briefing on sustainable financing for malaria control in Africa.

The briefing took place on the sidelines of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) at the Union’s headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The meeting, organised by the African Union in collaboration with the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), focused on strengthening domestic financing for malaria programmes, reducing dependence on external aid, and reinforcing health systems across Africa.

A public notice shared with The Citizen on Saturday, February 14, 2026, signed by the Director of Presidential Communications, Mr Bakari Machumu, said the government has strengthened multi-sectoral collaboration to ensure malaria interventions are fully integrated into the primary healthcare system and the Universal Health Insurance Scheme. The notice said the move aims to expand access to services and reduce deaths caused by the disease.

“In strengthening domestic financing, the Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar Malaria Elimination Councils have continued to work with the private sector, faith-based institutions, civil society organisations and development partners to mobilise domestic resources for the fight against malaria,” she said. President Hassan highlighted the importance of international cooperation, noting that alongside domestic efforts, international institutions and development partners must fully and promptly honour their commitments, particularly in strengthening the Global Fund to Fight Malaria and utilising World Bank resources for malaria programmes.

“Efforts to eliminate malaria require collective solidarity among member states, sustainable financing, the use of accurate data in decision-making, and innovation that accounts for environmental factors and the impact of climate change,” she said. Sharing Tanzania’s experience, President Hassan said the country is among those leading the malaria elimination agenda, including hosting ALMA as a coordinating institution for Africa, built on robust accountability systems and implementation capacity focused on results.

She said Tanzania has invested substantially in scientific research and innovation through the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), including research on modern technologies for controlling malaria transmission. The President also highlighted Tanzania’s efforts to scale up the use of insecticide-treated nets, introduce malaria vaccines, and improve treatment systems and patient monitoring.

The AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Ms Amma Twum-Amoah, said the decline in international financing in recent years has affected malaria control efforts in several countries. She emphasised the need for a paradigm shift in financing, stronger health systems resilient to climate change, and greater participation of the private sector and development partners in combating the disease.

Botswana President and ALMA chairperson, Mr Duma Gideon Boko, said the 2025 Africa Malaria Progress Report shows the continent remains far from eliminating malaria by 2030. “Member states should allocate dedicated budgets for malaria control, establish malaria elimination councils, and utilise data systems to improve implementation,” he said. ALMA is a coalition of African Heads of State aimed at accelerating malaria elimination and strengthening health systems.

The high-level meeting, held alongside African Union activities, brought together heads of state, health ministers and development partners. Participants discussed the Africa Malaria Progress Report 2025, which indicates that Africa still bears over 90 percent of global malaria infections and deaths, while the pace of elimination is slowing.

The renewed call to intensify malaria elimination efforts aims to achieve the 2030 target through country ownership, accountability and collective leadership. .

Unguja. The 2026 edition of Sauti za Busara has drawn to a close in Stone Town after four days of vibrant performances, cultural exchange and powerful displays of unity, reaffirming its standing as one of Africa’s premier celebrations of music and heritage.

Organisers said this year’s festival brought together artists and audiences from across the continent and beyond, creating an atmosphere defined by resilience, shared humanity and cultural pride. Thousands of music lovers gathered at Mnazi Mmoja to enjoy a diverse line-up of African and international performers, including Atanda and Afrojazz Messengers, Lindigo, Pilani Bubu, Magomamoto Group, Man Kifimbo and Hammer Q.

Festival organisers said the event once again demonstrated music’s enduring power to connect communities across borders and cultures, even in challenging times. Salif Keita’s absence felt deeply One of the most anticipated highlights — a performance by Malian legend Salif Keita — did not take place after the artist fell ill and was hospitalised shortly before the festival.

Organisers said his absence was keenly felt by fans, performers and the festival team. The programme, however, continued with a moving tribute performance led by Hawa Kasse Mady Diabate and Madou Kouyate, joined by Keita’s collaborators and family members alongside his electric band.

The tribute was widely described as one of the festival’s most emotional moments, honouring Keita’s musical legacy while conveying messages of solidarity and healing. In a statement, the singer’s management thanked organisers and audiences for their understanding, noting that doctors had advised against travel to avoid worsening his condition.

Messages of support and prayers for his recovery poured in from fans around the world. Celebration of resilience and cultural unity Festival organisers also expressed appreciation to partners, sponsors, volunteers and staff whose efforts made the event possible despite logistical challenges.

Busara Promotions said the 2026 edition underscored the enduring strength and global influence of African music, while highlighting the importance of cultural platforms that bring people together. As the festival closes, organisers say its message is clear: resilience, unity and creativity remain central to Africa’s cultural identity — and its music continues to inspire audiences around the world.

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Dar es Salaam. In Tanzania’s political landscape, few figures evoke emotions as strong as Chadema Vice Chairman, John Heche.

As one of the younger politicians shaped by opposition activism, his journey has been marked by turbulence, firm convictions and relentless struggle. In an exclusive interview with The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at his Dar es Salaam home, Mr Heche spoke candidly about politics and his personal life.

He detailed the pain he has endured in politics, from threats and repeated court cases to hardships that, he says, have strengthened him. He spoke of the fears his family lives with, the personal costs he has borne and the principles that prevent him from retreating.

“My family has suffered greatly in attempts to silence me politically. My younger brother, Suguta, was killed simply to hurt me,” recounts Mr Heche, his voice steady but laden with pain.

He says eight years ago his brother was stabbed to death while handcuffed, “It was planned. They dumped him.

The person responsible was arrested but later released. He is free.

” That is only one of many incidents, Mr Heche also recalls how his mother’s house was demolished. “While I was a councillor for Tarime Town Ward, my mother’s house was demolished and our belongings thrown outside.

We had just lost our father at the time,” he recounts. “These Chadema politics, the politics of this country, have caused me deep pain.

Still, I thank God because what I am doing is right and I cannot turn back, even though the struggle has hurt us,” he says. He adds that the struggle for political reforms in Tanzania has brought suffering to many, not only Chadema members.

“Some people have been shot in their homes and they are not Chadema members, cadres or supporters. Others have missing relatives and they are not Chadema either.

These things should not happen. Politics is not war,” he says.

How family shaped his principles Mr Heche says his firm political stance was shaped by his upbringing. He recalls being arrested and rumours circulating that he had been abducted, prompting relatives to demand that police disclose his whereabout, “Our family was built on love.

” “My father had eight wives and 60 children. Yet we lived in unity and love.

That is how he raised us.” He said their father, a livestock keeper, valued justice and detested lies.

Smiling, Mr Heche says: “When I was young, I did not understand why my father insisted on truth. As an adult, I realised truth is powerful.

Loving justice and speaking the truth is how I was raised.” He says those values remain deeply rooted in the family, “That is why I always say we should not cultivate hatred.

Hatred breeds revenge.” Arrests and hardship Recalling his recent arrest and detention at Mtumba Police Station in Dodoma, Mr Heche says he endured extreme hunger.

“I spent two and a half days without food while in custody. Those who arrested me feared I might die in their hands, so they eventually admitted they were holding me.

” He says at the time, his mother had just returned from India, noting that she travelled straight from the airport in Dar es Salaam to the Central Police Station seeking answers. “My relatives, Tanzanians and Chadema members stood up for me.

Without them, perhaps a different story would be told about me today.” The legacy he hopes to leave Despite the hardships, Mr Heche says he hopes that when he leaves politics, he will see Chadema win fairly and form the government.

“Winning is one thing, but not just winning, we must change people’s lives. Many governments fight hard to enter power and forget the people once they get there,” he explains.

He says change begins at family level, where values of justice must be nurtured, citing examples from countries he has visited. “In the United Kingdom, I once took a taxi late at night.

We were alone at traffic lights, yet the driver waited for green. In China and Japan, citizens respect responsibility and consequences.

We should reach a point where even families reject corruption,” he says. Teaching, law and politics Before entering politics, Mr Heche worked as a teacher in Tarime.

“Teaching is noble work, though people often undervalue it. If not for politics, I would still be a teacher.

I also wanted to be a lawyer to defend people’s rights,” says. He says he resigned after refusing mistreatment from the then Serengeti District Commissioner, “I was the only English teacher in the entire school, but when I faced injustice, I chose to leave.

” Beyond teaching and politics, Mr Heche says he would still pursue work that empowers people through knowledge and justice. Living with fear Mr Heche admits political life forces him to live cautiously.

“My family does not fully support my political path. My mother wishes I could quit tomorrow.

She supports and prays for me but fears I could be harmed at any time,” narrates. Still, he has no regrets, “I have never regretted being a politician or serving in Chadema.

It is public service, even if it is thankless.” He recalls witnessing the shooting of Tundu Lissu and seeing others disappear or be detained without charge, “Courage is not the absence of fear.

It is overcoming it.” He sometimes receives warnings that people are trailing him but chooses not to be intimidated.

“These are difficult realities. That is why we fight to change them.

Opposition is not hatred. We should debate ideas,” explains Mr Heche.

Mr Heche insists he is not quarrelsome but simply speaks frankly, “I have no problem with individuals. My problem is how the country is governed.

” He encourages honesty among his aides and welcomes criticism, “I believe in genuine democracy. If I am wrong, I apologise.

” Heche ends with a clear call, “Release Mr Tundu Lissu, allow our party to operate freely, and end injustice and abductions.” He also urges citizens not to remain silent when others are mistreated, “Today it is them.

Tomorrow it could be you.” .

Dubai. DP World, the Middle East port giant, announced on Friday that its chairman and chief executive, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, had resigned following mounting pressure over his alleged links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Bin Sulayem, one of the region’s most high-profile business figures, is among the executives to face scrutiny after the recent release of the Epstein files. On the same day, Dubai’s ruler issued a decree appointing a new chairman for the Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, a role previously held by Bin Sulayem.

Members of the U.S.

Congress noted that Bin Sulayem’s name appears in documents published by the U.S.

Department of Justice, raising questions about his interactions with Epstein. The allegations in the files have not been independently verified.

Pressure on DP World had increased after two institutions–the UK’s British International Investment and Canada’s La Caisse pension fund–suspended new investments over Bin Sulayem’s alleged ties. Both welcomed the company’s leadership changes, pledging continued collaboration on port projects globally.

DP World has appointed Essa Kazim as board chairman and Yuvraj Narayan as group CEO. Kazim is currently governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre, while Narayan has held senior roles at DP World since joining in 2004. The Epstein files suggest a long-standing relationship between Bin Sulayem and Epstein, including business discussions, conversations about sex, and planned visits to Epstein’s Caribbean island.

Being named in the documents does not indicate criminal activity. Epstein died in a New York jail in August 2019, with his death ruled a suicide.

Bin Sulayem played a key role in Dubai’s rise as a regional business and tourism hub. He helped establish Nakheel, the real estate developer behind the palm-shaped islands, contributed to the creation of the commodities exchange DMCC, and transformed DP World into one of the world’s largest port and logistics operators, handling about 10 percent of global container traffic across countries including Canada, Peru, India, and Angola.

DP World sponsors a major professional golf tour in Europe and has been a logistics partner for McLaren’s Formula 1 team since 2023. In East Africa, the company operates the Tanzania Ports, significantly expanding its regional logistics presence. Its involvement at the Port of Dar es Salaam has made a noticeable impact on Tanzania’s maritime sector.

Under agreements with the government and the Tanzania Ports Authority, DP World began managing key port berths in April 2024 and has since invested hundreds of billions of shillings in modern equipment, IT systems, and infrastructure upgrades. .

Beijing. China will implement zerotariff treatment for imports from the 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, starting May 1, 2026, state media reported on Saturday.

China will also continue to push for the negotiation and signing of joint economic partnership pacts, and further expand market access for African exports to China through upgraded mechanisms such as its “green channel”, according to the state television report. .

Dar es Salaam. The Registrar of Political Parties has nullified the Civic United Front (CUF) General Election that placed Prof Ibrahim Lipumba and five colleagues in office, saying a fresh timetable will be issued from next Monday to begin the process of electing new party leadership for the next five years.

Besides Prof Lipumba, those affected by the decision include Zanzibar Vice Chairperson, Mr Mbarouk Seif Salim; Mainland Vice Chairperson, Mr Othman Dunga; Secretary General, Ms Husna Mohamed Abdallah; Deputy Secretary General for Mainland, Ms Magdalena Sakaya; and Deputy Secretary General for Zanzibar, Mr Ali Juma Khamis. The election was nullified because the winners did not obtain more than half of votes cast by delegates, contrary to the party constitution, which requires a winner to secure over 50 percent of valid votes.

The Registrar said the process must therefore be repeated. The move follows complaints by the party’s General Congress members, who lodged objections on December 19, 2024, at the Registrar’s office, alleging violations of the constitution, regulations and electoral procedures during the election held on December 18 and 19, 2024 that elevated Prof Lipumba and colleagues to office.

The complainants, Maftaha Nachuma, Fatuma Athuman, Khamis Khamis Ameir, Ismail Issa Chitutuli, Zuwena Kitatichingi, Liwikula Omari Mohamed, Kassim Mossi Ameir and Ruwaid Abdala Kassim, argued that irregularities affected the validity of results and subsequent appointments, rendering the entire election void. They claimed that nominations, particularly for National Chairperson, failed to observe conflict-of-interest safeguards, as some National Executive Committee members were candidates or had direct interests in aspirants.

They further said more than two-thirds of National Governing Council members from Zanzibar boycotted the nomination of the Secretary General by walking out, while some who remained voted against the nominee. The petition also noted that the party Election Regulations do not provide for appeals by non-candidates, even if affected by the process.

Speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi to confirm the decision, Assistant Registrar of Political Parties, Mr Sisty Nyahoza said the office was satisfied beyond doubt that the complainants’ claims were genuine and that the party constitution had not been followed. “For now, the leadership that existed before that election is recognised and will continue until a new poll is conducted.

From Monday we shall issue an official timetable for the party to begin preparations for electing new leaders,” he said. Asked why the decision took long, Mr Nyahoza said the Registrar investigates grievances upon submission and acts when procedures are found breached.

“The delay resulted from thorough investigations conducted before reaching that conclusion,” she said. Mwananchi spoke to some affected by the decision, including Dunga, who confirmed seeing the letter but said no one had complained about his victory.

“I was never summoned by the Registrar’s office to be informed of complaints against me or to be heard. Frankly, I have not been treated fairly and did not expect an office led by a respected academic to commit such technical errors,” he said.

He said the appeals filed by members concerned the chairperson’s position, not the vice chairperson, arguing justice was not observed in handling the matter. He added that since he is still outside Dar es Salaam, he cannot make any decision for now; however, he is expected in the city next week to announce his position regarding the Registrar’s step.

Mwananchi also spoke to Mr Nachuma, one of the complainants, who said he had seen the letter and confirmed the election in question did not comply with the constitution and regulations, insisting Prof Lipumba did not win that poll. “I have seen the letter and it addresses what we were complaining about.

The constitution and procedures in that election were violated for personal interests. We were not pleased with what happened,” said Mr Nachuma.

He said the breach of constitution and regulations prompted him to leave CUF and join ACT-Wazalendo. Within CUF, he said, there had been a hunger for power rather than adherence to principles and procedures.

“For now, I am in a new chapter within ACT-Wazalendo and have no concerns. However, I confirm we submitted those complaints as did many delegates regarding that election which, frankly, was void,” he said.

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Dar es Salaam. Chadema’s Vice Chairman (Mainland), Mr John Heche, has outlined two “non-negotiable” conditions the party requires before joining national reconciliation talks initiated by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Addressing Parliament in Dodoma on November 14, 2025, President Hassan announced an investigative commission to probe the violence surrounding the October 29, 2025, General Election. The unrest resulted in deaths, injuries, and the destruction of property, deepening the country’s political and social rifts.

In her speech, President Hassan emphasised that the commission would uncover the truth to lay the groundwork for peace. “The government extended a hand a gesture of goodwill that brought hope before some stakeholders chose to reject it.

Since Tanzanians have mandated me to lead, I will not tire of extending the hand of reconciliation again,” President Hassan told MPs. But, in an exclusive interview with The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi held on February 10, 2026, at his Dar es Salaam home, Mr Heche explained that for Chadema to consider the table, the party’s chairman, Mr Tundu Lissu, must first be released from detention.

He argued that only a free Lissu could preside over party organs to decide on engagement. “Releasing Mr Lissu is one.

The second is that our party must be fully operational. Only then can the reconciliation agenda be presented to members for a decision,” said Mr Heche.

He stressed there are no shortcuts: the party cannot participate while its leader is incarcerated and its activities are restricted. “Detaining our chairman on fabricated charges prevents dialogue.

Mr Lissu is the one elected by members. Others are his deputies; any internal decision is made on his behalf,” he explained.

He warned against any assumptions that the party could move without its leader’s stance: “I am here to assist Mr Lissu in his mandate. He alone will lead Chadema in any reconciliation.

” Mr Heche further maintained that reconciliation is impossible without acknowledging past wrongs and holding those responsible accountable. “There is no learning without consequences.

Who kidnapped people? Who killed them? Without accountability, victims’ wounds cannot heal,” he said. Mr Lissu has been in detention for over 300 days on treason charges and allegations of spreading false information.

He was arrested on April 9, 2025, in Mbinga District, Ruvuma Region, following a “No Reforms, No Election” rally. Current restrictions on Chadema stem from a June 10, 2025, order by Justice Hamidu Mwanga of the High Court, Dar es Salaam Sub-Registry, regarding a property dispute involving a Zanzibar faction.

The order barred the party from holding meetings pending the case’s resolution. Mr Heche added that the foundation for peace must include the release of all political detainees and clarity on the whereabouts of missing persons.

During the interview, he dismissed claims that Chadema is allergic to dialogue. “That is false.

I have served on previous committees, from Chamwino to Dar es Salaam. People claimed we were uninterested, but that was untrue,” he said.

However, he questioned the logic of negotiating with those who detained their leader: “Can we reconcile with someone who fabricated a case against our chairman? Mr Lissu is a politician challenging CCM policies, not a criminal.” Chadema has a history of engaging in reconciliation to lower tensions.

Under President Jakaya Kikwete (20122015), the party joined talks to ensure free elections and national cohesion. After the 2020 polls, it similarly encouraged dialogue to protect the multiparty system.

Regarding social media rumours that some individuals benefit financially from Mr Lissu’s imprisonment, Mr Heche called the claims “nonsense.” “If there are beneficiaries, they should release him so those benefits cease,” he retorted, adding that members attending court hearings still face harassment.

“How do you discuss reconciliation under such circumstances?” questioned Mr Heche, adding that a multiparty system requires mutual political tolerance. “Since we adopted this system in 1992, we should have moved past these divisions.

If conducted well, politics unites; if mismanaged, it divides,” he reflected. Chadema’s participation now hinges entirely on Mr Lissu’s freedom, the party’s right to operate, and accountability for 2025 election-related crimes.

Until then, the party maintains that dialogue cannot occur under coercion. .

Dar es Salaam. It is difficult to discuss the international success of Bongofleva star Diamond Platnumz, 36, without mentioning Davido, 33, from Nigeria, who performed in the country last weekend.

Beyond collaborations and influence across African music, their Instagram followings remain another arena in which their brands are measured. Diamond, founder of Wasafi Classic Baby (WCB), officially emerged musically with his song Kamwambie in 2009, which lent its name to his debut album released the following year.

He won his first Tanzania Music Award (TMA) as Best Upcoming Artist in 2010, and since then has continued to excel, winning more than 20 TMA awards to date. After releasing two albums, Diamond sought to break into the international scene, and that was when Davido became central to his musical journey.

Davido, founder of Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), rose to fame with his song Dami Duro (2011), but in Tanzania he gained greater recognition through his hit Aye (2014). In 2013, Davido performed in the country, and Sallam SK, who facilitated his visit, introduced him to Diamond, leading to the recording of My Number One Remix (2014).

They later travelled to Nigeria to shoot the video, which performed well. It also marked the start of Sallam SK’s role as Diamond’s manager, which he continues to hold.

From that point, Diamond’s name began appearing widely across Africa as he competed for major awards such as the MTV MAMAs for the first time, before winning two MTV EMAs the following year. These achievements significantly boosted Diamond’s influence.

By December 2015, he had become the African musician with the most Instagram followers, overtaking Davido. It should be remembered that the two stars joined the platform three months apart.

Instagram was launched in October 2010 by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, before being acquired by Meta, formerly Facebook. By December 2015, Diamond, who joined Instagram in July 2012, had reached 1.

5 million followers, surpassing Davido, who had 1.4 million since joining in March 2012. After Diamond and Davido, the musicians with the next largest followings were Wizkid, Don Jazzy and Vanessa Mdee, the Bongofleva star who released her hit Closer (2013) under Bxtra Records, formerly B’Hits Music Group.

By September 2016, however, Davido reclaimed the top spot on Instagram with 2.9 million followers, while Diamond dropped to second with 2.

5 million. At that time, the musicians following them included Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, Vanessa Mdee, Alikiba and Yemi Alade, who was discovered through Peak Talent Show 2009 before rising with her hit Johnny (2014).

Currently, Davido remains the African musician with the most Instagram followers at 31.4 million, while Diamond has 18.9 million, ranking third behind Nigeria’s Tiwa Savage. Given this trajectory, there is little chance for Diamond to overtake Davido again and reclaim Africa’s number one spot on Instagram as he did in 2015. Davido has already left Diamond behind by more than 13 million followers, while his music continues to exert greater global influence.

While Davido leads in Africa, globally the musician with the most Instagram followers is Selena Gomez from the United States, who also ranks number one among female artists. Selena, who collaborated with Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema on Calm Down (2022), has 415 million followers since joining Instagram in July 2013. In short, she has surpassed major global music industry names such as Beyonce, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Madonna, Drake, Jennifer Lopez (J.

Lo), Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift and 50 Cent. According to Kepios data, by October 2025 global social media users had reached 5.

66 billion. These users spend an average of 18 hours 36 minutes per week on social platforms, viewing photos and videos on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Facebook.

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Unguja. Officials say the two-day forum, held on February 11 and 12, will further stimulate the Isles’ tourism-driven economy.

The event brought together stakeholders from various segments of the tourism industry to explore investment opportunities and strengthen partnerships. Speaking during a tour of the exhibition yesterday, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Dr Aboud Suleiman Jumbe, said Zanzibar’s tourism sector continues to expand, driven in part by platforms that enhance the destination’s global visibility.

“This carries great significance for Zanzibar. When more than 300 stakeholders from different countries converge in the tourism sector, it means they are further promoting Zanzibar in their respective markets.

That is why we see the sector advancing year after year,” he said. Dr Jumbe said the forum has evolved beyond a local platform and now serves as an international showcase for Zanzibar and Tanzania at large, positioning the Isles as a tourism hub in Africa.

He noted that growth in private sector participation in organising and coordinating such events has helped stimulate the economy, create investment opportunities and foster partnerships. To illustrate the sector’s growth, Dr Jumbe said that over the past five years, 590 projects–mostly tourism-related–have been registered, valued at more than $6 billion (Sh15.61 trillion).

This compares with 1,300 projects worth $14 billion (Sh36.43 trillion) recorded in earlier years combined. “These figures demonstrate the rapid growth of tourism and investment.

The private sector continues to play a vital role in boosting national revenue,” he said. He added that in December last year and January this year, Zanzibar recorded more than 100,000 tourist arrivals per month for the first time in its history.

“This indicates that our target of reaching 1.5 million tourists by 2030 is achievable,” he said.

The Director of Kilifair Promotion Co Ltd, organisers of the Z-Summit exhibition, Mr Dominic Shoo, said more than 120 exhibitors were participating, with over 300 tourism sellers registered. “The presence of participants from 20 countries is a clear sign of growing interest.

Each year we see progress and more tangible national results,” he said. “We expect even greater business outcomes and want to show the world what Zanzibar has to offer and the scale of its tourism potential.

” He added that plans are under way to introduce a tourism week that will encompass all tourism-related activities to strengthen promotion and industry growth. Exim Bank’s Chief Finance Officer, Mr Shani Kinswaga, whose bank is the main sponsor of the forum, underscored the importance of financial services in supporting tourism enterprises.

“Tourism businesses require structured financial services. We have continued to collaborate with stakeholders to facilitate payments for tourists and provide financial solutions to support expansion projects,” he said.

The Chairman of the Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors (Zati), Mr Suleiman Ali Mohamed, said the forum has delivered notable success by attracting participants from a growing number of countries. “We are moving at a strong pace.

Our goal is to bring Africa and the wider world to Zanzibar,” he said. Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Ghana Tour Guides Association, Ms Yvonne Donkor, said her delegation was drawn by Zanzibar’s peace, hospitality and unity, which continue to make the destination increasingly attractive to international partners.

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Arusha. The Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) has appointed a panel of five lawyers to represent Pastor Godfrey Malisa, who is facing two cases, including a treason charge.

Besides the treason case, Malisa is also facing a separate cybercrime case, which began being heard on February 12, 2026, before Resident Magistrate Ally Mkama at the Moshi Resident Magistrate’s Court. Speaking to Mwananchi on Friday, February 13, 2026, TLS President Boniface Mwabukusi named the five lawyers from the Kilimanjaro Chapter as Leonard Mashabara, Deogratias Matata, Elisante Kimaro, Moonlight Tupa and Fredy Kimaro.

“Yesterday, they jointly entered appearance in the criminal case before the Moshi Resident Magistrate’s Court involving Godfrey Malisa,” he said. “The case is before Resident Magistrate Mkama.

It proceeded to hearing, during which one prosecution witness testified, and it has been adjourned to February 20, 2026, when the hearing will continue,” he added. On February 11, 2026, the hearing was halted after Malisa sought an adjournment pending legal assistance from TLS.

The court granted the request on condition that efforts be made to ensure the accused secures legal representation so that the trial could commence. Magistrate Mkama informed the accused that it would be the final adjournment and directed that the hearing must begin on February 12, 2026. On that day, the court postponed five civil matters in order to proceed with the case.

It was stated in court that Malisa’s request for legal aid had been submitted on February 10, 2026, prompting TLS Kilimanjaro to consult its headquarters to obtain approval and appoint counsel to represent him. In Criminal Case No.

28411/2025, Malisa is accused of publishing content on his YouTube channel alleging that President Samia Suluhu Hassan should resign for overseeing the killing of thousands of Tanzanians. In the first count, the prosecution alleges that on November 15, 2025, at Miembeni in Moshi District, Malisa published the statement on a YouTube account under the name Godfrey Malisa.

The charge sheet quotes him as stating: “Samia Suluhu Hassan should resign immediately for being a President who has overseen the killing of thousands of Tanzanians.” The prosecution alleges that he published the statement knowing it to be false and with intent to mislead the public.

In the second count, he is charged with incitement contrary to Section 35 of the Penal Code, Chapter 16, as amended in 2023. Particulars of the offence state that on November 15, 2025, at Miembeni in Moshi District, he allegedly incited members of the public in the United Republic of Tanzania to commit a criminal offence, namely participating in an unlawful assembly. Treason case Apart from the above matter, Pastor Malisa is also facing a treason charge under Section 39(2)(d) of the Penal Code, Chapter 16, as amended by Parliament in 2023, for allegedly mobilising an unlawful assembly in Tanzania.

Political background Pastor Malisa first entered politics in 2010 when he contested the Moshi Urban parliamentary seat through the Tanzania Labour Party (TLP). In 2015, he ran for President under CCK and later sought the Speakership.

In 2018, he contested the Kinondoni parliamentary seat through TLP, and in 2020 he ran for Moshi Urban on the NCCR Mageuzi ticket. After that election, he joined CCM, remaining a member until his expulsion in 2025. In 2022, he collected nomination forms as one of nine aspirants seeking the CCM Kilimanjaro Regional chairmanship.

However, on February 10, 2025, Malisa, who holds a PhD, was expelled from CCM membership after opposing a decision of the party’s National Congress to endorse President Samia as its presidential candidate. The decision was announced by the CCM Kilimanjaro Regional Secretary, Merce Mollel, citing a resolution of the party’s Regional Executive Committee declaring that he no longer qualified to remain a member.

“Malisa has been expelled for lacking the qualifications to continue as a member, as he has repeatedly criticised legitimate decisions made by the CCM National Congress held on January 19, 2025,” Mollel said. Despite his expulsion, he continued to challenge the endorsement, attempting unsuccessfully to file cases in court before turning to social media to pursue his objections.

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