Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Instilling in young women the conviction that leadership is attainable, ethical success is achievable, and collaboration is essential remains the guiding philosophy of Mary Joan Msonsa, Managing Director of Ideon Limited and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Jofort Intertrade Company Limited.

These principles, shaped by years of experience and personal reflection, define her leadership journey and her enduring commitment to inclusive development. With more than 14 years of professional experience, Ms Msonsa has built a distinguished career across financial strategy, business development and digital transformation.

Her work has not only strengthened institutional performance but has also generated tangible social impact. Through her enterprises, she has created employment for more than 1,300 people, of whom 80 per cent are women and young people, contributing meaningfully to poverty reduction and economic inclusion.

“I want young women to understand that they do not need permission to lead, to innovate, or to influence policy,” she says. “They must navigate both corporate and community spaces with confidence, by building competence, emotional intelligence and cultural awareness, supported by mentorship and continuous learning.

” Beyond her professional responsibilities, Ms Msonsa is a wife and mother of three. Her career began in 2008 at the National Bank of Commerce (NBC), shortly after completing her Advanced Level studies.

She later joined Real People Microfinance as Operations Manager, where she gained hands-on experience in financial service delivery and operational management. Her passion for community development subsequently drew her to the Women Empowerment and Development Agency (WEDAC), a non-governmental organisation focused on capacity building and financial management for Maasai women in northern Tanzania.

Between 2009 and 2012, she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management at the Open University of Tanzania. She later obtained a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the same institution, completing her studies between 2017 and 2019. These academic foundations strengthened her analytical skills and expanded her leadership perspective.

Determined to make her leadership journey both deliberate and impactful, Ms Msonsa also attended several short professional courses, including training in diplomatic communication and leadership at the Institute of Directors in Tanzania (IoDT). From these experiences, she refined a leadership ethos grounded in integrity, accountability and respect for people, values she regards as non-negotiable.

“I believe results should never come at the expense of values. Transparency, fairness and leading by example are essential.

Leadership is not about titles. It is about trust,” she says.

At Ideon Limited, she oversees the execution of corporate strategy, supervises daily operations, and drives revenue growth initiatives. Her leadership has been marked by a consistent emphasis on innovation and long-term planning within the financial services sector.

By fostering a culture of performance, accountability and creativity, she has guided her teams to exceed operational targets while maintaining ethical discipline. Asked why Tanzania needs women leaders who are committed to innovation and strategic planning in financial services, Ms Msonsa points to women’s unique understanding of economic realities.

“Women experience economic life from households to communities. When women lead strategy and innovation, financial products become more inclusive, practical and sustainable.

Without women at decision-making tables, financial systems miss critical perspectives,” she explains. She also highlights the structural barriers that continue to limit women’s access to financial inclusion.

These include lack of collateral, limited financial literacy, rigid institutional policies and persistent cultural bias. For meaningful change to occur, she argues, inst tutions must rethink their approaches.

“What must change first is mindset. Financial institutions need to design products that reflect women’s realities and invest in financial education, especially in rural and informal economies.

Without this shift, inclusion will remain superficial,” she says. At Ideon, Ms Msonsa has embedded a culture of deliberate growth and empowerment for women.

Professional development, she explains, is not left to chance. The company invests in mentorship, continuous skills development and leadership exposure.

Women are entrusted with responsibility, encouraged to lead and supported as they grow. This approach, she believes, strengthens organisational resilience and drives sustainable performance.

Her entrepreneurial journey also includes the co-founding of Jofort Intertrade Company Limited in 2010. Established as a professional cleaning and environmental care enterprise, the company has grown into one of Tanzania’s leading service providers in its sector. It now employs more than 1,300 people, mostly women and youth, providing stable income and long-term economic security.

“I am proud of building and leading organisations that work both financially and socially. From transforming operations and driving digital adoption, to structuring sustainable business models for institutions serving underserved communities, the real success is impact.

Changing the lives of 1,300 people by giving them opportunity is deeply fulfilling,” she says. Under her leadership, Jofort Intertrade has received recognition as the country’s best cleaning company.

It continues to enhance service standards, expand its customer base and contribute to the reduction of youth unemployment. Ms Msonsa attributes this success to clarity of vision, strong organisational systems and a servant leadership philosophy.

“My focus has always been on empowering teams, building structures that endure, and remaining connected to people on the ground. This ensures that growth is meaningful, impact is scalable, and collaboration remains sustainable,” she notes.

She encourages women to identify opportunities even in sectors that are often overlooked or underestimated. According to her, value creation frequently emerges where challenges are ignored or misunderstood.

“Women must learn to observe deeply, ask better questions and trust their insights. When you understand a problem thoroughly, value creation becomes clear.

Courage and data help transform neglected spaces into thriving enterprises,” she says. Ms Msonsa’s professional experience also extends to consultancy work.

As an independent consultant for the Aga Khan Foundation East Africa, she conducted in-depth research, provided expert advisory services, and developed comprehensive project plans. These roles strengthened her expertise in regulatory compliance, risk management, human resources, finance and strategic planning.

In addition, her contributions to community development through WEDAC in Arusha remain a defining chapter of her career. As Director of Operations, she successfully bridged financial inclusion gaps among rural women.

She facilitated financial literacy training, coordinated linkages between women’s groups and financial institutions, supported agribusiness initiatives, and promoted sustainability partnerships. These efforts reflected her enduring dedication to empowering marginalised communities and fostering inclusive development.

Her message to emerging female leaders is rooted in balance, discipline and self-awareness. She urges women to learn to delegate, establish boundaries and rest intentionally, in order to sustain effectiveness and avoid burnout.

“I value clarity over urgency and purpose over pressure. Faith, reflection and self-awareness keep me grounded.

Burnout is not a badge of honour. Sustainability is,” she says.

Through her leadership, entrepreneurship and advocacy, MaryJoan Msonsa continues to demonstrate why women belong at the heart of financial innovation. Her journey reflects the transformative power of purposeful leadership, grounded in integrity and driven by a vision of shared prosperity.

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Dar es Salaam. The government has directed all public and private institutions to adopt the national residential addressing system in a bid to improve service delivery and support the country’s transition to a digital economy.

The directive was issued by the Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Ms Angellah Kairuki, who represented the Prime Minister during National Addressing Week celebrations held under the theme Smart addressing and innovation in postal services for inclusive growth. Ms Kairuki also instructed the President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government (Tamisemi) to establish clear procedures to ensure effective implementation of the system across sectors.

She said local government authorities have been tasked with collecting accurate residents’ data and installing street names to facilitate the development of reliable addressing databases. “To ensure efficient service delivery, systems must be built on accurate data,” she said.

She added that postal agents and the ministry had been directed to procure vehicles to improve the transportation and delivery of services to citizens. According to the minister, the residential addressing system has simplified the delivery of both public and private services and has attracted interest from other countries seeking to learn from Tanzania’s experience.

She said the project, implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology in line with the 2003 Postal Policy, is a key tool in enhancing access to services, promoting e-commerce and strengthening security. The system is also considered a critical pillar in the implementation of Vision 2050, which aims to build a knowledge- and technology-driven economy supported by reliable transport infrastructure and robust data systems.

“Knowing exactly where people live makes it easier to plan, deliver services and respond during emergencies,” she said. The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Mohammed Abdullah, said the government would continue coordinating the residential addressing fund to ensure the system’s sustainability.

He noted that quality service delivery depends on a conducive environment and strong systems, adding that the number of registered residential addresses has reached 12.9 million. Mr Abdullah said the system has been integrated with other government platforms and plays an important role in advancing the digital economy.

“We are working with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism. The entire country has been mapped, and we will soon launch a tourism application to support the sector,” he said.

Several institutions have already begun using residential address data, with banks and the Higher Education Students’ Loans Board expected to start relying on the system to verify customers and beneficiaries from tomorrow. The government has also stressed the need to train couriers on proper handling and transportation of parcels, alongside capacity-building for public officials involved in managing the system.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State in the Office of the Second Vice President of Zanzibar for Policy, Coordination and the House of Representatives, Mr Hamza Hassan Juma, said the population and housing census, together with the address census, has made it easier to locate citizens nationwide. He acknowledged that initial resistance from some members of the public stemmed from limited awareness but said acceptance improved following education campaigns.

“Services are now reaching people where they live. Although not everyone has been covered yet, both governments are continuing efforts to ensure all citizens benefit,” he said.

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For some companies, hiring is treated like an administrative chore. Scan a few CVs, ask about strengths and weaknesses, and plug someone into the empty seat.

It’s fast, it’s familiar and far too often, it’s flawed. As we venture further into 2026, many organisations are setting ambitious growth targets and making bold declarations about what the “future of work” will look like.

This year offers an opportunity to rethink how we approach hiring, not as a quick fix for vacancies, but as a deliberate act of leadership that determines the trajectory of a company’s culture. According to a 2023 report by the Society for Human Resource Management, a single bad hire can cost a company up to 30 percent of that employee’s first-year earnings, not including the hit to morale, productivity, or retention.

Even worse? 82 percent of hiring managers admit to making a bad hiring decision, often due to “rushed processes” or “overreliance on gut instinct.” Hiring is one of the most strategic acts of leadership, because it reveals how you think, what you value, and what kind of future you’re designing for your brand.

Many leaders agree in theory: “Get the right people in the right seats.” But the common challenge is not intention, it’s execution.

Leaders know they need stronger teams. What they often lack is a clear methodology for attracting and retaining high-caliber talent.

Firstly, a great hire isn’t someone who simply blends in, they elevate the team. They multiply collective energy, introduce constructive tension that fuels better thinking, and help uncover blind spots you didn’t know you had.

The goal isn’t to find someone who fits the culture. It’s to find someone who adds to it.

Secondly, to attract top tier talent requires thinking like a product manager. When building a product, you don’t design based on your own preferences, you design based on what the market demands.

Talent attraction should follow the same logic. Instead of asking, ‘what do we want in an employee?’ the more strategic question is, ‘what does top talent want in an employer?’ When this alignment is off, even meaningful missions can struggle to retain high performers.

To achieve company-talent fit, organisations must audit their current infrastructure through the lens of top-tier candidates by asking What are the benefits and growth opportunities we offer? Top talent doesn’t just pursue compensation, they pursue possibilities. So when people consider joining your organisation, they’re not only asking “What will I be paid?” but “Who will I become here?” Career growth is part of the value proposition that high performers expect.

How strong is our culture of trust, flexibility, and purpose? Performance thrives in environments where people feel safe to speak up, stretch themselves, and contribute meaningfully. Psychological safety is a prerequisite for innovation.

When employees have autonomy over how they do their best work, motivation increases.Are we building systems that enable excellence or inhibit it? High performance is rarely the result of heroic individual effort.

More often, it’s the product of thoughtful design. Systems shape behaviour.

If your policies, workflows, and expectations make it harder to succeed than to stagnate, then even the most talented individuals will underperform. If your hiring criteria is “someone easy to manage,” you’re already shrinking your impact.

If your ego needs to feel smarter than the person you hire, you’re not leading, you’re performing the role of a leader. Resist the pressure to fill ASAP, yes, a vacant role hurts, but a wrong hire hurts worse and may take time to recover.

Consider the hiring process as a method of future-proofing the vision and mission of your business. .

Dar es Salaam. Manmeet Birdi has been crowned the Overall Navigator Champion of the just-ended Tanzanian National Rally Championship (NRC), capping a highly consistent and disciplined season with a total of 155 points to secure the coveted navigator’s trophy.

Representing Asas Rally Team, Birdi’s achievement underlines not only personal excellence but also the strength of teamwork and strategic execution across the championship calendar. Navigating alongside driver Randeep Singh, Birdi delivered composed and accurate pace-note reading throughout the season, a factor that proved decisive in a tightly contested championship.

The pair demonstrated resilience across different terrains and rally conditions, converting steady finishes into valuable points while avoiding costly retirements that affected several of their closest rivals. According to the official navigator standings, Birdi topped the leaderboard with 155 points, finishing ahead of Dave Sihoka (110 points) and Ally Hamoud (102 points), who completed the podium positions.

The margin reflects Birdi’s ability to score consistently across multiple events, including rallies where bonus points and stage performances played a critical role in shaping the final classification. The National Rally Championship demands far more from a navigator than simply calling notes.

Precision timing, route compliance, quick decision-making under pressure, and seamless communication with the driver are essential. Birdi’s partnership with Randeep Singh stood out for its clarity and composure, enabling Asas Rally Team to remain competitive throughout the season and ultimately emerge on top in the navigator category.

Beyond the numbers, Birdi’s triumph is a statement of experience and professionalism. In a field that featured seasoned navigators and rising talents, his ability to maintain focus over the full championship calendar proved decisive.

While others suffered DNFs or inconsistent results, Birdi maximized every opportunity to collect points, a hallmark of championship-winning campaigns. Asas Rally Team has also earned praise for its preparation and strategic approach, providing the technical reliability and team support needed to sustain a title challenge.

The navigator title adds to the team’s growing reputation within Tanzanian rallying and highlights the importance of strong driver-navigator chemistry in modern motorsport. .

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan said on Monday, February 9, 2026 that she appointed colonels as regional commissioners in two border regions due to security and strategic considerations.

On February 6, 2026, President Hassan named Colonel Yahya Ramadhani Kido as Regional Commissioner for Kagera, replacing Ms Fatma Mwassa, and Colonel Donald William Msengi as Regional Commissioner for Mtwara, taking over from Colonel Patrick Kenan Sawala, who will be assigned other duties. The appointments were announced by the Chief Secretary, Ambassador Dr Moses Kusiluka, as part of a wider reshuffle that also affected key ministries.

Kagera shares borders with Rwanda to the west, Uganda to the north and Burundi to the south-west, while Mtwara borders Mozambique to the south. Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony at State House on Monday, February 9, 2026, President Hassan said the two regions were strategically important for the country’s security.

“These regions are vital for defence and are strategic to us. They are crucial for the country’s security and that is why I have appointed colonels there,” she said, urging them to work closely with the officials they will find there or those who will be posted.

Although no major security threat has been reported in Kagera, Mozambique’s gas-rich Cabo Delgado Province, which borders Mtwara, has experienced repeated skirmishes linked to an Islamist insurgency since 2017. The attacks have caused a humanitarian crisis and disrupted Mozambique’s multi-billion-dollar liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects. The $20 billion LNG project near the Tanzanian border–one of the largest in Africa–was suspended after a 2021 jihadist attack on the town of Palma killed an estimated 800 people.

French energy giant TotalEnergies however relaunched the construction last month (January, 2026). Tanzania, which has also discovered commercially viable natural gas reserves in Mtwara and Lindi regions, is finalising negotiations with investors for a $42 billion LNG plant.

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Barcelona. Barcelona outclassed Mallorca 3-0 at home on Saturday to increase their lead at the top of the LaLiga standings.

Hansi Flick’s side controlled possession from the start and Marcus Rashford fired narrowly wide before playing a key role in the opener, as Dani Olmo headed his blocked effort into the path of Robert Lewandowski who finished calmly in the 29th minute. Barcelona pushed on after halftime, with Marc Casado hitting the post and the pressure told in the 61st minute when 18-year-old Lamine Yamal struck a superb shot from distance to register his fifth goal in consecutive matches in all competitions.

Substitute Marc Bernal, also 18, completed the scoring with a fine solo run and low finish. Barcelona moved to 58 points, four clear of second-placed Real Madrid, who play Valencia on Sunday.

“We are in a great moment,” Barca midfielder Marc Casado told Movistar Plus. “We know what we had to do and we executed it well.

Atletico Madrid are next, they are a great team and we know they won’t make it easy for us.” With Raphinha and Pedri sidelined by injury and Frenkie De Jong rested as a precaution ahead of Thursday’s Copa del Rey semi-final first leg at Atletico, Barcelona dominated from kickoff but were initially short of ideas in the final third.

Mallorca threatened on the counter-attack and went close when Vedat Muriqi struck the post from close range in the 18th minute. Jan Virgili was also denied twice by Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia from inside the box.

But Rashford stepped up to give Barca the spark they needed and created several chances, including the one that resulted in Lewandowski’s opener. He also forced Roman to make a great save from a free kick.

Mallorca’s keeper also produced fine saves to keep out Olmo and Fermin Lopez as Barca pressed after the break, but there was little he could do to deny Yamal’s moment of brilliance in the 61st minute. The winger unleashed a stunning strike that flew in off the left post.

Bernal came off the bench and made an immediate impact with a quick run from midfield, gliding into the box before firing low into the bottom corner. .

Manchester. Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick said he is relishing his spell in charge but will not get carried away with talk of taking the job permanently despite overseeing three wins from his opening three matches.

United have revived their push for a topfour Premier League finish with victories over leaders Arsenal, Manchester City and Fulham in the past month, following a turbulent period that saw manager Ruben Amorim’s departure and an FA Cup thirdround exit. As the club continues its search for a fulltime manager, Carrick said recent results will not prompt a hasty decision.

“I think I’m fully aware of the role I’m doing here and the responsibility I’ve got,” Carrick told reporters in Manchester ahead of Saturday’s Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur. “We want to be successful.

I want the club to be successful beyond the end of the season. If that’s me, if that’s somebody else at this stage, I can’t control that and we’ll see what happens.

“The results over a short period of time don’t change that. If they have changed that, there’s something wrong.

It can’t be so knee-jerk either way, whether it’s really good or whether there are a few issues we need to solve. It’s steady progress, really.

” Carrick, who made 464 appearances for Manchester United across all competitions during his playing career, lifting five Premier League titles and one Champions League trophy with the club, added he is at home at Old Trafford. “I’m loving what I’m doing,” the 44-year-old said.

“I feel at home here but I fully understand the situation, so I’m not getting too carried away.” United are currently fourth in the Premier League with 41 points in 24 games, 12 behind leaders Arsenal.

Arsenal go nine points clear in EPL Arsenal marched nine points clear in the Premier League title race as Viktor Gyokeres hit two goals in a 3-0 victory over Sunderland on Saturday as Manchester United made it four wins out of four for coach Michael Carrick in their top-four push. Third-placed Aston Villa dropped further behind Arsenal as they drew 1-1 with Bournemouth while Chelsea’s Cole Palmer bagged a hat-trick in a 3-1 victory at bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers, including two penalties.

Eighteenth-placed West Ham United earned three vital points in their bid to avoid relegation, Crysencio Summerville and Taty Castellanos sealing a 2-0 win at second-from-bottom Burnley whose survival hopes now look remote. Everton scored two late goals as they came from behind to win 2-1 at Fulham, the win lifting them to eighth.

The celebrations at the final whistle at The Emirates were loud and long as joyous Arsenal fans displayed their belief that a first title since 2004 is now in sight. Sunderland proved a tough nut to crack but Arsenal remained patient and were rewarded with a fourth successive victory in all competitions.

Arsenal dominated the first half at The Emirates but had to wait until the 42nd minute to get ahead when Martin Zubimendi’s sweetly-struck low drive crept inside the post. Gyokeres has struggled at times during his first season in north London since his move from Sporting, but he swept in a clinical finish in the 66th minute to make it 2-0. Gabriel Martinelli then played in the Swede for his second deep into stoppage time.

No Premier League player has scored more goals across all competitions since the turn of the year than Gyokeres (six) and Arteta praised the Swedish striker’s resilience. “He doesn’t seem too affected by the real highs or the lows and that’s what we need – stability.

He’s very demanding of himself. He’s constantly trying to improve,” Arteta said.

Arsenal have 56 points from 25 games with Manchester City, who face Liverpool away on Sunday, on 47 from 24. Villa also have 47 points but their challenge is fading. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Palmer became the first player in Premier League history to score three hat-tricks in the first half of a match, having also done it against Everton and Brighton and Hove Albion.

He now also has more Premier League hat-tricks than any other Chelsea player, after grabbing a fourth. Palmer put Chelsea ahead from the spot in the 13th minute after a foul on Joao Pedro and repeated the trick in the 35th minute after another foul on the same teammate.

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Unguja. At 75, Charlotte Hill O’Neal, fondly known as Mama C proved that age is no barrier to commanding the stage, delivering one of Sauti za Busara’s most engaging late-night performances yesterday on February 7.

Backed by a full live band, she sang with clarity and warmth, drawing the audience closer from her opening notes. There was no sense of nostalgia in her delivery.

Instead, her voice carried purpose, presence and a steady strength that kept festivalgoers fully engaged. Her set flowed effortlessly between music and message.

While she took moments to speak directly to the crowd sharing reflections, encouragement and life lessons, each return to song came with renewed intensity. The balance between conversation and rhythm gave the performance emotional depth, while the groove ensured the crowd remained on its feet, responding with steady applause and cheers.

Speaking after her performance, Mama C said she still finds joy and surprise in her ability to perform at such a demanding level. “I’m 75. It surprises me that I can still do things like that,” she said.

“I get so much enjoyment out of working with young people. I love it.

” For Mama C, collaboration across generations is more than artistic exchange. She described it as a responsibility to create space for younger artists to grow, be seen and gain confidence.

“When artistes are considered, they gain confidence in what they say and what they do,” she said. “That’s why art, music and visual projects are so important.

They light up young people’s spirit and let them shine.” Behind her continued strength, Mama C pointed to a deeply personal source of support, her husband, with whom she has shared nearly 57 years of marriage.

“He gives me courage. He gives me permission to let my light shine,” she said.

“I’m a warrior woman, a warrior of peace.” Her reflections extended beyond her own journey to the wider role of artists in society.

Addressing both current and future generations, Mama C urged musicians to recognise the power of their voices, not only to entertain, but to influence change. “It’s important to spread love all over the world, to plant seeds of love and watch them grow,” she said.

She explained that love remains a recurring theme in music because of its central place in human connection. “Artists always talk about love because it’s the most important thing on the planet,” she said.

“That’s the treasure artists must remember to share, to build unity among brothers and sisters around the world.” Mama C also stressed the importance of art as a space for self-discovery and cultural preservation, encouraging artists to remain grounded in their traditions even as they experiment creatively.

“It’s good to discover ourselves through art. It’s good to honour our traditions,” she noted.

Beyond celebration and expression, she highlighted the responsibility artistes carry to address social issues affecting their communities, including economic hardship, gender-based violence, and violence against women and children. According to her, music and poetry often succeed where everyday conversations struggle.

“In regular conversations, people are not always confident to talk about the things that need to change,” she said. “But we can do it through poetry, through hip-hop, through music.

” She added that consistent artistic engagement with such issues can help shape public dialogue and even encourage faster action from decision-makers. Mama C’s Busara appearance was more than a late-night performance.

It was a reminder that artistry does not fade with age, that experience can deepen relevance, and that the stage remains a powerful platform for truth, courage and connection. .

Cairo. Iran will strike U.

S. bases in the Middle East if it is attacked by U.

S. forces that have massed in the region, its foreign minister said on Saturday, insisting that this should not be seen as an attack on the countries hosting them.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi spoke to Qatari Al Jazeera TV a day after Tehran and Washington pledged to continue indirect nuclear talks following what both sides described as positive discussions on Friday in Oman. While Araqchi said no date had yet been set for the next round of negotiations, U.

S. President Donald Trump said they could take place early next week.

“We and Washington believe it should be held soon,” Araqchi said. Trump has threatened to strike Iran after a U.

S. naval buildup in the region, demanding that it renounce uranium enrichment, a possible pathway to nuclear bombs, as well as stopping ballistic missile development and support for armed groups around the region.

Tehran has long denied any intent to weaponise nuclear fuel production. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi meets with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi in Muscat, Oman, February 6, 2026. While both sides have indicated readiness to revive diplomacy over Tehran’s long-running nuclear dispute with the West, Araqchi balked at widening the talks out.

“Any dialogue requires refraining from threats and pressure. (Tehran) only discusses its nuclear issue We do not discuss any other issue with the U.

S.,” he said.

Last June, the U.S.

bombed Iranian nuclear facilities, joining in the final stages of a 12-day Israeli bombing campaign. Tehran has since said it has halted uranium enrichment activity.

Its response at the time included a missile attack on a U.S.

base in Qatar, which maintains good relations with both Tehran and Washington. In the event of a new U.

S. attack, Araqchi said the consequences could be similar.

“It would not be possible to attack American soil, but we will target their bases in the region,” he said. “We will not attack neighbouring countries; rather, we will target U.

S. bases stationed in them.

There is a big difference between the two.” Iran says it wants recognition of its right to enrich uranium, and that putting its missile programme on the negotiating table would leave it vulnerable to Israeli attacks.

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Johannesburg. South Africa will withdraw its troops from the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office said in a statement late on Saturday.

Ramaphosa has told UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres about the decision, which was influenced by the need to “realign” the resources of South Africa’s armed forces, the statement said. South Africa has supported UN peacekeeping efforts in Congo for 27 years and has more than 700 soldiers deployed there.

The UN mission had a total of nearly 11,000 troops and police deployed when its mandate was extended in December. The UN mission’s mandate is to counter the many rebel groups active in Congo’s restive east, where conflict has raged for decades and where there has been a recent escalation in fighting.

“South Africa will work jointly with the UN to finalise the timelines and other modalities of the withdrawal, which will be completed before the end of 2026,” the statement added. South Africa will continue to maintain close bilateral ties with Congo’s government and support other multilateral efforts to bring lasting peace to Congo, Ramaphosa’s office said.

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