Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has banned political and administrative leaders from controlling trading spaces at Kariakoo Market, directing that the allocation of stalls and shops be handled transparently by the market’s management.

She said the management alone would be responsible for allocating spaces, a move aimed at improving transparency in revenue collection. According to the President, a lack of openness in revenue management was among the factors that contributed to the fire that destroyed the market, as information was often concealed during audits.

President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, cuts the ribbon to mark the launch of the new Kariakoo Central Market in Ilala, Dar es Salaam, on February 8, 2026. “I want the allocation process to be transparent and free from favouritism. Traders who were operating in the market before the fire should be given priority, while others should be accommodated in accordance with established procedures.

Regional and Ilala District leaders should not be involved in the allocation process; the market management should handle this responsibility,” she said. President Hassan made the remarks yesterday during the official reopening of Kariakoo Market, which had been under reconstruction since a devastating fire in 2021 that displaced thousands of small traders.

They were temporarily relocated to other markets, including Kisutu, Machinga Complex and Karume. The government allocated Sh28 billion for the reconstruction.

She emphasised the need to adopt digital systems in the market’s operations, saying technology would make it easier to track tax compliance. She also directed the management to establish a comprehensive database of traders and activities.

The President said she was impressed by the modern infrastructure, improved security systems and mother-and-child-friendly facilities, including breastfeeding rooms. However, she instructed the management to allocate a special area for childcare services to support women traders.

She said that Kariakoo Market should serve as a model for other markets across the country by upholding discipline, safety and sound management practices. “For the market to gain trust and become a regional commercial hub, it must guarantee a safe environment for traders, customers and goods through high-standard security measures,” she said.

President Hassan noted that the market is intended to serve not only Tanzanians but also international traders, making product security a top priority. She directed that services such as tax payments and export logistics be simplified and made available within the market, including the presence of international shipping and export agents.

Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila said the resumption of operations at Kariakoo Market would go hand in hand with reopening roads leading into and out of the area to improve security, service delivery and emergency response. He said many access roads had been blocked by traders operating along the streets, causing congestion and preventing vehicles and emergency services from passing through.

“We have already engaged traders and informed them that all roads within the market area must be opened. I know this may be painful for some, but you cannot build a valuable asset and block its access roads.

Diplomacy will be used to ensure compliance without the use of force,” he said. Mr Chalamila said that the market had previously faced a shortage of commercial spaces, prompting the President to direct the National Housing Corporation (NHC) to implement a public-private partnership model to attract private investment.

He said more than 61 contracts had been signed between NHC and private investors for the demolition and redevelopment of commercial buildings, creating 1,500 business spaces, 700 housing units and other developments valued at more than Sh356 billion. The Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government Authorities), Prof Riziki Shemdoe, said the government would ensure surrounding roads are opened to improve security and enable 24-hour market operations.

He also revealed that construction of a dedicated hawkers’ market in the Msimbazi River valley had begun to address the growing demand for trading spaces. Under the second phase of the Dar es Salaam Metropolitan Development Project (DMDP II), a contractor is being sought to build the market alongside protective embankments.

Representing Kariakoo traders, Mr Ramadhani Kakandilo said the market would be managed in accordance with laws and regulations, including timely tax payments. He added that priority had been given to traders who operated at the market before the fire and appealed to the government to continue supporting them by opening more foreign markets for local products.

.

Dar es Salaam. The solitary goal scored by Anas Bach for Morocco’s ASFAR has pushed Tanzania’s representatives in the CAF Champions League, Young Africans SC (Yanga), to the brink of elimination from the competition on February 7, 2026 at the Rabat Olympic Stadium.

Bach struck the decisive blow in the 85th minute, firing home a powerful effort after collecting a loose ball that had been only partially cleared by Yanga captain Bakari Mwamnyeto. The move originated from a dangerous cross delivered by Fallou Formose Mendy, and Bach reacted quickest to punish Yanga’s momentary defensive lapse, sealing a crucial 10 victory for the Moroccan side.

The result lifted ASFAR to eight points from five matches, keeping their quarterfinal hopes firmly alive. The Moroccan club now requires just one point from their final group fixture to mathematically secure progression to the knockout stage.

ASFAR will face Egypt’s Al Ahly on February 15 in Cairo in what promises to be a decisive encounter. Al Ahly currently sit on nine points and also need only a draw or a win to advance, following their goalless draw away to JS Kabylie in their most recent match.

The high-stakes showdown in Cairo will effectively determine the final qualification slot from the group. Meanwhile, Yanga’s path to the quarterfinals has become extremely complicated.

On the same day ASFAR take on Al Ahly, the Tanzanian champions will host Algeria’s JS Kabylie at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar. JS Kabylie, who have collected just two points, are already mathematically eliminated from the competition.

For Yanga, qualification now depends on a near-perfect scenario. They must defeat JS Kabylie by a margin of at least three clear goals without conceding while simultaneously hoping that Al Ahly secure victory over ASFAR in Cairo.

Any slip in either condition would confirm Yanga’s exit at the group stage. This combination of requirements leaves Yanga in a highly precarious position, as their fate no longer rests entirely in their own hands but hinges on the outcome of the Al AhlyASFAR clash.

Against ASFAR, Yanga will particularly regret missed opportunities that could have altered the outcome of the match. Despite controlling large spells of play, the Tanzanian side failed to capitalize on several clear-cut chances.

In the 76th minute, striker Prince Dube squandered a golden opportunity after being set up by Mudathir Yahaya. His initial effort struck the underside of the crossbar, and although the rebound fell kindly to him, his follow-up shot was directed straight at the ASFAR goalkeeper, who made a comfortable save.

Just three minutes later, Clement Mzize wasted another promising chance after being played clean through by Dube, firing wide of the target. Moments later, Dube himself missed again, shooting off target after receiving an incisive pass from Mudathir Yahya.

Those missed chances ultimately proved costly, as ASFAR remained compact and disciplined before striking late to claim all three points. With qualification now hanging by a thread, Yanga face a daunting final matchday, where only a dominant performance and favorable results elsewhere can keep their CAF Champions League dream alive.

.

When we think of addiction, alcohol and drugs often come to mind. The image is familiar.

A disheveled relative, visibly struggling, consumed by the search for their next hit. Betting rarely enters that picture.

Betting addiction looks different. It can be the person placing bets during work hours, refreshing their phone between tasks, carrying growing debt while trying to recover from the last loss.

There is always a belief that the next attempt will fix everything. Ten sure odds, and everything will be recovered.

Because betting feels ordinary and widely accepted, it often goes unnoticed. It is treated as a harmless habit or a temporary phase, even when it begins to interfere with daily life.

For many young people in Tanzania, this pattern has become increasingly common, blending into routines and conversations without raising concern. Part of what makes betting so hard to step away from is how it works on the brain.

Wins come unpredictably, and that uncertainty keeps people engaged far longer than they expect. Each win triggers a small release of dopamine, the chemical that makes the brain feel rewarded, which makes even occasional wins feel thrilling.

Over time, betting becomes less about fun and more about holding on to hope — the hope that one more bet will change everything. This hope can temporarily replace feelings of stress, frustration, or boredom.

The mind begins to overestimate control, remembering wins more vividly than losses and seeing patterns where none exist. Losses stop being warnings; they become challenges to overcome, with the next bet promising to fix everything.

This cycle taps into basic human behaviour: the desire for reward, the pull of optimism, and the brain’s response to dopamine, all of which make it surprisingly easy to continue even as the consequences grow and life starts to unravel. At first, it is occasional.

A bet during a football match. Something you do once in a while.

Then it becomes weekly. Then daily.

At some point, you realise you cannot shake it off. Even after losing for weeks, the belief stays the same.

This next one will be different. This one will be the big break.

This one will recover everything that was lost before. Along with that comes shame.

You start worrying about how you would be seen if people knew. Whether they would understand.

Whether they would judge you. So you keep it to yourself.

Meanwhile, the real cost shows up quietly. Debt builds.

Money never seems to last. Basic needs become harder to meet.

Life starts revolving around waiting for a win that is supposed to fix everything. In betting, that win rarely comes.

The system is built so that the house benefits most, while individuals keep chasing recovery. Once you see what betting is doing to your life, the money lost, the stress, the constant chase for a win that never comes, it becomes clear that something has to change.

Ignoring it or hoping it will stop on its own only makes the problem worse. The next step is taking control in ways that actually work, starting small and building habits that give you back your time, your money, and your peace of mind.

The first step is admitting to yourself that this is a problem. You can’t fix something you refuse to see.

Be honest: it’s not just a bad habit or a phase. It’s a behaviour that needs to be addressed.

Put friction between you and betting. Make it harder to get back in. Delete betting apps.

Leave WhatsApp groups. Unfollow accounts that push “sure bets.

” If it nudges you toward betting, remove it.Be honest about what it’s doing to your lifeLook at the money gone, the stress, the guilt.

Stop pretending it’s just luck or fun. The more honest you are, the easier it is to take back control.

Replace the habit, not just remove itBetting fills a gap: boredom, stress, hope. Find something else that fills it without hurting you.

Exercise, a side hustle, journaling, even sitting with discomfort. Don’t leave the space empty or you’ll circle back.

et support.Talk to someone you trust or get professional help.

Sharing the load makes it easier to see what you’re doing and why. A counsellor, therapist, or financial coach can help you figure out how to regain control.

Asking for help doesn’t make you weak. It makes change possible.

Betting does not start as a problem for most people. It starts as curiosity, pressure, boredom, or hope for quick relief.

But when it begins to interfere with your finances, your peace of mind, and your ability to plan for the future, it deserves to be taken seriously. A healthier relationship with money comes from honesty, boundaries, and support, not shame or secrecy.

For young people especially, choosing to step back from betting is not a failure. It is a decision to protect your future before the damage becomes permanent.

Haika Gerson is a writer and psychology student at the University of Derby, passionate about human behaviour and mental well-being. .

Simiyu. Three suspected armed robbers were killed on Saturday night following an exchange of gunfire with police in Bariadi Town, Simiyu Region.

The Simiyu Regional Police Commander, Ms Edith Swebe, said the incident occurred at around 2:30am on February 8 in the NMB area of Malambo Ward. Ms Swebe said officers from the Special Crime Prevention and Control Unit responded to information that three people were attempting to break into the Simiyu Money Service building, a facility that provides financial transaction services for mobile phone operators and financial institutions.

“Upon arrival at the scene, the suspects opened fire after realising they were being trailed by police, prompting officers to return fire,” she said. She said that all three suspects were injured during the exchange and later died while being rushed to hospital for medical treatment.

Police recovered one AK-47 rifle with eight rounds of ammunition in its magazine. Other items found in the suspects’ possession included 300 Kenyan shillings, one Egyptian five-pound note, a travel ticket from Migori to Sirari and tickets from Sirari to Lamadi.

Ms Swebe said police operations and patrols were continuing across the region as part of efforts to curb and eliminate criminal activities. She also commended members of the public for their cooperation in providing information that helps prevent crime and urged individuals involved in criminal activities to abandon such acts, warning that crime poses serious harm to society and the nation at large.

.

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.

.

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.

.

In a setting defined by diplomacy, ambition, and forward thinking, Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe, recently held wide-ranging discussions with business leader Prateek Suri, Africa’s youngest billionaire and the richest Indian on African soil, with an estimated net worth of $1.9 billion. The meeting reflected more than a formal exchange of views.

It represented a convergence of political leadership and private-sector dynamism at a time when African economies are seeking new pathways to growth, resilience, and global competitiveness. Also present was Tatenda Mavetera, Zimbabwe’s Minister of ICT, whose participation underscored the central role of digital transformation in the country’s long-term development strategy.

Observers noted that the discussions were marked by openness and strategic depth. President Mnangagwa outlined Zimbabwe’s vision of building a diversified, innovation-driven economy capable of attracting global capital while empowering local enterprises.

In response, Suri shared perspectives drawn from his extensive experience in scaling businesses across multiple African markets, emphasising the importance of strong institutions, skilled human capital, and long-term investment planning. Representing Maser Group and its investment arm, MDR Investments, Suri reaffirmed his commitment to jointly investing in Zimbabwe’s priority sectors.

He highlighted opportunities in information and communication technology, startup financing, advanced manufacturing, and infrastructure development under Public-Private Partnership frameworks. These initiatives, he noted, are designed to create sustainable enterprises rather than short-lived ventures.

A central theme of the meeting was the proposed establishment of a Joint Innovation Hub. The facility is envisioned as a platform for nurturing young entrepreneurs through mentorship, venture funding, incubation services, and access to international markets.

With a focus on fintech, artificial intelligence, software development, and digital services, the hub aims to transform local ideas into scalable businesses capable of competing globally. Manufacturing also featured prominently in the dialogue.

Suri expressed interest in supporting modern production units equipped with automation, smart systems, and environmentally responsible processes. Such investments are expected to strengthen domestic value chains, reduce dependence on imports, and enhance Zimbabwe’s export potential within regional and international markets.

Both sides placed strong emphasis on structured collaboration. Public-Private Partnership models were identified as key instruments for delivering industrial parks, technology zones, and large-scale infrastructure projects.

By aligning public policy objectives with private-sector efficiency, these frameworks can ensure balanced and inclusive growth. President Mnangagwa reiterated his administration’s commitment to maintaining policy stability, transparency, and regulatory clarity.

He stressed that Zimbabwe seeks long-term partners who are prepared to contribute capital, expertise, and institutional capacity. Minister Tatenda Mavetera highlighted parallel efforts to expand digital literacy, strengthen cybersecurity, and promote innovation ecosystems, describing global partnerships as essential for preparing Zimbabwe’s youth for the future economy.

Confidence in Suri’s leadership was echoed by Maser Group shareholder Ben Chia, who publicly expressed trust in his vision and investment judgment, describing him as a leader focused on long-term transformation rather than short-term gains. As the meeting concluded, both sides agreed to pursue structured follow-ups to translate strategic intent into concrete projects.

More than a symbolic engagement, the interaction signalled Zimbabwe’s growing readiness to partner with global entrepreneurs. In bringing together political authority and private-sector ambition, the dialogue between President Mnangagwa and Prateek Suri marked another step toward shaping Africa’s next chapter of sustainable growth and innovation.

.

Dar es Salaam. The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Tanzania hosted a two-day chess tournament on Saturday, February 7, 2926 that brought together local and international players, reflecting the growing interest in the game across the country.

Tournament Director Konrad Czernichowski coordinated the event, while Fide-certified arbiter Mustafa Ebrahim supervised the matches to ensure they were conducted in accordance with international standards. Vice Chairman of the Tanzania Chess Association Rashid Mansour Sharif attended the tournament, signalling the federation’s support for efforts aimed at developing the sport.

Head of Mission of the Republic of Poland in Tanzania Mr Sergiusz Wolski welcomed participants and guests, describing the event as an opportunity to strengthen sporting and cultural relations. “Chess is a popular game in Poland with long traditions going back to the 19th century,” said Wolski.

“There are many clubs and many people playing as amateurs, but we also have professional players, some of whom are very successful and win world tournaments.” Mr Wolski, who also competed in the tournament, acknowledged the high level of competition.

“Unfortunately, i haven’t played for a long time and the players are great, so it’s difficult to compete with them,” he said, while praising the overall quality of the tournament. The event was co-organised with the Jordan University Chess Club and attracted players from several regions, including Dar es Salaam, as well as participants from outside Tanzania.

“I didn’t know that there was so much interest in chess here,” Wolski said. “Today we have players from different places in Tanzania but also from outside the country.

We are happy that we can contribute, even a little, to the development of the game in Tanzania through this tournament.” He emphasised the importance of chess in education, particularly for children.

“I’m sure that it’s very beneficial if children play chess. It’s a very strategic game, so it can definitely contribute to the education and development of a young person,” he said.

Reflecting on his school years, he added: “When I was at school in Poland, there were chess clubs, and some children were very engaged. Chess develops strategic thinking and certain abstract skills.

” Mr Wolski noted that while chess should not necessarily be compulsory in schools, expanding access would benefit learners. “I’m not saying it should be obligatory or on a mass scale, but it would definitely be beneficial to have more chess in schools,” he said.

Encouraging beginners, he added: “It’s never too late. The basics are simple.

You can learn the moves of the pieces and pawns in one day.”ing the game to learning a new language, he said: “You can quickly master the basics and reach a point where you can communicate, but then it becomes more and more difficult.

It’s the same with chess.” The tournament brought together players of varying skill levels, promoted cultural exchange, and supported the continued growth of chess in Tanzania.

.

Dar es Salaam. The government has sought China’s support in developing modern infrastructure to ensure Tanzania is ready to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) alongside its East African neighbours.

The appeal was made on Friday, February 6, by the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr James Millya, during celebrations to mark the Chinese New Year at the Chinese Embassy in Dar es Salaam. Mr Millya said preparations for Afcon 2027 go beyond football, describing the tournament as a strategic opportunity for economic transformation, infrastructure expansion and strengthened diplomatic ties for Tanzania and the wider East African region.

He noted that hosting the continental showpiece would require significant investment in stadiums that meet international standards, efficient transport systems and supporting social infrastructure. “Given the strong and long-standing partnership between Tanzania and China, we are seeking China’s continued support to ensure that critical infrastructure for Afcon 2027 is completed on time and meets the required international standards,” he said.

According to him, the tournament is expected to attract investment, create jobs, enhance national infrastructure and position Tanzania as a leading tourism destination both on the continent and globally. Speaking at the same event, China’s Charge d’Affaires to Tanzania, Mr Wang Yong, said the Chinese New Year celebrations symbolise unity and a shared development journey between the two countries.

He noted that China is ushering in the Year of the Horse, which represents courage, dynamism and progress. Mr Wang said China continues to register steady progress economically, politically and socially under President Xi Jinping’s leadership, while expanding its role in global governance and sustainable development.

He reaffirmed that relations between China and Tanzania are anchored in historical friendship and practical cooperation, citing major infrastructure projects such as the rehabilitation of the TanzaniaZambia Railway Authority (Tazara) line, backed by Chinese financial, technical and managerial support. “Chinese nationals in Tanzania — including workers, teachers, students and businesspeople — play an important role in promoting skills transfer, economic cooperation and knowledge exchange,” Mr Wang said.

.