Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Canada’s Court of Appeal for Ontario has dismissed a lawsuit against Barrick’s North Mara Gold Mine, drawing mixed reactions from the mining firm and human rights advocates.

The case arose from allegations of deaths and assaults in and around the North Mara Gold Mine in Tanzania. On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, a panel of judges upheld a lower court ruling that the case should not proceed in Ontario, finding that Tanzania is the more appropriate jurisdiction for the matter.

The claim, filed in Ontario in November 2022, centres on alleged excessive use of force by police providing security at the mine in northern Tanzania. According to court documents, the area is inhabited largely by the Kuria community, many of whom have historically depended on small-scale mining.

The claim alleges that attempts by local residents to access waste rock for subsistence have been met with disproportionate force, resulting in more than 70 deaths over the past two decades. In a statement issued yesterday Barrick welcomed the ruling, noting that it affirms an earlier decision by the Ontario Superior Court that Tanzania is the proper forum for the case.

The company said evidence presented in court showed that the Tanzania Police Force operates independently of Barrick. It added that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy on human rights abuses involving employees, contractors or third parties.

Barrick president and chief executive officer, Mark Hill, said the company values its operations in Tanzania. “Barrick is proud of our work in Tanzania, which we undertake in close partnership with government and host communities.

Our operations create jobs, support economic growth and contribute to improving livelihoods,” he said. However, Amnesty International Canada expressed concern over the ruling.

In a statement published on April 7, the organisation said it had participated in the case as a third-party intervenor. It argued that, in cases involving alleged human rights abuses linked to Canadian companies abroad, courts should consider access to justice and the right to an effective remedy when determining jurisdiction.

“Regardless of today’s decision, international law remains clear: people have the right to an effective remedy when their rights are violated,” said Julia Sande, the organisation’s strategic litigation campaigner. She added that Canadian courts have a role in ensuring companies respect human rights beyond their borders, particularly where victims may face barriers to justice in their home countries.

Amnesty International Canada’s corporate accountability campaigner, Tara Scurr, said the organisation was disappointed with the outcome. “We are disappointed by today’s ruling and what it means for the families’ pursuit of justice.

Cases like this highlight the challenges victims face in holding powerful corporations accountable,” she said. .

Arusha. Tanzania is set to attract wider global attention in geological research after scientists confirmed that Mount Meru contains one of the largest volcanic debris avalanche deposits ever recorded.

The discovery highlights the mountain’s scientific significance and strengthens its potential as a major geotourism destination. Conservation officials and researchers say the extensive debris deposits at the base of the mountain were formed about 9,000 years ago following a catastrophic volcanic collapse.

The event reshaped the surrounding terrain and left behind a vast field of geological material that remains visible today. The Conservation Officer responsible for tourism at Arusha National Park, Mr Jerome Boniface Ndazi, said the ancient avalanche created a landscape marked by hills and distinctive rock formations.

He explained that scientific studies indicate the materials were deposited during a major eruption and structural collapse of the Meru volcano thousands of years ago. Mr Ndazi added that the same geological processes played a major role in shaping several prominent features within the park.

These include Ngurdoto Crater, the Momella Lakes and Tululusia Waterfall, all of which remain among the park’s leading tourist attractions. According to conservation officials, the vast debris landscape presents valuable opportunities for geotourism development.

The site is expected to attract scientists, students and international visitors with an interest in volcanic formations and earth science. Authorities have also identified the location as a potential candidate for recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

Mount Meru is a dormant volcano and the second-highest peak in Tanzania after Mount Kilimanjaro. Rising to 4,565 metres above sea level, it ranks among Africa’s most prominent volcanic mountains.

The volcano lies within the Northern Tanzanian Divergence Zone, which forms part of the eastern branch of the East African Rift System. One of the mountain’s most recognisable features is a large horseshoe-shaped scar on its eastern side.

Scientists believe this scar resulted from a massive collapse associated with the ancient Momella debris avalanche. Recent studies that combined remote sensing technology with detailed field mapping have provided fresh insights into the structure and distribution of the deposits.

Researchers identified comp lex terrain patterns that include hummocks, ridges, lobes, grabens and shear zones. These features point to a complicated sequence of movement and deposition during the collapse.

Scientists also identified different geological layers, including both solidified and fragmented rock materials. Findings suggest the collapse involved a volume exceeding 20 square kilometres.

Debris is believed to have spread across approximately 1,250 square kilometres, extending as far as the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Further evidence indicates that water played an important role in the avalanche’s movement.

Researchers found signs of a water-saturated base layer, which likely increased the speed and reach of the flowing material during the event. The research was conducted by an international team of scientists from institutions including Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universite Clermont Auvergne and Rhodes University.

Geologist Mr Roger Scoon said the collapse of the Meru caldera can be compared to the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption, although he noted that the Tanzanian event was significantly larger in scale.

He added that the avalanche transformed the surrounding landscape and contributed to the creation of the Momella Lakes. Today, these lakes serve as important habitats for migratory birds and support a wide range of wildlife.

The montane forests that cover Mount Meru’s slopes remain ecologically rich. They sustain diverse wildlife and bird species, further strengthening the mountain’s environmental importance and its value to Tanzania’s tourism sector.

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Arusha. The High Court, Manyara Sub-Registry, has acquitted Elia Daniel, who faced charges over the murder of a former Standard Six pupil at Ayatsea Primary School, Suzana Ginyabasi.

The verdict freeing the accused was delivered on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, by Judge Devotha Kamuzora, and a copy was posted on the court’s website. After hearing evidence from both sides, the court found that the prosecution had failed to prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt.

How the murder occurred The accused was charged with a single count of murder, contrary to Sections 196 and 197 of the Penal Code, an offence alleged to have occurred on April 29, 2025, in Gidamara Village, Babati District, Manyara Region. During the trial, the prosecution presented 10 witnesses and 16 exhibits.

It was alleged that on the day of the incident, the pupil left home in the morning for school but never returned. The eighth witness, the deceased’s father, Mr Samweli Ginyabasi, said he began searching and was informed she was last seen near the school, but no one knew her whereabouts.

He said the matter was initially reported to local authorities and later at Galapo Police Station. According to him and the sixth witness, Mkapa Ginyabasi, on May 1, 2025, a report was made, the community gathered, and a search began, during which the pupil’s body was allegedly found in a field.

After the body was discovered, police were informed by the second witness, Corporal Asha, accompanied by Sergeant Elias, who went to the crime scene, where they were told the accused had been detained by villagers on suspicion of involvement in the offence. They went to the village office and later took the accused to Galapo Police Station.

The seventh witness said the deceased’s body was dressed in a school uniform: a white shirt and blue skirt, and near the body, 12 metres away, a male undergarment was found. After the exhibits were collected, they were handed over to and taken to the Government Chemist Laboratory Authority (GCLA).

The first witness, Dr Christopher Malagashimba, a doctor who examined the body, said it had blood from the nose and ears, multiple bruises, and abnormal neck movement, indicating possible strangulation. He further noted injuries extending from the vagina to the anus, indicating sexual abuse, and concluded the cause of death was oxygen deprivation to the brain due to hanging, with excessive bleeding from sustained injuries.

The ninth witness, Dr Joshua Dawson of Mrara Hospital, testified that he was asked to take a blood sample from the accused for DNA testing, which he handed to the seventh witness, a police officer, and it was sent to GCLA, Arusha Region. The exhibits were handed to the fifth witness, who stated that GCLA Arusha does not conduct DNA analysis, so he transported them to GCLA, Dar es Salaam, for testing.

At the Dar es Salaam lab, he handed them to the third witness, Mr Boniface Emmanuel. The third witness admitted receiving the exhibits for DNA testing, including a black undergarment reportedly worn by the deceased, a khaki tight-fitting garment also said to be worn by the deceased, a multicoloured tight-fitting garment found at the crime scene, vaginal swabs from the deceased, the blood sample from the accused, and the undergarment.

DNA test results were presented in court, showing a match between the accused’s blood sample and DNA from the deceased’s body and some crime scene exhibits. The Defence The accused denied causing the deceased’s death, except to admit that a blood sample had been taken from him, and denied that the male undergarment found at the crime scene was his.

He testified that at the time he lived elsewhere, herding cattle, and that he had been falsely charged. The public prosecutor argued that although there were minor discrepancies in PW9’s testimony regarding who took the blood sample from the accused, there was no dispute that a sample had been taken.

Judge’s decision However, despite the evidence, the court noted major flaws in how it was collected and handled, raising doubts about its legal validity. Reading the verdict, Judge Kamuzora said the Human DNA Control Act sets specific conditions for the collection and handling of DNA samples, including who is authorised to collect them.

The court found major confusion in the prosecution’s evidence regarding who took the accused’s blood sample. Although one doctor claimed he collected it, he later changed his statement, saying he only supervised the procedure carried out by another person whose legal qualifications were unverified.

As a result, the court stated the sample’s legality could not be properly confirmed, affecting the credibility of all DNA test results based on it. Judge Kamuzora said even if the DNA evidence were valid, it still had gaps, as some key exhibits, such as the male undergarment alleged to belong to the accused, showed no DNA match with him.

He said in criminal law, expert evidence like DNA should not be relied on alone without supporting evidence, and in this case, no witness saw the incident, nor was there direct evidence linking the accused to the murder. Moreover, it was unclear how the accused was connected to the incident until his arrest by villagers.

The court also considered the accused’s defence, who claimed he was detained without grounds and linked to the incident due to personal disputes with his employer while herding. He stated that on the day of the incident, he was herding cattle elsewhere and was later summoned by his employer, taken to the village office, and then handed over to the police.

The court found these claims unchallenged by the prosecution, raising further doubts about his involvement. Considering all these flaws, Judge Kamuzora concluded the prosecution had failed to prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt, as required by law.

“It is the prosecution’s duty to prove its case beyond any doubt. In this case, the evidence presented did not meet that standard,” he said in his verdict.

Consequently, the court ordered the accused’s immediate release unless held for other legal reasons. .

Dar es Salaam. Former Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera has arrived in Tanzania for an official working visit to advance reconciliation, following his appointment as Special Envoy by the Commonwealth.

Dr Chakwera, serving as Special Envoy to Tanzania under the mandate of Commonwealth Secretary-General, Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, landed at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) on the evening of Wednesday, April 8, 2026. He was received by the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr Ngwaru Maghembe, marking the start of what officials describe as a key diplomatic mission focused on fostering dialogue and easing political tensions. Dr Chakwera’s visit comes months after the Commonwealth appointed him to guide reconciliation talks in Tanzania, responding to concerns over political tensions and grievances following the October 29, 2025, general election.

The move forms part of the organisation’s “Good Offices” framework, allowing discreet diplomatic engagement in conflict prevention and resolution among member states. According to a statement issued by the Commonwealth Secretariat issued on Wednesday, April 9, 2026, the envoy is expected to engage a wide range of stakeholders during his visit, including government officials, political party leaders, civil society organisations, religious figures, and members of the diplomatic community.

The consultations aim to lay the groundwork for an inclusive national dialogue, focusing on reconciliation, governance reforms and long-term political stability. Announcing the appointment in November 2025, Ms Botchwey expressed confidence in Dr Chakwera’s leadership, citing his experience and understanding of democratic processes across the region.

“Dr Lazarus Chakwera’s experience and leadership will be important in supporting constructive dialogue among all stakeholders, and I am confident it will contribute to peace and stability for the people of Tanzania,” she said at the time. Dr Chakwera, who completed his presidential term in Malawi earlier in 2025, accepted the role with what he described as “deep humility”, emphasising his commitment to promoting inclusive dialogue grounded in democratic principles and the rule of law.

“As an African from a neighbouring country who has followed developments in Tanzania closely, I am honoured to serve in this capacity,” he said in an earlier statement. His latest visit continues that mandate and is expected to build on earlier engagements aimed at encouraging consensus among key actors in Tanzania’s political landscape.

Diplomatic sources indicate the envoy’s itinerary may include high-level meetings with senior government leaders, opposition figures, and civil society representatives, although official details of the schedule have not been publicly disclosed. The Commonwealth has stressed that its role is to support Tanzanian-led solutions, noting that outcomes from the dialogue process must reflect the will and participation of all stakeholders.

Dr Chakwera is expected to be accompanied by senior officials from the Commonwealth Secretariat, including those overseeing governance and peace-building initiatives, whose findings will inform future interventions under the organisation’s framework. His presence in Dar es Salaam is seen as one of the most significant diplomatic engagements linked to Tanzania’s post-election environment, underscoring growing international interest in supporting a peaceful and inclusive political process.

Observers say the success of the mission will depend largely on the willingness of all parties to engage in good faith and prioritise national unity over political differences. The visit also reflects broader Commonwealth efforts to uphold its core values of democracy, human rights, and accountable governance among member states.

Dr Chakwera is expected to conclude his engagements after a series of consultations, with outcomes likely to shape the next phase of the Commonwealth’s involvement in Tanzania’s reconciliation process. .

Dar es Salaam. Dar City basketball team is set to resume training on April 17 as they begin final preparations for the Basketball Africa League (BAL) finals, with their sights firmly set on the $150,000 (Sh388.2 million) top prize and the African title.

The team heads into the decisive stage with confidence after an impressive showing in the preliminary round held in Pretoria, South Africa, where they finished fourth to secure a spot among the top 12 teams and earned $70,000 (Sh181.2 million). Should Dar City go on to win the title at the finals scheduled to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from May 22 to 31, they will walk away with a total of $220,000, combining the qualification reward and the championship prize.

Speaking yesterday, Dar City General Manager Simon Mirondo said the players are currently on a 10-day break before returning to camp. He explained that the initial training sessions will mainly involve local players, while foreign-based players are expected to join the squad gradually depending on their travel schedules and commitments.

“Our players are currently on a short break. We expect to resume training on April 17, starting with local players, while foreign players will join as days go by,” said Mirondo.

He added that this time the training camp will be held in Dar es Salaam instead of Zanzibar, as was the case in earlier stages, in a move aimed at improving technical preparations and team coordination. Mirondo acknowledged that the finals will be more competitive, as they will feature the best teams that advanced from the 12-team playoff stage.

From the Kalahari Conference, Dar City will face tough opponents including Petro de Luanda, RSSB Tigers and Al Ahly Ly. These teams will be joined by qualifiers from the Sahara Conference, whose playoffs are set to take place in Rabat, Morocco from April 24 to May 3.

Some of the teams competing for qualification from that group include Al Ahly, ASC Ville de Dakar, Club Africain and FUS Rabat. On squad strengthening, Mirondo noted that the team is required to add at least one new player in line with competition regulations, while the availability of some players will depend on medical assessments.

“We currently have two injured players, David Michineau and Michael Foster. Our medical team will determine whether they will be fit to return before the finals,” he said.

With these preparations underway, Dar City remain optimistic about making a stronger impact and writing history in Africa’s premier basketball competition. .

New York. Lawyers for Sean “Diddy” Combs are expected to tell an appeals court on Thursday the judge who oversaw the hip-hop mogul’s sex crimes trial should not have considered evidence that he abused and threatened former girlfriends in sentencing him to more than four years in prison for his conviction on prostitution charges.

Combs, 56, is asking the Manhattan-based 2nd U.S.

Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn both his conviction and sentence. Combs is serving his sentence at a low-security federal prison in Fort Dix, New Jersey.

His seven-week trial last year in Manhattan federal court centered on drug-fueled and days-long sexual performances, sometimes called “Freak Offs,” between two former girlfriends of Combs and male sex workers. Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records, was found guilty by a jury on July 2, 2025, on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.

But jurors acquitted him on more serious sex trafficking and racketeering charges related to allegedly forcing the two former girlfriends – rhythm and blues singer Casandra Ventura and a woman known in court by the pseudonym Jane – to take part in the encounters while he watched, masturbated and sometimes filmed. At Thursday’s hearing before a 2nd Circuit three-judge panel, defense lawyer Alexandra Shapiro is expected to argue that his conviction on prostitution charges should be overturned because he was alleged to have watched his former girlfriends have sex with paid escorts but did not take part himself.

In challenging the sentence, Shapiro is expected to argue that U.S.

District Judge Arun Subramanian improperly considered conduct related to the counts for which Combs was acquitted in sentencing him to 50 months in prison on October 3, 2025. Shapiro has said the judge should not have considered evidence that Combs threatened to release an explicit video of Ventura and threatened to cut off rent payments for Jane in deciding on the sentence. “It was unlawful, unconstitutional and a perversion of justice to sentence Combs as if the jury had found him guilty of sex trafficking and RICO,” Shapiro wrote in court filing, referring to the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

In response, prosecutor Christy Slavik said in a court filing that Subramanian was right to consider evidence of threats and abuse by Combs toward his former girlfriends, even though he was acquitted of sex trafficking, because that conduct was relevant to the prostitution counts. “According to Combs, the District Court should have closed its eyes to how he carried out his Mann Act offenses and abused his victims,” Slavik wrote, referring to the federal law criminalizing transportation to engage in prostitution.

Combs has acknowledged abusing his former girlfriends. But he has said incidents of what he called domestic violence were separate from the sexual performances at issue in the case, which he said were consensual.

He is currently due to be released from prison on April 15, 2028, Bureau of Prisons records show. .

Arusha. African nations have been urged to intensify investments in building societies grounded in justice, compassion and human dignity to secure a peaceful future free from violence and bloodshed.

The call was made in Arusha by Mayor Maximilian Iranghe during the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, widely known as Kwibuka 32. The event was held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the East African Community headquarters in Arusha. Mr Iranghe, who was the guest of honour, said the genocide remains a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of hatred, division and the systematic dehumanisation of people when left unchecked.

“It is our duty as nations, institutions and individuals to reject all forms of discrimination, intolerance and incitement to violence. “We must speak out against injustice, even when it is inconvenient, to prevent the seeds of conflict from growing into violence,” he said.

He said that peace cannot be achieved by chance. “It requires deliberate and sustained investment in societies that uphold justice, compassion and human dignity,” he said.

Held under the theme “Remember, Unite, Renew,” Kwibuka is a 100-day annual commemoration that honours more than one million victims, mostly Tutsi and moderate Hutu, killed within just 100 days in 1994 (from April to July). The period focuses on remembrance, solidarity with survivors and renewed commitment to preventing genocide through education and awareness.

The event in Arusha began with a solemn procession from the EAC Secretariat headquarters. Hundreds of participants marched along Makongoro Road, through Mwenge Junction to Pangani Street and later onto Uhuru (Sokoine) Road before proceeding to the Clock Tower roundabout, widely regarded as the symbolic heart of Africa.

The procession later returned to the EAC premises, where officials and representatives from international organisations laid wreaths in honour of the victims. Chairperson of the Rwandan Community in Arusha and Kilimanjaro, Ms Flavia Busingye, said the annual commemoration has grown into a vital regional platform for reflection and unity.

“We are gathered not only to remember, but to reaffirm our shared commitment to truth and to ensure such atrocities never happen again,” she said. Ms Busingye said the importance of educating younger generations who did not witness the events.

She warned that conflicting narratives, some rooted in truth and others shaped by denial or distortion, pose challenges, particularly for youth seeking clarity. “We must protect truth, unity and our shared future by rejecting distortion and ensuring history is not rewritten, whether in our homes, communities or institutions,” she said.

She also called on East African nations and partners to take firm action against impunity and ensure justice is not selective. Representing the EAC Deputy Secretary General for Infrastructure, Productive and Political Sectors, Andrea Aguer Malueth, Ms Dorcas Omukhulu said the genocide was not an isolated event but a tragedy that shook the entire region and humanity at large.

“It did not happen overnight. There were clear warning signs: hate speech, systemic discrimination and organised violence.

Yet the international community failed to act in time,” she said. Ms Omukhulu warned that some of these warning signs remain visible in parts of the region today, including divisive rhetoric, exclusionary politics and weak institutions.

She urged governments to take proactive measures to prevent similar atrocities. On his part, Mr Diallo Nouhou Madan, Special Assistant to the President of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, described genocide as one of the gravest violations of human rights.

“Those of us here today carry the responsibility to ensure that ‘Never Again’ is not just a slogan, but a reality achieved through action, cooperation and accountability,” he said. Mr Madan said that many conflicts around the world stem from injustice and inequality, stressing that human life is sacred and must be protected at all costs.

He further called for genocide education to be integrated into secondary school curricula across Africa to safeguard future generations. Representing Rwanda’s High Commission in Tanzania, Mr Louis Uwimana described the 1994 genocide as “the darkest chapter in human history,” noting that over one million people were killed within just 100 days.

He thanked Tanzania and other EAC member states for their continued solidarity with Rwanda. “Never Again must go beyond words; it must be translated into concrete action,” he said.

Assistant Secretary-General and Registrar of the United Nations Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, Mr Abubacarr Tambadou, highlighted the role of justice in addressing genocide crimes. He noted that Arusha has played a historic role in international justice, having hosted the UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda since 1996. “Genocide stands above all crimes because it reflects a clear intent to destroy a group of people,” said Mr Tambadou, adding that beyond direct killings, many victims died from starvation, disease and other consequences of the violence.

He further revealed that perpetrators also targeted individuals who opposed the genocide, as well as foreigners married to members of the Tutsi community. .

Dar es Salaam. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is finalising a regional pooled procurement system aimed at tackling chronic shortages of essential medicines and medical supplies.

The SADC Pooled Procurement Services (SPPS) is expected to be fully operational in the fourth quarter of 2026, marking a major shift in how member states access life-saving health commodities. Following a two-day technical meeting in Dar es Salaam last month, officials confirmed that the region will adopt a group contracting model, enabling member states to negotiate lower prices through collective bargaining and secure more reliable supply chains.

“The SPPS is projected to reduce the cost of essential medicines by up to 40 percent, easing pressure on national health systems and improving patient access,” a statement on the SADC website said. Through the upgraded SADC Medicines Database (SMD), member states will share pricing and supplier information, moving away from isolated negotiations to a unified platform engaging global suppliers.

The system will also ensure that smaller countries have access to specialised medical supplies on the same terms as larger states. Coordinated procurement cycles and shared data are expected to strengthen supply planning, reduce emergency purchases, minimise waste, and improve efficiency.

Tanzania’s central role Tanzania, designated SPPS host in November 2017, continues to play a leading role in operationalising the initiative. The electronic SPPS (eSPPS), developed by Tanzania’s Medical Stores Department (MSD) in 2018, modernises and streamlines procurement across participating countries.

Speaking at the meeting, MSD director general, Mr Mavere Tukai, emphasised the importance of digital infrastructure in enabling efficient cross-border operations. “We must accelerate the development of policies, regulations, and procurement rules to make the system fully operational,” he said.

Officials noted that Tanzania’s experience in managing large-scale procurement positions it to coordinate regional supply chains and support capacity building among member states. Challenges and outlook Technical and regulatory gaps remain, including differences in customs procedures, tariffs, and national legislation.

Dr Lamboly Kumboneki, SADC Secretariat Senior Programme Officer for HIV/AIDS, said harmonising these rules is critical for seamless medicine transit across the region. Preparations are well advanced: Botswana, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have completed in-country assessments and are synchronising their systems with eSPPS.

Sensitisation and capacity-building for the remaining member states are ongoing. Once fully operational, SPPS will become a cornerstone of a resilient regional health system, enabling all SADC member states to access essential medicines reliably, efficiently, and at lower cost.

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The UK government has denied entry to Kanye West, dealing a major blow to his planned headline performance at this year’s Wireless Festival in London. Several sponsors, including Pepsi, have reportedly withdrawn support amid the backlash.

UK authorities said West’s application to travel under the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system was rejected on the grounds that his presence would not be “conducive to the public good,” following years of controversy over antisemitic and inflammatory remarks. The decision effectively rules him out of performing at Wireless, one of the country’s largest urban music events.

Organised by Live Nation and Festival Republic, the festival has grown from its pop and rock origins to become a major platform for hip-hop and RandB, attracting tens of thousands of fans each year. Previous editions have featured headline acts such as Jay-Z, Drake and Cardi B.

Festival organisers have yet to issue a formal response, but the development casts uncertainty over the 2026 line-up, with mounting pressure from political leaders and advocacy groups. West had previously expressed a willingness to engage with Jewish community leaders in the UK, saying he wanted to “listen” and demonstrate change through actions.

Critics, however, dismissed the gesture as insufficient, insisting that accountability must precede any major public platform. The 2026 edition of Wireless, scheduled for 1012 July in Finsbury Park, had planned for West to headline all three nights — a rare move that had already drawn significant attention and controversy.

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Dar es Salaam. The long-anticipated revival of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) has received fresh momentum after senior officials from China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) reaffirmed their commitment to the project during a high-level visit in Dar es Salaam.

During the visit, CRCC Vice President Sun Liqiang toured the iconic Dar es Salaam Railway Station and took a train ride to Yombo Station, gaining first-hand insight into the current state of operations and infrastructure. Speaking after the tour, Mr Sun said the rehabilitation of Tazara remains a top priority for CRCC, the parent company of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), which holds the concession for the railway.

“The revitalisation of Tazara remains a priority project for CRCC, and we are confident it will be delivered within the agreed three-year timeframe,” said Mr Sun. He noted that significant progress has already been made on preparatory work, with the survey and design team nearing completion.

“Final designs are almost ready, which will pave the way for full-scale rehabilitation works,” he added. The visit underscores growing momentum behind efforts to modernise the historic railway line, which serves as a critical trade and transport link between Tanzania and Zambia.

Mr Sun was accompanied by the CCECC Managing Director for East Africa and General Manager Zhang Junle, reflecting the strategic importance attached to the project by the Chinese contractor. They were received by Tazara Chief Executive Officer Bruno Chingandu and Regional General Manager (Tanzania) Fuad Abdallah, who briefed the delegation on ongoing operations and expectations for the rehabilitation programme.

Tazara’s head of public relations, Mr Conrad Simuchile, said the visit highlights strong collaboration between Tazara and its concessionaire as both parties work to restore the railway’s efficiency and reliability. In December last year, Tazara said its long-awaited revitalisation programme had entered an active stage following the mobilisation of equipment, technical personnel, and other resources by its partner CCECC.

The state-run CCECC) is set to revitalise the Tazara through a $1.4 billion investment for rehabilitation and operations, securing a 30-year concession to run the key trade route connecting Zambia’s copper belt to Dar es Salaam port. In a statement, Mr Ching’andu said the move marked a critical transition from planning to implementation, laying the groundwork for phased rehabilitation of the ageing railway infrastructure.

“The revitalisation programme, which was officially launched in November 2025, has now moved into its active stage. Our partner has commenced the mobilisation of equipment, technical teams, and logistical support to enable rehabilitation works to proceed,” said Mr Ching’andu.

He said engineering teams were already on the ground conducting detailed assessments of the railway infrastructure to determine priority areas for intervention. “These technical audits are focusing on the condition of the track, bridges, culverts, signalling systems, and other critical assets,” he said, adding that the findings will guide the sequencing of rehabilitation works, with safety and operational efficiency as key considerations.

According to Tazara, the audits are intended to ensure that limited resources are deployed strategically, targeting sections of the line that pose the greatest operational risk or cause frequent service disruptions. He acknowledged that the authority had faced a challenging year marked by infrastructure deterioration and shortages of rolling stock, factors that affected the reliability of both passenger and freight services.

“This has been a difficult operational period, and we recognise the inconvenience experienced by our passengers, customers and the communities we serve,” he said. He stressed, however, that the entry into the active stage of revitalisation signalled a turning point for the railway, even as he cautioned that improvements would be gradual rather than immediate.

“The transformation of Tazara will not happen overnight. The programme is being implemented in phases, and while there may be temporary service adjustments, the end goal is a safer, more reliable and predictable railway,” he said.

Once completed, the rehabilitation is expected to significantly boost freight capacity, reduce transport costs, and strengthen regional trade, reaffirming Tazara’s role as a vital economic corridor in Southern and Eastern Africa. The revitalisation programme aims to restore Tazara’s role as a key regional transport corridor linking Tanzania and Zambia, supporting passenger mobility, freight movement, and cross-border trade.

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