Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. What was once widely celebrated as a powerful tool for connection, self-expression and economic opportunity is increasingly becoming a hostile environment for many Tanzanians.

Social media platforms that promised inclusion and opportunity are now emerging as new frontlines of harassment, abuse and exploitation, particularly affecting children, young people and women. No longer limited to communication or business, these digital spaces have evolved into arenas where expressing an opinion, sharing a photograph, or posting professional content carries significant risk.

Many users recount being attacked in comment sections, flooded with insults, subjected to sexually explicit remarks, or targeted through coordinated online abuse. For some, these encounters escalate rapidly from words to threats, blackmail, or intimidation.

As a result, self-censorship has become common. Users disable comments, delete posts, lock their accounts, or withdraw completely from online engagement.

For a growing number of Tanzanians, silence has become the only reliable form of self-protection in an increasingly aggressive digital environment. This trend has coincided with rapid growth in internet access.

By early 2025, Tanzania had an estimated 6.75 million active social media users, representing about 19 percent of the adult population.

By late 2025, that figure had risen to nearly 7.95 million, reflecting accelerated digital adoption.

Facebook remains the most widely used platform, followed by Instagram and YouTube, while TikTok has surged in popularity among young people. With expansion, however, has come a darker side of online interaction.

What often begins as verbal abuse in comments or private messages increasingly escalates into blackmail, online child sexual exploitation and technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). Experts warn that social media’s speed, reach and anonymity amplify harm, allowing abuse to spread rapidly while making it difficult for victims to escape.

Observations by The Citizen over the past year indicate that such behaviour intensified significantly during the 2025 general election period and has continued to accelerate since. Analysts argue that digital platforms mirror and magnify existing inequalities, power struggles and social tensions already present in society.

Evidence of the scale of the problem is troubling. The 2022 Disrupting Harm Report estimates that four percent of Tanzanian internet users aged between 12 and 17, around 200,000 children, experienced serious online sexual exploitation or abuse within a year.

Reported incidents included blackmail, coercion to share sexual images and the non-consensual distribution of intimate content, often originating from seemingly harmless online interactions. The challenge extends well beyond children.

Rapid internet growth has coincided with a rise in online gender-based violence. A 2020 Plan International report found that more than 19 percent of women reduced or completely stopped using social media because of abuse.

Women in public life, journalists, activists and politicians, are frequently subjected to targeted and sustained attacks designed to intimidate and silence rather than engage in debate. At the national level, the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) noted in its 2023 report a rise in digital harassment cases, disproportionately affecting politically active women.

A 2024 digital rights assessment further found that 53 percent of recorded incidents were regressive, involving online attacks, intimidation, surveillance and arbitrary content takedowns. Sociologists caution that online harassment cannot be understood in isolation from broader social realities.

Sociologist Alfani Mduge of Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) said social media has become an extension of society itself. “Social media did not create these attitudes, but it has given them a louder, faster and often anonymous platform,” he said.

“Young people are navigating unemployment, economic pressure and intense competition for recognition. For some, harassing others online becomes a way of asserting power, gaining peer approval, or even generating income through extortion and blackmail,” he added.

Another sociologist, Ms Linah Kabula, added that peer pressure and the pursuit of online relevance have normalised abusive behaviour. “Viral content and online clout often reward aggression.

In politically sensitive periods, harassment can be organised and strategic. In other cases, it is deeply personal, driven by jealousy, rejection, or revenge.

What is worrying is how quickly such behaviour is becoming normal,” she said. Psychologists warn that online harassment can be as damaging as physical abuse, if not more so, because it is constant and inescapable.

A psychologist and Catholic priest from the Archdiocese of Tabora, Fr Leons Maziku, said victims experience prolonged psychological distress. “Unlike traditional bullying, online harassment follows the victim everywhere, into their homes, bedrooms and private moments,” he said, adding.

“We are seeing rising cases of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and trauma, particularly among children and adolescents. Some withdraw socially, others struggle academically and in extreme cases, victims develop suicidal thoughts.

” He also notes a growing loss of empathy in digital interactions, “People forget there is a human being on the other side, with dignity and a future.” Dr Isaac Lema of the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) said women face distinct and heavier burdens online.

“Online abuse often attacks a woman’s sexuality, reputation and moral standing. In our society, this carries severe social consequences.

Many victims are blamed or shamed, which pushes them into silence and results in long-term emotional harm.” Technology experts warn that misuse of digital tools is becoming increasingly sophisticated.

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) expert and Sartify chief executive Michael Mollel said emerging technologies are creating new risks. “We are now seeing artificial intelligence used to create deepfakes, manipulate images and automate harassment at scale.

This makes detection and accountability more difficult, especially when perpetrators hide behind anonymity or operate across borders,” he said. Legal experts acknowledge progress in legislation but highlight persistent enforcement gaps.

Legal consultant Paschal Livinus said fear, stigma and limited trust in institutions continue to discourage reporting. “There is also low public awareness of what constitutes a digital offence and how online evidence should be preserved,” he said.

International data underscores the seriousness of the challenge. Between 2017 and 2019, the US National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received more than 20,000 CyberTip reports linked to Tanzania, mostly relating to suspected child sexual abuse material.

In response, the government has stepped up efforts to improve online safety. The Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr Dorothy Gwajima, has led initiatives aimed at protecting children, women and other vulnerable groups in digital spaces.

“The government is fully committed to ensuring that the digital space is safe for everyone, particularly children and women. We are strengthening policies, laws and technological safeguards to prevent abuse, exploitation and harassment online, while promoting responsible and ethical use of digital platforms,” she told The Citizen.

Child protection has been central to these efforts. In 2024, Dr Gwajima proposed a national dialogue on child-safe SIM cards designed to block harmful content at the service level.

These initiatives complement broader measures, including the National Cybersecurity Strategy (20222027), stricter SIM card registration and enforcement of the Personal Data Protection Act, which provides penalties for data breaches that facilitate harassment. She has warned parents and content creators against featuring children online without authorisation or in exploitative ways, while cautioning children against sharing private images that are frequently used for blackmail or humiliation.

Public campaigns promoting safe online behaviour have since been intensified in schools and communities. Efforts to address online gender-based violence have also expanded, “The ministry has supported digital literacy and cybersecurity training for women leaders, particularly during election periods.

” As Tanzania’s digital footprint continues to grow, experts stress that protecting users from harm will require coordinated action from government, technology companies, communities and individuals alike to ensure that online spaces remain places of opportunity rather than fear. .

Dar es Salaam. In recent years, the use of cheques as a payment method in Tanzania has declined significantly.

This shift has been driven by the expansion of financial technologies and the growing convenience of digital payment systems, including mobile money services, electronic payments, and bank cards. Many users now prefer these alternatives to cash and cheques because they are faster, safer, and more cost-effective than traditional cheque payments.

The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) 2024/2025 report shows that during the period under review, the number of cheques issued in Tanzanian shillings declined by 18.8 percent, while their value fell by 8.5 percent.

This means the number of cheques issued dropped to 374,984, with a total value of Sh1.693 trillion. Similarly, cheques denominated in US dollars (USD) declined in both number and value by 18.87 percent and 7.

30 percent, respectively, to 56,366 cheques worth $136.40 million. The decline in the use of US dollar cheques has been attributed to increased use of the Tanzanian shilling in domestic transactions.

Commenting on the trend, economist Dr Eliaza Mkuna, said that in the past, cheques were viewed as a secure method that allowed people to move without carrying large amounts of cash. This made cheques a preferred option for settling high-value transactions such as projects, contracts, and other payments involving substantial sums of money.

“However, payment convenience has now shifted to electronic methods, and the use of cheques is seen as outdated because it takes a long time to access funds, you have to go to the bank, have the cheque received and verified, make calls, and only then is the money transferred,” said Dr Mkuna. He added that this shift has positive effects on money usage, as it enhances financial inclusion across society.

Economist and business expert Dr Goodhome Mkaro said the decline in cheque usage reflects the establishment of a strong digital infrastructure that enables payments between individuals and companies. “People have reduced visits to banks when making payments; they simply transfer money using available systems.

This has been driven by growing awareness of digital services and their ease of use,” he said. He noted that reduced cheque usage is positive for the economy, as it speeds up payments while eliminating inconveniences such as errors in cheque writing and bounced cheques.

Growth of digital payments Dr Mkaro further noted that the report also shows growth in digital transactions through the Tanzania Instant Payment System (TIPS) during the 2024/25 financial year. The number and value of recorded digital transactions reached 554.2 million worth S0.5 trillion, representing annual increases of 53 percent in transaction volumes and 98 percent in value.

During the same period, the number of transactions conducted in Tanzanian shillings through the Tanzania Interbank Settlement System (TISS) increased by 3.2 percent to 4,114,826. The value of these transactions rose by 28.1 percent to Sh340.464 billion.

In addition, the number and value of transactions in US dollars also increased, mainly due to government debt repayments related to major public infrastructure projects, imports, and fund transfers. Economist Prof Samwel Wangwe said the decline in cheque usage indicates that digital payments have filled a previous gap, a trend he described as being in the right direction.

He said digital payments reduce the time required to complete transactions that previously forced people to leave their work to visit banks. “I still have a cheque book, but it is unused because we now pay digitally.

Within a minute, you complete a payment and move on with other activities. We are heading in the right direction,” said Prof Wangwe.

He added that online payments have reduced inconveniences such as minor writing errors that previously caused problems with cheques. “And it’s not just cheques, even cash payments have declined significantly.

These days, many people choose to pay using other methods such as mobile phones or cards,” he said. Prof Wangwe emphasised the need to strengthen security in digital payment systems further as the number of users continues to grow.

While mobile payment services are highlighted in the report, analysis shows that their growth is linked to economic expansion, the availability of mobile money agents, and innovation in service delivery. The increase has also been supported by the presence of modern and effective regulations, which have boosted user confidence and encouraged wider adoption of these systems.

Mobile financial services have expanded beyond simple money transfers to include international remittances and merchant payments. As a result, the number of active mobile money users has reached 66.8 million, an increase of 22.4 percent compared to the 2023/24 financial year.

Likewise, the number and value of mobile money transactions rose by 27.5 percent and 27.1 percent, respectively, reaching 5.670 billion transactions worth Sh177.107 trillion.

With the improvement of digital services, some traders say they are pleased with the ease these systems provide, allowing customers to purchase goods from different locations without the need for a physical visit. Things have become easier; you display clothes online, a customer views them, asks about quality and size, and then you agree on how the payment will be made.

“Even if the customer is upcountry or abroad, they receive their goods with ease,” said Zubeda Msasanuri. Her remarks were echoed by Ms Sabrina Mwangi, who, despite being based in China, can monitor the operations of her businesses in Tanzania as all payments are made digitally.

“We do not accept cash. If you want a product, you pay through your phone.

We send you a payment request, and you simply enter your PIN. This has made it easier to track sales and eliminate opportunities for theft that many businesses previously faced,” said Ms Mwangi.

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Dar es Salaam. Only four players in the squad have achieved the rare distinction of representing Tanzania in three consecutive Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournaments, an achievement that reflects their consistency, longevity and strong influence within the national team setup.

Taifa Stars players jet into the country today from Morocco, where they competed in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals and reached the Round of 16 before being eliminated following a 10 loss to the hosts, Morocco. A warm welcome awaits the team for their achievement, which prompted President Samia Suluhu Hassan to send a special aircraft to bring them back from Morocco.

On Saturday, the players will also be hosted for a grand reception at the State House. Four-Player milestone According to available records, only four players — Taifa Stars captain Mbwana Samatta, forward Simon Msuva, attacking midfielder Feisal “Fei Toto” Salum and left back Mohamed “Tshabalala” Hussein, have achieved this milestone.

All four have featured at Afcon 2019 in Egypt, the 2023 edition in Ivory Coast, and the ongoing 2025 tournament in Morocco. Their continued presence across these three finals reflects not only individual discipline and quality, but also the steady evolution of the Taifa Stars over the past decade.

From Tanzania’s long absence after the 1980 Afcon to their return in 2019 and subsequent qualifications, these four players have served as pillars of continuity and leadership within the squad. Key roles in attack, midfield and defence Samatta and Msuva lead the attacking line, combining experience, mobility and goal scoring instinct.

Feisal Salum has been a key creative force in midfield, linking play and driving attacking transitions, while Mohamed Hussein has remained a dependable figure in the defensive unit, offering stability at left back. Together, they form the core spine that successive coaches have relied upon through tactical changes and competitive challenges.

Age still in their favour for future tournaments Age wise, the four players still appear well positioned to continue contributing to the national team beyond the current tournament. Samatta is 32 years old, the same age as Msuva, while Feisal is 27 and Mohamed Hussein is 29. Based on current records and performance levels, all four remain strong candidates to feature again at the next Afcon finals, which are scheduled to be jointly staged in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.

The upcoming edition is expected to be a historic event for the East African region. Their ages also compare favourably with several senior stars competing at the ongoing Afcon.

The tournament includes players in their mid-thirties such as Comoros captain Youssouf M’Changama aged 35, Morocco goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi aged 36, Morocco defender Jawad El Yamiq aged 33, Zambia defender Kabaso Chongo aged 33, as well as a number of Angola internationals aged 33 including captain Fred and midfielder Agostinho CristovaPound o “Mabululu”. These examples demonstrate that modern training standards and professional club environments enable players to remain competitive beyond the age of 30. Across most teams, however, the average squad age ranges between 25 and 28 years, reflecting a balance of youth and experience.

Within that context, Tanzania’s four Afcon stalwarts continue to offer composure, tournament exposure and leadership while still maintaining the physical readiness required at continental level. TFF president hails Golden Generation Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) President Wallace Karia has described the current Taifa Stars generation as a golden age, citing their progress, resilience and history making performances at recent tournaments.

Reflecting on the national team’s participation in the 1980 Afcon in Lagos, Nigeria, followed by their return in Egypt and Ivory Coast and now their qualification to the knockout stage, Karia noted that this era marks a significant milestone in the nation’s football journey. “It is an open fact that this Taifa Stars has done the best in our history.

It is the golden age of the team and we are all celebrating it,” said Karia. “The players and the technical bench deserve compliments for these achievements.

” Legacy of leadership and continuity Karia’s remarks underline the leadership roles played by Samatta, Msuva, Feisal and Mohamed Hussein. Their presence across three Afcon tournaments has ensured continuity, mentorship to emerging players and a high standard of professionalism within the squad.

As Tanzania looks ahead to future competitions, especially the forthcoming East African hosted Afcon, the experience and legacy of these four players will continue to shape the ambitions of the Taifa Stars. Their contribution has already earned them a lasting place in Tanzania’s football history.

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Dar es Salaam. The Tanzanian government, in collaboration with stakeholders, has announced plans to introduce major reforms to the country’s Immigration Department.

The changes form part of a broader strategy to strengthen the tourism sector, now a key driver of the national economy. The proposed reforms were outlined by Minister of Home Affairs, Mr George Simbachawene, during a meeting with immigration officers in Zanzibar on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Speaking at the meeting, Mr Simbachawene said immigration officers play a critical role, as they are often the first point of contact for tourists and visitors entering the country.

He noted that officers lacking hospitality and reception skills could undermine the tourism sector, depriving the nation of vital revenue. He added that tourism has continued to grow annually, making it essential to create a welcoming environment for visitors.

“The tourism sector attracted 1,924,240 tourists in 2024, rising to 2,097,823 in 2025, an increase of 173,583 tourists,” he said. Explaining the need for tourism-related training in recruitment, the minister said such qualifications would equip officers to serve visitors courteously, including tourists who contribute significantly to national income.

He added that the sector generated Sh10.14 trillion in 2024, making it a pillar of Tanzania’s economy. “Every visitor meets an immigration officer first.

You welcome them and bid them farewell. You are the face of Tanzania, representing our hospitality and culture, and must therefore be role models,” he stressed.

On education standards, Mr Simbachawene emphasised that immigration officers must hold at least a diploma. “You must know more than one language.

Otherwise, you cannot rise to senior levels. Young officers must be educated in languages such as Arabic, Chinese, French and English,” he said.

Officers with these qualifications, he added, would perform better due to their academic competence, communication skills and understanding of tourism marketing. Tourism-trained officers will also be taught about the country’s attractions, enabling them to act as ambassadors by providing accurate information to visitors.

Zanzibar Immigration Commissioner, Mr Hassan Ally Hassan, said the department is implementing projects to improve the working environment, including construction of offices and housing in Micheweni, North Pemba, Urban West Region, the Immigration Training College in Kitogani, and the Paje District Immigration Office. .

Dar es Salaam. Aga Khan Hospital (AKH), Dar es Salaam, has reinforced its position as a national and regional leader in healthcare quality and patient safety by receiving the prestigious Gold Seal of Approval from Joint Commission International (JCI), United States, for the fourth consecutive time.

The JCI accreditation is recognised globally as the highest standard in safe, effective, and patient-centred healthcare. AKH-D remains the only hospital in Tanzania to hold this distinguished recognition.

Since its first JCI accreditation in 2016, Aga Khan Hospital has successfully maintained re-accreditation twice, with the fourth award in 2025 demonstrating the institution’s unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. For the first time, the entire accreditation assessment was conducted virtually–a milestone hailed as a major achievement, reflecting the hospital’s technological capability and readiness to meet international standards even through remote evaluation.

During this year’s assessment, the hospital was commended for the robustness of its medical leadership, operational systems, and a culture of high-quality patient care. Beyond the formal scoring metrics, the JCI surveyors praised AKH-D for several areas of quality that exceeded international benchmarks.

Surveyors highlighted the hospital’s exemplary change management practices, particularly the rapid and successful implementation of the integrated Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, completed within just two months. The panel emphasised that these successes reflect not only technological capacity but also institutional discipline, staff engagement, and a shared commitment to innovation that enhances patient care.

“Receiving JCI accreditation for the fourth time is a testament to the dedication of our doctors, nurses, administrators, and all staff at Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam, who work tirelessly every day to uphold international standards while providing compassionate, patient-centred care to communities across Tanzania,” said Sisawo Konteh, Chief Executive Officer of Aga Khan Health Services in Tanzania. He added that the achievement also underscores the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) ongoing investment in strengthening healthcare systems and expanding access to quality services in the region.

“Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam continues to demonstrate its commitment to enhancing service quality, expanding specialist care, and embracing innovation to deliver internationally benchmarked healthcare and set new standards of excellence in Tanzania and beyond,” Mr Konteh said. Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) is one of three AKDN institutions supporting healthcare activities, alongside the Aga Khan Foundation and Aga Khan University.

Together, these institutions provide quality healthcare to an estimated 14 million people annually, with a strong focus on planning, training, and human resource development. AKHS also collaborates with Aga Khan Education Services and the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat to integrate health priorities into joint development projects.

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Dar es Salaam. Pope Leo XIV has appointed Auxiliary Bishop Prosper Lyimo, formerly of the Archdiocese of Arusha, as the first bishop and founder of the newly established Bariadi Diocese.

The creation of Bariadi Diocese brings the total number of Catholic dioceses in Tanzania to 37. Previously, there were 36, with the most recent being Bagamoyo Diocese, established in March 2025. The appointment of Bishop Lyimo was announced on Thursday, January 8, 2026, by Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) Secretary-General Fr Dr Charles Kitima, and takes effect immediately. Bishop-elect Lyimo was born on August 20, 1964, and was ordained on July 4, 1997, in Arusha after completing his priestly studies.

A canon law expert by training, he has served in various capacities within the Church. He assumes his new role while continuing as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Arusha, a position he has held since 2015. .

Johannesburg. South African manufacturing sentiment fell in December to its lowest level for 2025, driven by steep declines in inventories and employment sub-indices, a purchasing managers’ index (PMI) survey showed on Thursday.

The seasonally-adjusted PMI sponsored by South African bank Absa fell to 40.5 points in December from 42.0 in November, concluding a year marked by predominantly contractionary readings in negative territory. A reading below 50 indicates a contraction in activity, while above 50 signals growth.

The sub-index tracking employment decreased by 6.3 points in December, falling further below the neutral 50-point mark and remaining in contractionary territory since April 2024, Absa said in a statement accompanying the survey’s results.

“The weak performance in business activity and volatile sales orders continues to limit the scope for hiring, while shortages of specialised skills in certain niche industries also weigh on employment outcomes,” said Absa. The inventories sub-index declined by 9.

9 points to 36.1 in December, the lowest since May 2020. US President Donald Trump imposed a 30% tariff on South African exports to the U.S.

in August last year, the highest rate in Sub-Saharan Africa, a move that could cause tens of thousands of job losses in sectors like agriculture and carmaking. ABSA said only strong economic growth and recovery will lead to better employment outcomes.

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Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Police Force has arrested an officer suspected of shooting and killing a civilian, while investigations continue into two other deaths reported in Rorya District, Mara Region, and Arusha.

The arrest was announced on Thursday, January 8, 2026, by Police Force Spokesperson Mr David Misime. A police statement said the officer is being held over allegations of shooting and killing Mr Shaban Luluba, a resident of Nyamwage in Rufiji District, Coast Region.

The officer, who serves in the Rufiji Police Region, allegedly committed the act on Thursday, January 8, 2026, while carrying out an arrest. “Investigations are ongoing, and if negligence or excessive use of force is established, further legal action will be taken against the officer,” the statement said.

In a separate case, police are investigating the death of Mr Dickson Joseph, a resident of Rebu Centre in Tarime District, Mara Region. Mr Joseph died on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Tarime District Hospital.

Following his death, a formal complaint challenged the initial account that he had died from a fall. The preliminary report stated he fell in the Serengeti Street area while running, but the complaint alleges police officers were involved.

“A thorough investigation has begun, and if it is established that a police officer was involved, appropriate legal action will be taken in accordance with the law,” the statement added. Police are also investigating the death of a Rwandan national, Ms Viollete Uwumuhoza, who allegedly committed suicide by hanging on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, while in custody in Arusha.

Ms Uwumuhoza was held on charges of illegal entry and residence in Tanzania. “A comprehensive investigation, including scientific and expedited inquiries, is underway in relation to this incident,” the statement concluded.

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Unguja. Zanzibar is heading into 2026 with renewed momentum in air connectivity, as airlines schedule more flights into the archipelago, signalling growing confidence in the destination and a stronger outlook for tourism and trade.

Data from airport operations that The Citizen has reviewed shows that the number of flights handled is set to rise steadily in January, despite a softer close to 2025 marked by cancellations and lower passenger loads. In December, Zanzibar handled a total of 550 flights, although several Kenya Airways services were cancelled and overall traffic remained below potential.

The picture is set to change significantly in January 2026, when 575 flights are expected — up from 512 flights in the same period last year, representing a notable year-on-year increase. A breakdown of the January schedule shows a consistently busy month, with flight activity rising sharply after the first week.

The month opens with 80 flights in Week One, before climbing to 134 in the second week. Operations remain strong in Week three with 127 flights, followed by a slight increase to 129 in week four.

The pace then eases towards the end of the month, with Week Five recording 105 flights, underscoring sustained demand throughout January despite minor fluctuations. Aviation officials say the improved figures reflect stronger demand from key source markets and the return of several international carriers that had scaled back operations in previous seasons.

Europe, Middle East and Africa lead growth The 2026 flight programme highlights Zanzibar’s expanding reach across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with a mix of scheduled and charter services boosting seat capacity. Among the major carriers operating regularly into the islands are Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates partner FlyDubai, Ethiopian Airlines, Air France, KLM, Condor, Edelweiss, Neos, Enter Air and TUI Blue, alongside strong regional connectivity from Kenya Airways, RwandAir, Uganda Airlines, Jambojet and FlySafair.

Direct and one-stop links now connect Zanzibar to key hubs such as Istanbul, Doha, Dubai, Paris, Amsterdam, Zurich, Frankfurt, Rome, Verona, Warsaw and London, strengthening the islands’ position as one of the most accessible leisure destinations in the Indian Ocean. The growing number of European charter flights, particularly from Germany, Poland, Switzerland, Italy and the Netherlands, is expected to play a critical role in driving high-season arrivals, especially during the northern winter when demand for warm destinations peaks.

Boost for tourism and the wider economy Tourism stakeholders say the increase in flights is more than just a numbers game, it translates directly into higher hotel occupancy, stronger performance for tour operators, and increased income for small businesses across the islands. With more than a dozen international airlines now operating into Zanzibar on a weekly basis, the destination is benefiting from greater competition, more route options and improved scheduling flexibility for travellers.

“This kind of growth in air access is exactly what Zanzibar needs to sustain its continued tourism growth,” said an industry source. “Every additional flight means more visitors, more jobs and more foreign exchange for the economy.

” Beyond tourism, the improved connectivity also strengthens trade links, making it easier for exporters of seafood, spices and fresh produce to reach overseas markets, while improving business travel between Zanzibar and major global commercial centres. The stronger outlook for 2026 comes after a period of uncertainty for global aviation, marked by fluctuating demand, operational disruptions and rising costs.

The cancellations seen in December — particularly on regional routes — underscored the fragile nature of the recovery. However, the January schedules point to renewed airline confidence in Zanzibar’s market fundamentals: steady tourist demand, improving airport infrastructure and a reputation as a safe, attractive destination.

Aviation analysts say if the current trend continues, Zanzibar could surpass its flight volumes within the next two seasons, especially if new routes under discussion from Eastern Europe and the Gulf materialise. .

The U.S.

Senate voted on Thursday to advance a resolution that would bar President Donald Trump from taking further military action against Venezuela without congressional authorization, even as Trump said U.S.

oversight of the troubled nation could last years. The Senate voted 52 to 47 on a procedural measure to advance the war powers resolution, as a handful of Trump’s fellow Republicans voted with every Democrat in favor of moving ahead toward a final vote on the matter.

Earlier, Trump told the New York Times in an interview published on Thursday that the U.S.

could oversee Venezuela and control its oil revenue for years. Trump also appeared to lift a threat of military action against Venezuela’s neighbor, Colombia.

Trump invited Colombia’s leftist leader, whom he had previously called a “sick man,” to visit Washington. “Only time will tell” how long the United States will oversee Venezuela, Trump said.

When asked by the newspaper if it would be three months, six months, a year or longer, Trump said: “I would say much longer.” “We will rebuild it in a very profitable way,” Trump said of Venezuela, where he sent troops to seize President Nicolas Maduro in a night raid on Saturday.

Trump added that the U.S.

was “getting along very well” with the government of interim President Delcy Rodriguez, a longstanding Maduro loyalist who had served as the ousted leader’s vice president. Political prisoners freed Meanwhile, Venezuela’s top lawmaker, Jorge Rodriguez, said on Thursday that a significant number of both foreign and Venezuelan prisoners would be freed during the day.

The liberations, a repeated demand of the country’s political opposition, are a gesture of peace, Rodriguez said, adding the action was unilateral and not agreed upon with any other party. Top opposition leader Maria Corina Machado’s movement, as well as other opposition figures and human rights groups, have demanded the release of political prisoners since the U.

S. capture of Maduro.

Local rights group Foro Penal estimates there are 863 political prisoners in the country, including political figures, human rights activists, protesters arrested after the disputed 2024 election, and journalists. The White House did not respond to a request for comment on the planned prisoner release.

The Times reported Trump declined to answer questions about why he had decided not to give power in Venezuela to the opposition, which Washington had previously considered the legitimate winner of the 2024 election. The Senate measure faces a steep climb to become law.

It would need to be passed by the House of Representatives – which is also controlled by Trump’s Republicans. If both chambers pass the resolution, each would need to secure a two-thirds majority to override a likely Trump veto.

But it marked a rare sign of congressional Republican pushback against the Trump White House. “Republicans should be ashamed of the Senators that just voted with Democrats in attempting to take away our Powers to fight and defend the United States of America,” Trump said in a social media post.

The New York Times said its reporters were permitted to sit in during a phone call between Trump and Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro, provided the contents of the call were off the record. In a post on social media, Trump said: “It was a great honor to speak with the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, who called to explain the situation of drugs and other disagreements that we have had.

I appreciated his call and tone, and look forward to meeting him in the near future.” Petro described the call, his first with Trump, as cordial.

Trump on Tuesday unveiled a plan to refine and sell up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil that had been stuck in Venezuela under U.S.

blockade. Venezuela, with the world’s biggest proven oil reserves, has become impoverished in recent decades, with 8 million people fleeing abroad in one of the world’s biggest migration crises.

Washington and the Venezuelan opposition have long blamed corruption, mismanagement and brutality by the ruling Socialist Party. Maduro blamed the economic damage on U.

S. sanctions.

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