Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) has announced at least 173 job vacancies in a major hiring drive that reflects its endeavour to cement a stronger presence both in Africa and beyond.

The airline, which is fully owned by the government of Tanzania, is seeking to recruit new pilots, cabin crew and ground staff as part of its ongoing five-year Corporate Strategic Plan (2022/232026/27). The plan focuses on expanding routes and sustaining the operational gains recorded over the past decade.

According to the job announcement, the openings include 23 captain posts, 45 first officers, 100 cabin crew (including 20 with French and Chinese language proficiency), one accountant and four ramp assistants. Successful candidates will be engaged on a 10-year contract, with terms described as “attractive and competitive”.

The hiring spree comes at a time when ATCL is growing its international footprint. Already, the airline operates routes to Guangzhou in China, Mumbai in India and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, alongside a network of regional and domestic destinations.

The recent addition of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A220-300s to its fleet has positioned the carrier to compete on long-haul routes while boosting passenger comfort. Aviation expert and former pilot Hassan Rweyemamu told The Citizen yesterday that the expansion strategy requires “a new generation of skilled workers” to sustain operations.

“When you buy aircraft and open new routes, the next logical step is building a workforce that can keep the airline competitive. This recruitment shows ATCL is serious about growth, not just at home but in connecting Tanzania with key global markets,” he said.

Why French and Chinese-speaking crew? Among the notable vacancies are positions for French- and Chinese-speaking cabin crew. Analysts say this reflects ATCL’s growing focus on linguistic and cultural diversity in customer service.

“French is vital for routes to West and Central Africa, where it is widely spoken, while Chinese is indispensable for Guangzhou, which has become a lifeline for Tanzanian traders and exporters,” explained Ms Aneth Luhanga, an aviation studies expert at the National Institute of Transport (NIT). “Passengers feel at ease when airlines communicate in their languages.

It’s not just a courtesy, it’s a business strategy that builds trust and loyalty,” she said. With over 170 opportunities, the recruitment drive also highlights ATCL’s role as a key employer in the aviation industry, which has historically struggled with limited absorption of graduates from local institutions.

A transport economist based in Mwanza, Mr Julius Katabale, said the announcement is a morale booster for young Tanzanians pursuing careers in aviation. “Many of our students graduate with world-class skills but face difficulties finding placements.

ATCL’s expansion creates room for them and ensures that institutes like NIT are not just training for export, but also for domestic growth,” he said. Mr Katabale added that the integration of accountants and ground staff in the recruitment shows that “aviation is not just about flying; it’s an ecosystem that provides opportunities across multiple disciplines.

” ATCL’s revival in recent years has been closely tied to the government’s investments in fleet acquisition and infrastructure, including the upgrading of airports across the country. Industry observers argue that beyond transport, the airline is also a flagbearer for Tanzania’s visibility abroad.

“As the national carrier grows, it markets Tanzania to the world,” said Mr Kabale. “Every ATCL plane that lands in a foreign capital is not just carrying passengers; it’s flying the national identity.

Expansion means more tourists, more investors and more recognition of Tanzania as a serious aviation player,” he said. With new jobs on the horizon and more routes expected to be announced, stakeholders see ATCL’s recruitment as a milestone in consolidating its place in the highly competitive airline industry.

For many aspiring aviators, the announcement signals the start of fresh opportunities in a sector often viewed as elite and out of reach. “Employment in aviation has a ripple effect,” Ms Luhanga of NIT noted.

“It uplifts not only individuals but also families and the wider economy.” As ATCL continues to spread its wings, the new hires are expected to be at the heart of the journey ensuring that Tanzania’s skies remain open, competitive and increasingly visible to the rest of the world.

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The U.S.

Supreme Court said on Wednesday it will hear arguments in January over Donald Trump’s attempt to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, leaving her in the post for now and teeing up a major legal battle over the first-ever bid by a president to fire a Fed official as he challenges the central bank’s independence. The justices declined to immediately decide a Justice Department request to put on hold a judge’s order that temporarily blocked the Republican president from removing Cook, an appointee of Democratic former President Joe Biden.

The court deferred a resolution on that request until the justices have heard the arguments. In creating the Fed in 1913, Congress passed a law called the Federal Reserve Act that included provisions to shield the central bank from political interference, requiring governors to be removed by a president only “for cause,” though the law does not define the term nor establish procedures for removal.

The law has never been tested in court. Washington-based U.

S. District Judge Jia Cobb on September 9 ruled that Trump’s claims that Cook committed mortgage fraud before taking office, which Cook denies, likely were not sufficient grounds for removal under the Federal Reserve Act.

Cook, the first Black woman to serve as a Fed governor, sued Trump in August after the president announced he would remove her. Cook has said the claims made by Trump against her did not give the president the legal authority to remove her and were a pretext to fire her for her monetary policy stance.

The Supreme Court’s action on Wednesday “rightly allows Governor Cook to continue in her role on the Federal Reserve Board, and we look forward to further proceedings consistent with the court’s order,” Cook’s lawyers Abbe Lowell and Norm Eisen said in a statement. “President Trump lawfully removed Lisa Cook for cause from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.

We look forward to ultimate victory after presenting our oral arguments before the Supreme Court in January,” White House spokesperson Kush Desai said. The U.

S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in a 2-1 ruling on September 15 denied the administration’s request to put Cobb’s order on hold.

The Supreme Court has in a series of decisions in recent months allowed Trump to remove members of various federal agencies that Congress had established as independent from direct presidential control despite similar job protections for those posts. Those decisions suggest that the court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority, may be ready to jettison a key 1935 precedent that preserved these protections in a case that involved the U.

S. Federal Trade Commission.

But in Cook’s case, the court opted to hear arguments first before deciding the Justice Department’s request to similarly remove Cook on a preliminary basis. The court already signaled that it could treat the Fed as distinct from other executive branch agencies, noting in May in a case involving Trump’s dismissal of two Democratic members of federal labor boards that the Fed “is a uniquely structured, quasi-private entity” with a singular historical tradition.

Based on the arguments in January, the court will decide whether Cook can stay in her post or must go while her legal challenge to her firing proceeds in lower courts. As it stands at this early stage of the case, the justices are not deciding the merits of her challenge.

The court did not set a specific date for the case, but it has arguments sessions on the books for two weeks in mid-January. Personnel Reshuffling Regardless of the outcome of Cook’s case, the January timing of the arguments is significant to the personnel reshuffling Trump appears to be pursuing at the Fed.

January is when regional Fed presidents are reappointed to new five-year terms by the Fed’s Board of Governors. If Trump wanted to push to oust some or even all of the regional bank presidents, he would need a willing majority on the Board of Governors in place to do it.

The timing also may make it more likely that new Governor Stephen Miran, a Trump appointee, returns to his job as chair of the president’s Council of Economic Advisers when his Fed term expires in January. With Cook still on the board, Miran’s seat would be needed for appointment of a new Fed chair to replace Jerome Powell when his term as Fed chief expires in May.

Powell’s appointment to the board extends to 2028, and as it stands there is no open seat for Trump to name a new Fed leader though he could name a sitting governor, including Governor Christopher Waller, Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman, or Miran himself, to the post. The Supreme Court’s decision to hear arguments appears to leave Cook in place for the next two Fed policy meetings – in October and December – when it is widely expected to deliver another two quarter-point interest rate cuts.

Depending on the timing of the Supreme Court’s eventual action, Cook also could participate in the Fed’s January 27-28 policy meeting. Presidential powers Trump’s bid to fire Cook reflects the expansive view of presidential power he has asserted since returning to office in January.

So long as the president identifies a cause for removal, that is within his “unreviewable discretion,” the Justice Department said in its September 18 filing to the Supreme Court. “Put simply, the President may reasonably determine that interest rates paid by the American people should not be set by a Governor who appears to have lied about facts material to the interest rates she secured for herself – and refuses to explain the apparent misrepresentations,” the filing stated.

Granting Trump’s request, Cook’s lawyers told the Supreme Court on September 25, “would eviscerate the Federal Reserve’s longstanding independence, upend financial markets and create a blueprint for future presidents to direct monetary policy based on their political agendas and election calendars.” Cook took part in the Fed’s highly anticipated two-day meeting in Washington in September in which it decided to cut interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point, as policymakers responded to concerns about weakness in the job market.

Cook was among those voting in favor of the cut. Ripple effect Concerns about the Fed’s independence from the White House in setting monetary policy could have a ripple effect throughout the global economy.

The case has ramifications for the Fed’s ability to set interest rates without regard to the wishes of politicians, widely seen as critical to any central bank’s ability to function independently to carry out tasks such as keeping inflation under control. Since Trump returned to office, the Supreme Court has sided with his administration in almost every case it has been called upon to review, allowing his policies to proceed after they were impeded by lower courts, while litigation over them continues.

Trump on August 25 said he was removing Cook from the Fed’s Board of Governors, citing allegations that, prior to joining the central bank in 2022, she falsified records to obtain favorable terms on a mortgage. Her term was set to expire in 2038. The judge found that Trump’s attempt to remove Cook likely violated the Federal Reserve Act, which allows a Fed governor to be removed only for misconduct while in office, as well as Cook’s due process rights under the U.

S. Constitution’s Fifth Amendment.

The mortgage fraud claims against Cook relate to actions prior to her Senate confirmation in 2022. .

Dar es Salaam. East African music is turning heads on the global stage.

Tanzanian stars AY, Harmonize, and Fid Q have reached a major milestone as their songs have been approved for consideration for the 68th GRAMMY Awards, marking a historic moment for Bongo Flava and Swahililanguage music worldwide. Announcing the news on social media with excitement on Thursday, October 2, 2025, Ambwene Yesaya, famously known as AY, posted: “OFFICIALLY! Grammy has approved two of my entries for nomination consideration.

This is huge, not just for me and Harmonize, but for Bongo Flava and the entire industry. These projects have no global producers or artistes, pure Bongo and neighbouring countries.

” He thanked key collaborators and industry supporters, urging fans to continue showing support as the songs move towards official nominations. “For now, a win is a win.

Now it’s up to your prayers and support, it’s a victory for all of us!” he added. The two AY tracks under consideration are Simuoni featuring Harmonize and Wanganeka featuring Kanjiba.

Similarly, Fid Q expressed his excitement about his song Glory 2, featuring Damian Soul and Jose Chameleone. He wrote: “I’m proud to share that our song ‘GLORY 2’ featuring @damiansoulmusic and @jchameleon has officially been approved and considered for the 68th GRAMMY Awards @recordingacademy.

This isn’t just my win, it’s OURS. From TZ to UG to the world, we’re making history together!” Farid Kubanda, alias Fid Q, also thanked collaborators and God, emphasising the collective effort behind the achievement.

This milestone highlights the global reach of East African music and the growing influence of Bongo Flava beyond the continent. It shows that music produced locally, in Swahili and neighbouring languages, can compete internationally while staying authentic to its roots.

Fans and industry peers alike are celebrating, viewing these approvals as a sign that the region’s voices, rhythms, and stories are finally gaining recognition worldwide .

Simiyu. The Simiyu Regional Police Force has launched an investigation following reports of the abduction of a member of the opposition Chadema executive committee in Busega District, Mr Lobelia Kulilo Masanyiwa.

A statement issued by Chadema’s Director of Communications and Publicity, Ms Brenda Rupia, says Mr Masanyiwa was abducted on the evening of Wednesday, October 1, 2025, while at his office in Nyamikoma village, Busega District. Eyewitnesses allege that they saw him being forced into a car by individuals in plain clothes, their faces covered with masks, one of whom carried a firearm.

The vehicle was reportedly seen circulating the village from morning, with its registration plates changed several times, raising questions about the operation’s legality and possible involvement of authorities. The party strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a cruel act that violates human rights and undermines democracy, citizens’ security, and the rule of law.

Chadema reminded the police of their duty to protect citizens without bias and warned that threats or attacks against its leaders would not weaken their resolve to demand change in the country. Police confirm investigation Simiyu Regional Police Commander, Ms Edith Swebe, confirmed receiving a report of the incident and said thorough investigations are underway to establish the facts.

“We have indeed received a report from Chadema, and we have begun investigations to ascertain the truth of this matter,” said RPC Swebe. Residents of Nyamikoma expressed growing security concerns, particularly as the country approaches the election period.

Some questioned the safety of ordinary citizens if political leaders can be abducted in broad daylight. Citizens stressed that if someone is suspected of committing an offence, the proper approach is to arrest them according to the law, not forcibly abduct them.

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Moshi. CCM presidential candidate and incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan has unveiled plans for major infrastructure and industrial revitalisation in Kilimanjaro Region as part of her 20252030 campaign agenda.

Addressing a massive crowd at Mashujaa Grounds in Moshi, President Hassan promised to unlock the region’s economic potential and improve access to essential services. She highlighted the role of road networks in the region’s development, pledging new construction and upgrades to tarmac to ensure year-round accessibility.

“Kilimanjaro needs better roads. We will construct and upgrade roads to ease transport and open up economic activities.

This region cannot remain isolated,” she said to loud cheers. Key projects include a 31-kilometre bypass from Kahe to the Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), 17 kilometres of tarmacked roads within Moshi Municipality and the completion of five ongoing road projects in Moshi Rural.

Similar works are planned for Vunjo constituency, while mountainous roads in Same District and the Holili-Tarakea Road in Rombo will also be upgraded to ease trade with Kenya and reduce congestion along the Mwika route. On industry, Ms Hassan pledged to revive collapsed factories, many of which failed after privatisation in the 1990s.

She cited Kilimanjaro Machine Tools, which has resumed spare parts production after two decades, and promised government support through reliable raw material supply. In agriculture, she committed to subsidised fertilisers and modern farming centres for coffee farmers, as well as expanding pastoral grazing areas from 3.

6 million to six million acres, with training in modern livestock techniques. Healthcare improvements were also promised, including upgrades to hospitals in Moshi, Mwanga, and Rombo, and expanded services at Mawenzi Regional Referral Hospital.

In the water sector, Hassan pledged to expand clean water access alongside the second phase of the SameMwangaKorogwe scheme. The campaign rally featured endorsements from senior CCM figures, including Nape Nnauye and Prof Kitila Mkumbo, who praised Hassan’s leadership and the “R4” development philosophy that has opened northern Tanzania to trade and investment.

Moshi Urban CCM parliamentary candidate Ibrahim Shayo echoed Hassan’s message, highlighting local progress and pledging to ensure underserved wards benefit from ongoing government projects. He also noted reforms easing fees and licensing for bajaji and boda boda operators.

The event, marked by songs, dances and local endorsements, set the tone for CCM’s bid for a second term under President Hassan. .

Dar es Salaam. Few would imagine that polygamy could emerge as a central plank in a presidential campaign.

Yet in the unpredictable world of politics, bizarre promises often surface. National Reconstruction Alliance (NRA) presidential candidate Khamis Faki Mgau has placed polygamy at the heart of his campaign, vowing that if elected as President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, men with only one wife will be jailed.

“Young men, get ready. If I become President, it will be illegal in Zanzibar for any man to have only one wife.

We will start with two wives and move forward. Any man who refuses to marry at least two wives will face six years in prison,” Mr Mgau told supporters on the campaign trail.

In addition to his controversial polygamy pledge, Mr Mgau has promised sweeping economic reforms, including a monthly salary for every Zanzibari aged five and above, with a minimum of Sh900,000. Campaign promises and vision Mr Mgau insists that life under his rule would be marked by prosperity, wealth creation, and a strengthened economy. Such growth, he argues, would eliminate any excuse for Zanzibari men to limit themselves to one wife when they can provide for more.

To reinforce his position, he repeatedly declares that clinging to monogamy will not be tolerated. He portrays polygamy not only as a cultural practice but also as a tool for social and economic expansion.

The NRA candidate has also pledged allowances for every child, including newborns, signalling what he calls “a government of inclusive prosperity.” He argues that his leadership would guarantee a higher standard of living for all islanders, promising better salaries for civil servants, improved infrastructure, and enhanced social services.

Not his first attempt This is not Mr Mgau’s first bid for Zanzibar’s highest office. He previously contested the 2020 General Election on the NRA ticket.

At the time, his campaign centred on Pemba, where he sought to challenge the late ACT-Wazalendo chairman, Seif Sharif Hamad, long regarded as the island’s political strongman. In his 2020 campaign, he declared, “For many years, that man (Seif) has considered Pemba his own.

I have decided this year to camp in Pemba to liberate the people from his politics.” Mr Hamad died on February 17, 2021, marking the end of an era in Zanzibar politics.

With Hamad gone, Mr Mgau has shifted focus, this time rallying voters around the banner of polygamy. He urges Zanzibaris to embrace multiple marriages and “multiply for the good of society.

” Eye on 2025 General Election Ahead of the 2025 polls, Mr Mgau expresses confidence in his chances, claiming that Zanzibaris understand his language and identify with his agenda. He urges citizens to vote peacefully and return home without incident.

The NRA candidate envisions Zanzibar’s development benchmarked against Dar es Salaam. He cites the Mfugale flyover, Chang’ombe flyover, and the Kijazi Interchange at Ubungo as symbols of modern infrastructure, vowing to deliver even bigger projects.

Zanzibar, under President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has already embarked on similar projects, such as the construction of flyovers at Mwanakwerekwe and Aman. Yet Mr Mgau insists that traffic congestion remains a serious problem in the islands’ small cities due to rising vehicle numbers.

His solution is ambitious: building as many flyovers as necessary to ease movement. “Infrastructure will be my top priority once elected,” he stresses.

From Pemba to Unguja Mr Mgau, who currently serves as NRA Vice-Chairman for Zanzibar, hails from Kangagani village in Wete District, Pemba, but now lives in Unguja. His campaign narrative highlights his deep understanding of both islands, positioning himself as a leader who can unify Zanzibar.

Beyond infrastructure, he promises to strengthen the aviation sector, including acquiring modern aircraft capable of carrying at least 250 passengers. He says this would expand Zanzibar’s tourism potential and stimulate economic growth.

Early life and education Mr Khamis Faki Mgau was born on June 12, 1978, in Kangagani, Pemba. He is the fourth of nine children of Mr Faki Mgau Haji and Ms Kame Hamis Saleh, both natives of the island.

He began primary education at Kangagani Primary School in 1989 and completed secondary education there in 2000. After finishing Form Four, he did not pursue higher studies; instead, he turned his attention to politics. Political journey Mr Mgau’s political career began in 2000 when he joined the Tanzania Labour Party (TLP), inspired by the then-chairman, Augustino Lyatonga Mrema.

From 2000 to 2004, he served as a member and later became the TLP chairman for Wete District. In the 2005 General Election, dissatisfied with TLP’s performance, he defected to Chadema, convinced the party could perform better.

But after disappointing results, he abandoned the opposition outfit and joined the NRA in 2006. That same year, he was elected NRA Secretary for North Pemba. His organisational skills and political energy impressed fellow members, leading to his promotion in 2007 as NRA Coordinator for Pemba.

By the 2010 General Election, he was nominated as the NRA’s parliamentary candidate for Kojani Constituency in Wete District. Although he finished third behind CUF and CCM, he was credited with raising NRA’s profile in the area.

He contested again in 2015 but came third once more. Two years later, during NRA’s internal elections, he successfully vied for the post of Vice-Chairman for Zanzibar, winning by a landslide.

Leadership style and pledges Mr Mgau insists that his leadership would surpass that of his predecessors. His promises extend beyond polygamy and flyovers, touching on several sectors such as civil service, where he pledges to raise salaries and improve welfare for government employees.

In the tourism and aviation sectors, Mr Mgau promises to expand the aviation sector with larger aircraft to boost arrivals, while citizens aged five and above would be given monthly salaries alongside child allowances to strengthen the Isles’ social welfare. Regarding infrastructure, peace and security, he pledged to prioritise flyovers and road networks to ease traffic congestion, and to safeguard harmony before, during and after the elections.

He says peace will remain the cornerstone of his presidency. “I understand the many challenges Zanzibar faces.

If elected, I will ensure citizens live comfortably in their homeland,” he affirms. Personal life Mr Mgau is married to Ms Hazala Hassan Khamis.

He portrays himself as a family man deeply committed to the values of Zanzibari society. His polygamy stance, he argues, is not merely a political gimmick but a reflection of cultural norms he wishes to strengthen under his leadership.

A candidate who courts controversy With his radical pledges, Mr Mgau stands out as one of the more unconventional figures in Zanzibar’s political landscape. His ideas, ranging from criminalising monogamy to paying salaries to children, have drawn both criticism and intrigue.

Observers say his campaign resonates with some sections of the electorate who view him as a bold, unapologetic politician ready to challenge conventional politics. Critics, however, dismiss his promises as unrealistic and populist.

Yet for Mr Mgau, winning is not only about promises but about connecting with voters. He believes his background, grassroots political experience, and outspoken nature set him apart.

As the 2025 General Election approaches, Mr Mgau is banking on his high-profile pledges to galvanise support. Whether his radical proposals will translate into votes remains to be seen.

For now, he continues to traverse Zanzibar’s towns and villages, urging citizens to embrace his vision of prosperity, multiple marriages, and bold infrastructure. His message is clear: trust me with leadership, and Zanzibar will not only prosper but also chart a new political path.

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In 2007, the Maasai communities living in the foothills of Ol Doinyo Lengai Mountain were in disarray. The rumbling they had been hearing from their ‘Mountain of God’, located in the Ngorongoro district, had finally erupted.

The lava rose more than 18 kilometres into the atmosphere, sending debris and molten rock more than 100 kilometres away. The mountain sits near Lake Natron in northern Tanzania, but the debris flew as far as Arusha, dusting buildings and vehicles.

Locals feared they would choke to death. From September 2007 to early 2008, people lived in constant fear of the destruction emanating from the volcanic mountain.

Yet Ol Doinyo Lengai’s fury did not claim a single human life. Animals in nearby villages, however, were not spared.

The pastoralist community recounted lava landing on their cows. When they tried to wipe it off, it would peel the skin from their cattle.

The destruction could have been much worse, had it not been for the uniqueness of this volcanic mountain. It contains what they call ‘cold lava’.

Unlike other mountains in the world that erupt red ‘basaltic’ lava, the most common type from volcanoes, which reaches 1,000 degrees Celsius, the black lava from Ol Doinyo Lengai is just 500 degrees Celsius. This lower temperature gives it its nickname.

When the lava comes into contact with moisture or the ground, it turns white. Eruptions have been active since 1884, bursting as far as 100 kilometres away.

In doing so, they inadvertently helped preserve early modern human footprints at ancient historical sites, left some 10,000 years ago. The site, on the southern shores of Lake Natron, is known as “The dance floor”.

The Maasai community, who regard the mountain as sacred, felt the need to appease their god, Engai. Elders spoke of rituals they had to perform in early 2008, in accordance with their culture.

They had to find a fat, healthy bull and take it to the mountain amidst volcanic bombs. After the slaughter, they reported that all lava eruptions stopped.

They did not know what had angered their god but were relieved when the commotion ceased and peace returned. Apart from a few cattle consumed by lava, all community members were accounted for.

At 9,718 feet, Ol Doinyo Lengai is the world’s only active carbonatite volcano. The mountain blends science, spirituality, and adventure.

Hikers still climb it under close supervision. It is deemed risky because, despite scientific advancements and years of study by the world’s top geologists, little is known about this strange mountain.

It is one of the few ‘living volcanoes you can stand on,’ and no one knows when it will erupt again. The terrain is steep, and most hikers tackle it at night to avoid the burning sun.

From the top, climbers get a view of the rift valley. On clear days, Mount Kilimanjaro is visible.

The mountain is near Lake Natron, another unique geographical feature, famous for its flamingos. Six years ago, rumblings from the mountain’s underbelly were heard again.

Villagers, recalling past incidents, feared another eruption. This time, however, it died down without incident.

Geologists from across the world have camped near the mountain to study its unique features. They seek to compare the Mountain of God with other volcanic mountains.

Kate Laxton, from University College London, travelled to Tanzania to study this bizarre volcano. Her PhD project was titled Monitoring degassing behaviour and eruption precursors at Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, Tanzania.

She attested that the mountain’s remoteness hinders constant monitoring and study. Researchers established that one of the main differences is its composition.

Other volcanoes contain silica, whereas Ol Doinyo Lengai also contains sodium and calcium carbonate, among other minerals. The mountain is inaccessible 100 metres below the crater rim, adding to its mystery.

It is known as the strangest volcano in the world, with the coldest lava on earth. To locals, it is both a tourist attraction and a religious site.

“This is the mountain I consider the source of fertility to the Serengeti. The ashes from Ol Doinyo Lengai supply nutrients that the Serengeti depends on,” said Kate.

The Maasai believe this mountain is where their god, Engai, dwells. Their deity blesses them with rainfall, life, and fertility.

It is a place of worship and community gatherings during sacrificial offerings. During famine, conflicts, or difficult times, elders lead their people in asking Engai for forgiveness, protection, and blessings.

Its aura and geographic formation are as mysterious as they are captivating. In 2003, Hollywood brought Angelina Jolie to film parts of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, using the mountain’s landscape and Rift Valley for their otherworldly appearance.

In 2007, during an expedition, a local guide fell into lava. The story became a testament to the cold nature of the lava.

On any other volcano, the guide’s bones would have melted within minutes. In this case, he escaped with his life and climbed back up.

Despite severe burns, the Maasai guide fully recovered. Very few hikers attempt to summit this active volcano.

Five out of ten never reach the top. It takes seven hours to get there.

An off-road truck is required to navigate roads to the mountain’s foot. The four-hour drive is far from dull.

Along the way, travellers witness the magnitude of wildebeest, giraffes, and many other animals. Once at the base, the ascent begins in pitch darkness, with a headlamp as the only source of light.

Darkness can be a friend, hiding the real length of the journey ahead and helping climbers focus on each step. Above, the sky is full of glittering stars.

After a five-hour midnight march, hikers reach a resting point. There is roughly 30 minutes for snacks and rejuvenation before continuing to the summit.

Like any long hike, fatigue sets in, but one’s spirit must remain resilient and focused. An early start is necessary to beat the sunrise.

The last one and a half hours to the summit is the steepest, requiring extra perseverance. Upon reaching the crater, the smell of lava signals arrival at the top of the world’s only carbonatite volcano.

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Kilimanjaro. Tanzania heads to the polls on October 29, and despite political tensions during the campaign period, analysts predict a strong voter turnout driven by structural, historical and social factors.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), more than 37.6 million Tanzanians have registered to vote, marking a 26 percent rise from the 2020 election. Analysts say this surge signals growing public interest, especially as most of the voter base is rural.

Over 60 percent of Tanzanians live in villages and peri-urban communities, where voting has traditionally been high. For many, the act of voting goes beyond choosing leaders; it is seen as an affirmation of belonging and recognition in national affairs.

University of Dar es Salaam political analyst Salbinus David noted that while campaign frictions have surfaced, they are unlikely to reduce turnout. “Moments of disagreement and logistical concerns are not unusual in any competitive democracy,” he said.

“What matters is citizens’ readiness to exercise their right to vote, and the data suggests that readiness is very high, especially outside major cities.” INEC reports show that new voter registration far exceeded expectations.

The commission initially targeted 5.58 million new voters but enrolled more than 7.

64 million, 136 percent of the target. Analysts attribute this to civic education campaigns, improved registration access, and rising interest among young and first-time voters.

State University of Zanzibar political scientist Prof Makame Ali Ussi stressed that new voters are spread across the country. “This is not driven by one region but a nationwide mobilisation,” he said.

“Given the structure of political competition, where many councillors and MPs come from the very communities they represent, rural and peri-urban voters have strong incentives to turn up.” He added that elections in Tanzania are as much local events as national ones, since candidates are often embedded in their communities.

“This closeness creates a unique sense of accountability and recognition, which drives higher turnout,” Prof Ussi explained. Women are also expected to play a major role.

INEC data shows that 50.31 percent of registered voters are women, compared to 49.69 percent men. Analysts say this rare gender balance highlights increasing female engagement in politics, driven by grassroots mobilisation to overcome barriers of information and transport.

Still, analysts caution against equating high registration with guaranteed participation. Political fatigue, broken promises, and logistical hurdles could affect turnout on election day.

But experts agree that Tanzania’s electoral culture, particularly in rural areas, has consistently proven resilient. Peace and stability remain at the heart of the national conversation.

Prof Ussi warned, however, that the language of peace should not be used to silence debate. “In a democracy, peace means resolving differences through ballots, not conflict,” he said.

Mr David added that the credibility of institutions will be critical. “As long as citizens believe the process is fair, their vote respected, and their voices heard, they will turn out in large numbers,” he said.

Digital platforms are also shaping the political narrative, especially in cities. But University of Dar es Salaam lecturer Sylvester Kweka warned against overstating their influence.

“Social media reflects a narrow, urban demographic,” he said. “In rural areas, where most Tanzanians live, politics is still conducted face-to-face.

People know their candidates personally and engage directly, and that is what resonates with them.” He cautioned political parties not to rely too heavily on online campaigns.

“Social media can amplify voices, but without strong grassroots mobilisation it risks becoming an echo chamber,” he said. With weeks remaining, the 2025 election is shaping up as a test of Tanzania’s democratic maturity.

Rising voter registration, gender balance, and strong civic culture suggest that turnout could be one of the defining features of the polls. .

Musoma. Democratic Party (DP) presidential candidate Abdul Mluya has pledged that, if elected President of Tanzania, his first act will be to close the country’s borders to prevent those inside from leaving, saying the move aims to pursue corrupt individuals who have embezzled taxpayers’ money.

However, Mr Mluya did not specify how he intends to prosecute the corrupt, only clarifying that while borders would be sealed, those outside the country would still be allowed to enter. Speaking on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at a campaign rally here, Mluya said corruption has forced Tanzanians to endure hardship despite the nation’s vast natural resources.

“People of Mara, and Tanzanians generally, live as though your very birth is a curse. The resources God blessed us with have been turned into a curse by a few.

This will not be tolerated under a DP government. These resources are blessings and must benefit all of us,” he said.

Mr Mluya stated that the first group he will pursue once borders are closed includes those who allowed the importation of substandard fishing nets, which left many citizens, particularly fishermen, impoverished after the nets were seized and burned. “Nets are imported through ports and taxed, then sold to citizens, only for officials to seize and burn them.

The question is, how can the government collect revenue from these nets and then drive innocent citizens into poverty?” he asked. He stressed that in combating corruption, his government would consider no one’s status, saying even former Presidents, Prime Ministers, or senior leaders would be held accountable.

Mr Mluya also pledged that, if elected, his government would demolish Musoma Airport, arguing that its location in the middle of town endangers lives. The site would instead be used to build a university to give Mara residents access to higher education.

He promised a modern airport would be built outside the town to boost the regional economy and ease transport challenges. On pensions, Mr Mluya vowed to abolish the kikokotoo (pension formula) system.

Instead, he pledged to improve civil servants’ welfare before retirement. He explained that every civil servant would be entitled to a modern housing loan, deducted from their salary during service, enabling them to retire with dignity and without the hardships caused by the kikokotoo system.

“We will ensure civil servants work in comfort by improving their welfare. This will boost morale and, in turn, improve efficiency and service delivery,” he added.

Mr Mluya said social services would also be a priority, lamenting that access remains poor despite existing infrastructure. “For example, we are told hospitals have been built, but in reality, these are just buildings without proper services.

Elect me and I will improve delivery so ordinary citizens like myself can access quality healthcare,” he said. DP Mainland Vice-Chairman Chrisant Nyakitita urged all Tanzanians, regardless of party affiliation, to attend campaign rallies of every political party so they can compare policies and make informed decisions on Election Day.

He said campaign meetings are intended to publicise manifestos and policies, and citizens should seize the opportunity without regard to a party’s size. Mr Nyakitita further urged eligible voters to turn out on October 29, 2025, dismissing calls from some quarters urging people to boycott the election.

He emphasised that DP has long championed constitutional reforms, a struggle that cost the party its permanent registration for over nine years, during which its leaders were repeatedly arrested and jailed. “Others may be calling for constitutional reforms today, but we began this struggle long ago.

Our late founder, Reverend Christopher Mtikila, was arrested more than 40 times and served two years in prison. DP is the true pioneer of constitutional reform,” he said.

Furthermore, Mr Nyakitita stressed that reforms cannot be achieved if citizens boycott elections, saying leaders capable of delivering them will only emerge through the ballot. “Tanzanians must be cautious of those urging them not to vote.

By doing so, you risk your lives for the next five years, as it allows a few people to elect poor leaders. To solve our challenges, we must vote for competent leaders who will act,” he added.

He reminded citizens that voting is their constitutional right and a means of choosing capable leaders based on manifestos and policies. “I have no doubt our manifesto and policies are superior to those of other parties.

Do not make mistakes, turn out in large numbers to vote for DP so we can deliver meaningful development for our country,” he said. Opening the rally, DP Mara Regional Chairman, Mr Bagaile Konjo, urged Tanzanians to vote for DP to bring progress to the nation.

“The country has problems, citizens have problems, and even our presidential candidate shares your struggles. As our party says, the time for liberation is now.

Do not make mistakes, elect councillors, MPs, and a president from our party,” he said. .

Dar es Salaam. The Mainland Premier League resumes with two high-profile fixtures today, October 1, 2025 as heavyweights Simba and Azam FC take to the field in pursuit of crucial points.

Azam FC will travel to face JKT Tanzania at the Major Isamuhyo ground in Dar es Salaam, with kickoff scheduled for 6pm. The game carries historic significance, as it will be the first league match ever played under floodlights at the venue.

Azam, fresh from advancing in the CAF Confederation Cup, are eager to translate their continental momentum into domestic success. Later in the evening, attention will shift to Dar es Salaam, where Simba host Namungo FC at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in an 8:15pm clash.

Simba, buoyed by their progression in the CAF Champions League after eliminating Gaborone United with a 2-1 aggregate, will be looking to impose their dominance at home. For both sides, three points tonight are vital for setting the tone early in the campaign.

Simba’s assistant coach, Seleman Matola, expressed confidence in his squad while stressing caution. “The players are in good spirits, and we are fully focused.

We expect a tough game because Namungo have quality players and can be very competitive. We need to stay sharp and disciplined,” said Matola.

Namungo, under the guidance of head coach Juma Mgunda, are determined to cause an upset. Mgunda, who once served as Simba’s caretaker coach, acknowledged the scale of the task but remained optimistic.

“Simba are a big club and deserve respect, but we have prepared well. The team is ready for the challenge, and our target is to come away with a positive result,” he noted.

Namungo’s hopes will largely rest on their attacking duo of Heritier Makambo and Fabrice Ngoy from DR Congo, both of whom carry the responsibility of breaking down Simba’s experienced defense. Their sharpness in front of goal could be decisive if Namungo are to claim points at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

Meanwhile, Azam FC’s trip to JKT Tanzania is expected to test their resilience away from home. Fresh off a comfortable 3-0 aggregate win over El Merriekh Bentiu in continental competition, Azam will be seeking to extend their strong run.

JKT, however, will count on home support and the landmark atmosphere of the floodlit clash to inspire them. With both fixtures carrying weight for the title race and team confidence, today promises to be an electrifying day in the Mainland Premier League.

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