Category: The Citizen

The National Assembly’s fourth sitting has been postponed to Wednesday, August 26, 2026, to accommodate the Maulid public holiday announced by the National Muslim Council of Tanzania (Bakwata).

A statement released on Monday, August 17, 2026, by the Parliamentary Communication and Public Education Unit noted that the schedule adjustment allows Muslims and the wider public to participate in the national celebrations hosted in Dar es Salaam.

‘Under the motion moved by Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba on June 26, 2026, the fourth sitting of the 13th Parliament was slated to commence on Tuesday, August 25, 2026,’ the release detailed.

‘Following Bakwata’s announcement declaring Tuesday, August 25, 2026, as the Maulid holiday, Speaker of the National Assembly, invoking Standing Order 35 (4) and (5) of the Parliamentary Standing Orders, 2025, informs Members of Parliament and the public that the sitting will now begin on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 9:00 am,’ adds the document.

Bakwata Secretary General Nuhu Mruma confirmed that national Maulid prayers will take place on the night of August 24 at the Mnazi Mmoja Grounds in Dar es Salaam.

The main Maulid Council will follow on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC), where President Samia Suluhu Hassan is scheduled to be the guest of honour.

The Court of Appeal has quashed the death sentence by hanging for seven individuals in three separate cases, including one convicted of murdering his stepmother after a traditional healer told him she caused his stomach pain and erectile dysfunction.

The three judgments were delivered on Monday, August 17, 2026, by a three-judge panel comprising Gabriel Ndika, Benhajj Masoud, and Dr Yose Mlyambina, after identifying that the evidence used in these cases suffered from serious legal flaws.

In the first case, the person set free is Mr Ndodi Said, who lodged Criminal Appeal No. 496/2023 after being sentenced to death for murdering his stepmother, Ms Shingwa Makono, on May 28, 2021, in Lufwisi Village, Sikonge District, Tabora Region.

Following his arrest, Mr Said allegedly confessed to murdering his stepmother after being informed by a traditional healer that she was causing him abdominal pain and a lack of sexual potency, leading him to stab her with a sharp object.

Dissatisfied with the death sentence, he appealed to the Court of Appeal on two grounds.

After hearing both parties, the justices allowed the appeal after establishing that the evidence used to convict him was insufficient to prove the offence beyond reasonable doubt.

Justice Ndika stated that the appellant’s confession statement admitting to the murder ought not to have been relied upon, as it was contested during the trial and handled with procedural flaws.

Furthermore, they explained that the prosecution failed to call key witnesses, including the accused’s father, who could have provided crucial evidence regarding the circumstances of the murder.

The court thus set aside the conviction and ordered Mr Said to be released forthwith unless held for another lawful reason.

‘This evidence would have significantly reinforced the claim of confession supporting the prosecution’s case,’ the court noted.

In the second appeal (No. 464/2023), Mr Shalu Luwayi and Mr Barnabas Jonas contested the death sentence passed by the High Court Tabora Registry on May 18, 2023.

Both appellants and a co-accused (who was not party to this appeal) were sentenced to death after being found guilty of murdering two children whose bodies were discovered with slit throats and buried near a room used by one of the accused.

The appellants denied involvement in the killings, but the trial court convicted them by relying heavily on their confession statements.

The appellants challenged the decision on several grounds, including unlawful search and arrest, arguing that the prosecution failed to prove the case against them.

During the hearing, the Republic supported the appeal, informing the court that because the confession statements were contested during trial, a trial-within-a-trial was mandatory to determine whether they were given voluntarily.

The state attorney acknowledged that if those confession statements were expunged, the remaining evidence would be insufficient to sustain a conviction, as the exhibits seized resulted from an illegal search conducted without a search warrant.

After reviewing the proceedings, the justices agreed that a trial-within-a-trial ought to have been conducted once the confessions were challenged.

Because that was not done, the court expunged the statements from the trial record.

Justice Masoud stated that the evidence regarding the search and seized items was unlawful because no search warrant was tendered as an exhibit. Removing that evidence left nothing to link the appellants to the crime.

‘The absence of a search warrant means that the search was conducted unlawfully, and thus exhibits five and six obtained during that search are expunged from the record. The remaining evidence from the first witness to the 11th and 13th is insufficient to prove guilt; we set aside the conviction and order that they be set free,’ ruled the bench.

In the third appeal (No. 226/2023), the justices set free Mr Dotto Gibe, Ms Saida Maige, and Ms Elizabeth Paul, who challenged their capital sentences after being convicted of murdering Mr Juma Mdundu on October 23, 2021, in Mwamapuli Village, Igunga District, Tabora Region.

The High Court Tabora Registry had convicted them after the prosecution presented evidence alleging they were involved in a plot to murder Mr Mdundu stemming from a long-standing land dispute.

Dissatisfied with that ruling, the appellants argued that the High Court erred in relying on their confession statements, which were neither listed nor read out during the preliminary hearing as required by law.

They contended that due to non-compliance with statutory procedure, the statements should never have been admitted as exhibits.

The justices agreed that the statements relied upon by the High Court were admitted contrary to proper legal procedure.

Justice Ndika stated that the prosecution ought to have given formal notice to the appellants regarding its intention to tender the statements as evidence.

Regarding the out-of-court statement of the first appellant, the court found it was not recorded in accordance with Chief Justice directives, specifically failing to properly inform him that his statement could be used as evidence against him. The court subsequently expunged the statement.

‘In the result, we allow the appeal, quash the death sentences against the appellants, and accordingly order that the appellants be released from prison unless held for another reason,’ concluded Justice Ndika.

Major infrastructure upgrades at Tanga Port have significantly boosted operational efficiency and cargo traffic, prompting maritime stakeholders to convene and chart strategies, including setting up dry ports, to avert potential congestion.

The improvements stem from substantial government investments, notably dredging the port’s depth from three to 13 metres alongside expanding and upgrading berths.

These measures have enhanced the facility’s capacity to accommodate larger vessels and handle higher cargo volumes seamlessly.

Speaking at the maritime stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Tanga Regional Commissioner, Dr Batilda Burian, disclosed that during the 2025/26 financial year, the port targeted 1,643,363 tonnes of cargo.

However, operational efficiency enabled the port to surpass the goal, handling approximately 1.7 million tonnes.

Dr Burian detailed that while the port was scheduled to serve 364 ships in 2025, it handled 616 vessels by June 2026, achieving 196 percent of its target.

Passenger traffic also surged from a target of 59,990 to 110,356 passengers by June 2026.

‘Financially, the port was projected to collect Sh85.4 billion, but as of June 2026, revenue collections reached Sh138.6 billion,’ stated Dr Burian, adding that this rapid expansion necessitated proactive engagement between shipping agents and port management to prevent congestion.

Representing the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) director general, Mr Joseph Lukindo outlined that under TPA’s Five-Year Strategic Plan, Tanga Port is projected to handle 4.5 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2030/31.

He explained that this trajectory represents an annual growth rate of roughly 19.8 percent, effectively doubling current cargo traffic over the next five years.

‘Dry ports are essential for expanding off-dock storage, reducing internal port congestion, and accelerating vehicle turnaround times,’ emphasised Mr Lukindo.

Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (Tasac) director general, Mr Mohamed Salim, observed that given Tanga Port’s constrained physical footprint, off-dock storage facilities are vital to handle increasing cargo flows.

‘Dry ports function as port extensions approved by TPA, allowing private investors to support port efficiency,’ noted Mr Salim.

He added that Tasac partnered with local authorities to engage stakeholders early, ensuring that operational bottlenecks previously experienced in Dar es Salaam are not repeated in Tanga as the port grows.

Tanzania’s burgeoning blockchain community is setting its sights on Nairobi as the region prepares to host the Africa Blockchain Festival (ABF) 2026, a move expected to bridge the gap between Dar es Salaam and the broader continental tech ecosystem.

The timing of the event, scheduled for October 15 to 17 at the Sarit Expo Centre, aligns with significant domestic progress in digital asset management.

The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has recently completed a comprehensive virtual-assets assessment and developed a regulatory concept intended to pave the way for formal oversight of cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.

This framework has been submitted to the Ministry of Finance for further policy development, representing a critical step towards bringing virtual assets within a structured environment.

Tanzania has already established a Fintech Regulatory Sandbox and an anti-money laundering framework that recognises virtual asset service providers.

Against this backdrop, the ABF 2026 aims to catalyze local innovators.

‘What is happening in Tanzania is important. Regulation provides clarity, and clarity can give serious entrepreneurs, investors, and technology companies greater confidence to build,’ said the CEO of the Africa Blockchain Festival, Mr Olubunmi Fabanwo.

Highlighting the ease of access for local talent, Mr Fabanwo noted that Tanzanian innovators no longer need to look towards distant hubs like London or Dubai for global conversations.

‘We are bringing investors, policymakers, founders, and technology leaders to East Africa. For the Tanzanian blockchain community, Nairobi is next door,’ he added.

The festival, themed ‘Capital, Code and Continuity: Building Africa’s Permanent Digital Economy,’ will explore blockchain applications far beyond cryptocurrency.

Discussions will focus on practical solutions for digital identity, supply chain management, and cross-border payments.

The organisers believe this provides a unique platform for Tanzanian firms to scale their solutions.

‘We want to see founders from Dar es Salaam meeting investors from Lagos, developers from Tanzania exchanging ideas with developers from Nairobi, and Tanzanian companies showcasing technologies that could potentially scale across Africa,’ emphasised Mr Fabanwo.

The horn of the 111-year-old MV Liemba echoed across Lake Tanganyika over the weekend for the first time in more than eight years, signalling a new era for regional trade and transport.

Transport Minister Prof Makame Mbarawa led the first phase of technical trials for the newly rehabilitated vessel, marking the beginning of what the government describes as ’50 years of new voyages.’

The Sh34 billion rehabilitation, fully funded by the government of Tanzania, has transformed the historic ship from hull to bridge while meticulously preserving its heritage.

With the project now 97 percent complete, officials have confirmed that MV Liemba will resume commercial operations on September 1st this year.

Speaking on board the vessel, Prof Mbarawa explained that the trials are being conducted in two phases to ensure the ship meets international safety standards.

“The first phase of trials was conducted to test the basic systems after installation of new machinery,” he said, adding that a more comprehensive final phase is scheduled for August 19 to 21, 2026,’ he said.

He emphasised the vessel’s longevity, noting that with regular maintenance, it could serve for more than 80 years.

“The issue of MV Liemba was one of the matters that troubled us most in Parliament… Today I can tell the nation: it is complete,” he stated.

The project was led by the Dar-es-Salaam Merchant Group (DMG), a 100 percent Tanzanian-owned firm.

DMG director, Mr Rayton Kwembe, noted that the overhaul involved replacing all propulsion machinery, including engines and generators, while refurbishing passenger areas with new seating, bedding, and modernised dining facilities.

A key challenge was the restoration of the wooden interiors to protect the ship’s historical character.

“MV Liemba is a historical ship. You cannot just remove everything and replace it with steel… underneath, every pipe, every wire, every engine is brand new,” explained Mr Kwembe.

The ship revival is expected to significantly lower costs for traders who have struggled since the vessel was withdrawn from service.

A maize trader from Sumbawanga, Ms Rehema Juma, said transporting goods via truck and small boat currently costs Sh200,000 per tonne and takes three days.

“With MV Liemba, we can load directly from Kalambo and reach Kigoma in one night. That will save us money and time,” she said.

Fishermen from Karema, Katavi Region, Mr Ally Magesa, observed that without the ship, middlemen dictated prices, leading to losses.

“This ship is not just transport. It is our market. It connects us to buyers in three countries,” he said.

Women traders in Katavi have voiced frustration over rising passenger fares on small boats, which have become unaffordable for patients and students along Lake Tanganyika.

‘Taking a sick person to Kigoma hospital costs Sh80,000 in a small, risky boat. MV Liemba was safe and affordable. We hope it resumes soon,’ said Nsimbo resident, Ms Sophia Mwakalinga.

Residents added that the vessel’s return would reconnect separated families across the lake.

Once fully operational, MV Liemba will transport up to 600 passengers and 200 tonnes of cargo per trip.

Engineers confirmed the installation of modern radar, GPS, and radio communication systems, alongside new lifeboats, life jackets, and firefighting equipment to meet international standards.

The ship will run scheduled routes to Bujumbura (Burundi), Kalemie and Uvira (DRC), and Mpulungu (Zambia), reviving a vital trade corridor.

Government officials noted the project forms part of a broader strategy to establish Kigoma as a regional trade hub.

During an inspection of ongoing port expansion works, Prof Mbarawa emphasised the strategic goal.

‘The government is committed to opening up Kigoma and turning it into a regional business center. With an operational port, shipyard, and vessel, Kigoma will serve as a key trade gateway,’ he said.

Tanzania East Africa Gateway Terminal Limited (TEAGTL) has once again rewritten the record books at the Port of Dar es Salaam, by crossing the 90,000 TEU mark, another first in the history of Container Terminal 2 (CT2).

Handling 91,625 TEUs in July 2026, TEAGTL surpassed the previous record of 85,243 TEUs set in May 2026, reinforcing the strong growth trajectory of the terminal and demonstrating that the transformation underway at Dar es Salaam Port is delivering sustainable results.

The latest milestone is a testament to TEAGTL’s consistent focus on efficiency, customer-centricity, and technology. Sustained investments in capacity building, equipment, and systems, have helped enhance the container terminal’s productivity levels and boost service reliability for shipping lines, importers and exporters.

Central to this success has been TEAGTL’s unwavering commitment to its people. Recognising employees as one of the organisation’s core pillars, the company has invested extensively in learning and development, technical training and leadership programmes, thus making employees future-ready and building the maritime talent pool in Tanzania.

The terminal has also leveraged technology to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience. The deployment of a sophisticated Terminal Operating System (TOS) has been complemented by the introduction of digital tools such as Container Tracking and Live Vessel Schedules, which facilitate supply chain transparency, while the adoption of internationally recognised best practices such as the Fixed Berthing Window (FBW) system has provided further impetus to this transformative journey.

The cumulative benefits have translated into greater schedule reliability, improved berth utilisation and reduced vessel waiting times – which manifests in superior customer experience and enhances Dar es Salaam port’s position as a preeminent Gateway to East and Central Africa.

Improved port performance is helping accelerate cargo movement, strengthen regional connectivity, reduce logistics costs and support the Government of Tanzania’s long-term vision of positioning the country as a leading regional maritime and logistics hub.

The achievement also contributes directly to the national priorities of facilitating trade, attracting investment, promoting industrialisation and driving equitable economic growth.

Congratulating TEAGTL on the achievement, Mr Plasduce Mbossa, Director General of the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), said:

“I congratulate TEAGTL on breaking their own throughput record from just 2 months back, by surpassing the 90,000 TEU mark; a historic first in the history of the Container Terminal 2 and the port of Dar es Salaam.

This outstanding achievement is a strong validation of the Tanzanian Government’s vision for trade-driven economic development and TPA’s success in executing that vision, which is now rapidly delivering tangible gains in the Tanzanian ports sector.

The significance of these achievements transcends beyond mere numbers, and reflects our shared commitment and accelerated progress towards creating a world-class ports ecosystem.’

Commenting on the achievement, Capt. Jeyaraj Thamburaj, Chief Executive Officer of TEAGTL, said:

“For TEAGTL, as the operator of the largest container handling facility in Tanzania, surpassing the 90,000 TEU milestone is a proud moment.

More importantly, it demonstrates that our recent record performances are not exceptions but the continuation of a sustained trend, whose foundation is operational excellence, continuous improvement and a relentless focus on our people and customers.

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to every member of the TEAGTL family for their dedication and steadfast efforts, to the TPA for their support, and to our customers for the trust reposed in us. We are confident of achieving more milestones in the months and years to come.”

The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (RGZ) has launched a capacity-building programme in artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity to equip public servants and citizens to navigate rapid global technological change.

Under the initiative, the Ministry of Communications, Information Technology and Innovation signed a three-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Emerson Education Institute to train an initial cohort of 600 officials, with each class limited to 50 participants.

Speaking after the signing ceremony on Sunday, August 16, 2026, the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and Innovation, Mr Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga, said Zanzibar must keep pace with technological change.

He said RGZ was creating a conducive environment to harness technology to improve government efficiency, enhance public services, drive innovation and accelerate the digital economy.

‘In realising this ambition, we acknowledge that systems, infrastructure and hardware alone are insufficient. We also require experts and personnel equipped with skills matching the pace of technological advancements,’ said Mr Soraga.

He stressed the ministry’s commitment to developing ICT human resources, particularly in fast-growing fields such as AI and cybersecurity.

‘We face diverse challenges, including system hacking, phishing, data theft, credential misuse and other threats capable of impacting the government, businesses and citizens,’ said Mr Soraga, adding that skilled professionals are essential for identifying, preventing and mitigating threats.

He further said AI can transform data analysis, improve productivity, streamline tasks, support evidence-based decision-making and foster innovation across the public sector.

Emerson Education director, Mr Faizan Majidhusain, said the partnership reflected a shared vision of preparing Zanzibar’s workforce for the digital economy.

He stressed that the goal went beyond issuing certificates to providing practical skills for productive AI use among civil servants, ICT specialists and youth.

‘Emerson Education stands ready to leverage its experience in professional training and digital skills to assist the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar in building a workforce equipped for digital demands,’ said Mr Majidhusain.

The director of Cybersecurity and Data Protection, Mr Khalfan Mohamed Othman, said technological progress introduces new security vulnerabilities, making continuous skills development vital for operational safety.

‘Through this partnership, we expect to see enhanced professional expertise, cybersecurity awareness, proper AI adoption and innovation in public service delivery,’ said Mr Othman.

The completion of Fumba Port in Zanzibar is expected to boost trade, expand the tax base, and increase government revenue, with the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) planning to install a modern cargo scanner to facilitate faster and more efficient inspections.

TRA Commissioner General Yusuph Mwenda said the authority would install the scanner at the port to improve cargo inspection whilst facilitating the movement of goods entering Zanzibar from different parts of the world.

Mr Mwenda made the remarks on Saturday, August 15, 2026, during his tour of Zanzibar, where he visited Fumba Port and inspected the ongoing construction of the modern facility.

He said the completion of the port would provide TRA with an opportunity to increase revenue collection, which would contribute to financing government operations and development projects.

‘The construction of Fumba Port will further open up Zanzibar economically. Once completed, the port will have the capacity to handle a large number of containers,’ said Mr Mwenda.

He said the scanner would help speed up cargo clearance, facilitate trade, and broaden the tax base, particularly given the large volume of cargo expected to pass through the port once it becomes fully operational.

Mr Mwenda also said TRA would continue engaging taxpayers through visits and consultations to identify and address challenges affecting their businesses promptly.

For his part, Zanzibar Ports Corporation director general, Mr Akif Ali Khamis, said upon completion, Fumba Port would have the capacity to handle approximately 40 containers per hour, equivalent to between 250,000 and 400,000 containers per month.

He said the port would have a length of 350 metres on each side by February 2027, a development expected to improve port operations and increase cargo volumes.

Mr Khamis said the construction of the port was being implemented through cooperation between the government and the private sector.

He welcomed TRA’s decision to install a modern scanner, saying the investment would help increase government revenue and support the implementation of development projects.

He added that port users would also benefit from the facility because they had previously been forced to use ports in neighbouring countries before transporting their cargo to Zanzibar.

Zanzibar Customs Brokers Association (ZFB) chairman, Mr Omar Hussein Mussa, said traders in Zanzibar were ready to cooperate with TRA to help the authority exceed its revenue collection targets for the 2026/27 financial year.

Mr Mussa urged TRA to continue addressing challenges faced by traders, saying timely resolution of tax and business-related issues would encourage voluntary tax compliance and broaden the tax base.

‘We have no problem with paying taxes, and we have always cooperated with TRA by paying taxes voluntarily and presenting the challenges we face,’ said Mr Mussa.

Simba SC made a winning start to their Mainland Tanzania Premier League campaign yesterday after defeating Kagera Sugar 2-0 at Kaitaba Stadium in Bukoba.

The victory puts Simba among the early winners after the opening round of matches, with the club immediately signalling their intention to challenge for the title this season. Simba broke the deadlock shortly before half-time when Ismael Olivier Toure headed home in the 45th minute following a well-delivered corner from Libasse Gueye.

The visitors maintained their advantage after the break before Ellie Mpanzu doubled the lead in the 71st minute following a well-worked attacking move. Kagera Sugar tried to respond, creating pressure as they searched for a way back into the contest, but Simba’s defence remained organised and disciplined. South African defender Rushine De Reuck played a key role in keeping the hosts at bay as Simba dealt with Kagera’s dangerous attacks to secure maximum points.

The result gives Simba an encouraging beginning to their league campaign as they look to mount a strong challenge for domestic honours.

Defending champions Young Africans (Yanga) also started their title defence with a victory, beating Namungo FC 3-1 away from home.

Singida Black Stars recorded the biggest victory among the opening-round winners after defeating Fountain Gate FC 3-0, while Mashujaa edged Coastal Union 1-0 away. Geita Gold FC also began with a victory, beating Mbeya City 1-0 on the road.

Several established teams, however, were unable to collect maximum points. Azam FC were held to a 1-1 draw by Polisi Tanzania, while Pamba Jiji FC also shared the points with Dodoma Jiji FC after the two sides played out a 1-1 draw. The opening round has therefore produced an early indication of a competitive campaign, with Simba and Yanga among the teams expected to fight for the title.

The first round of matches was scheduled to conclude last night when JKT Tanzania hosted TRA United.

Simba will now turn their attention to their next league assignment as they seek to build momentum from their positive opening result and maintain pressure on their domestic rivals.

A Page 1 story on Bongo’s senior-most broadsheet is carrying a story whose headline reads, ‘PM: Sugar surplus now within reach,’ and therein, the scribbler writes in his intro: ‘Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has said Tanzania is on course to eliminate the sugar supply deficit as local factories expand production capacity, paving the way for the country to ACHIEVE SELF-SUFFICIENCY AND GENERATE SURPLUS FOR EXPORT.’

We skip two paragraphs, then we read Para 4 in which our scribbling colleague writes: ‘Dr Mwigulu said increased investment and expansion of sugar factories provided a strong indication that the country would soon ACHIEVE SELF-SUFFICIENCY AND GENERATE SURPLUS FOR EXPORT.

Need we explain why we have put in capitals sections of the two paragraphs we cite above? Well, let us do it.

The reason is, we are bugged by the monotony! In case the scribbler felt a great need to reiterate in Para 4 what the PM is reported as saying in Para 1, rephrasing would be apt so as to avoid blatant monotony.

Below is our suggested rewrite: ‘Dr Mwigulu said increased investment and expansion of sugar factories provided a clear indication that the country would soon BE PRODUCING MORE THAN ITS DOMESTIC REQUIREMENTS AND BECOME AN EXPORTER OF THE SWEETERNER.’

We move to Page 3 where the lead story reads: ‘Tanzania, Eswatini pledge stronger economic ties.’

In Para 3 of the story, the scribbler pens, ‘During a private meeting with King Mswati III…Ambassador Hamad conveyed greetings and goodwill from President Samia and reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to further strengthen the HISTORIC, friendly and brotherly relations between the two nations.’

We have noted it in this space before, let us repeat it: Something ‘historic’ is that which has happened today and we are certain it will, for certain, be remembered thereafter, perhaps for ever and ever!

Then, ‘historical’ is something that happened-or has been there in the past-and still remembered and cherished to date because of its significance.

Like the good and amicable relations that has been there even before independence between the people of Eswatini and those of Tanzania. These are HISTORICAL relations.

And now, some linguistic gemstones from Page 6 of Bongo’s huge and colourful broadsheet of Monday, August 10.

In this one, there is a story entitled, ‘NGO partners with journalists to combat ongoing child marriage in RURAL villages.’

Hello! A ‘village’, by its very nature, is located in a ‘rural area.’ You indulge in tautological nonsense if you qualify it with ‘rural.’ Which is to say, the headline chief should have simply penned, ‘…in villages’ or ‘…in rural areas.’

In Para 5 of this human interest story, our colleague reports further: ‘Despite ongoing efforts by the government…child marriage continues to occur in secret…Many girls are withdrawn from school and FORCED into marriage WITHOUT THEIR CONSENT…’

When you say ‘forced into marriage without consent,’ you are overtly suggesting that a young woman can be coerced while, at the same time, agreeing (consenting) to becoming some crooked man’s wife. Nonsensical, isn’t it?

Which is to say, our fellow scribbler’s sentence should have ended with, ‘…and FORCED into marriage.’ Period! However, if you are keen on verbosity, you may say: ‘…Many girls are withdrawn from school, then GET married WITHOUT THEIR CONSENT…’

Finally, colouring this page is a photo whose caption reads: ‘Stephen Michael, director of production and marketing at the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, briefs journalists FOR Tanzania’s plans to become a net milk exporter, with expected exports valued at US$231 million…’

Hello! Mr Michael was not briefing journalists ‘for’ Tanzania’s plans to become this or that; rather, he was briefing journalists ON Tanzania’s plans to…

Ah, this treacherous language called English!