Category: The Citizen

Nicolas Sarkozy has been released from jail and returned home after his lawyers appealed against his conviction for being part of a criminal conspiracy to seek election funding from Libya. The 70-year-old former president was freed from La Sante prison in Paris shortly before 3pm and departed in a car with tinted windows, escorted by police motorcyclists.

Sarkozy, who was president from 2007 to 2012, had been found guilty of seeking funding for his successful election campaign from Muammar Gaddafi, the late dictator of Libya, and sentenced to five years. He entered La Sante prison in Paris on Oct 21 as the first former head of an EU state to be incarcerated.

During his 21 days in jail, he ate only yoghurt because he refused to eat the meals provided or cook for himself as he “does not know how to cook an egg”, one of his associates told Le Point. A Paris court ruled on Monday that he could be freed immediately, pending an appeal.

The decision means Sarkozy is once again presumed innocent. He will not be allowed to leave France during the process and is forbidden from communicating with anyone in the justice department, including minister Gerald Darmanin.

The justice minister had visited Sarkozy in prison, raising eyebrows across France. In a statement on X on Monday, the former president said: “As I regain my freedom and my family, I want to say how grateful I am to all those who have written to me, supported me and defended me.

Your thousands of messages of support have deeply moved me and given me the strength to endure this ordeal. “The law has been applied.

I will now prepare for the appeal trial. My energy is focused solely on the single goal of proving my innocence.

The truth will prevail. This is a lesson that life teaches us.

“The end of the story remains to be written.” Under French law, he can only be kept behind bars if no other way can be found to safeguard evidence, prevent witness tampering, stop him from escaping or reoffending, or to protect him.

Unlike previous criminal charges for corruption, Sarkozy will not be ordered to wear an electronic ankle tag under the terms of his release. The appeals trial is due to take place in March.

The former leader appeared via video call from prison, wearing a dark blue jacket and flanked by lawyers, saying: “I will never confess to something I didn’t do.” He said he would fight “for the truth to prevail”.

“It’s hard, very hard, certainly for any prisoner. I would even say it’s gruelling,” he said, adding that prison staff had made “this nightmare bearable”.

The former president has spent more than two weeks in La Sante, separated from the general prison population, with two bodyguards occupying a neighbouring cell to ensure his safety. Prison wardens said the guards were an insult to their profession, but Laurent Nunez, the interior minister, insisted they were necessary in view of Sarkozy’s “status” and “the threats against him”.

Sarkozy late last month also received a visit from Gerald Darmanin, the justice minister, despite warnings from Remy Heitz, France’s top prosecutor, that this risked “undermining the independence of magistrates” before the appeals trial. Sarkozy is the first French leader to be incarcerated since Philippe Petain, the Nazi collaborationist head of state jailed after the Second World War.

Sarkozy’s social media account last week posted a video of piles of letters, postcards and packages it said had been sent to him, including a collage, a chocolate bar and a book. On the day he entered jail, a crowd sang the national anthem outside his home and urged him to “come back quick”.

Damien Brunet, a state prosecutor, asked that Sarkozy’s request for release be granted. “The risks of collusion and pressure on witnesses justify the request for release under judicial supervision,” he said.

In the courtroom showing their support were Sarkozy’s wife, the singer and model Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, and two of the former president’s sons. Sarkozy has faced a flurry of legal woes since losing his re-election bid in 2012, and was twice convicted of corruption before the most recent charge.

In the so-called “Libyan case”, prosecutors said aides, acting in Sarkozy’s name, had struck a deal with Gaddafi in 2005 to illegally fund his victorious presidential election bid. Investigators believe that in return, Gaddafi was promised help to restore his international image after Tripoli was blamed for the 1988 bombing of a plane over Lockerbie, Scotland, and another over Niger in 1989, killing hundreds of passengers.

The court convicted Sarkozy of criminal conspiracy over the plan. But it did not conclude that he received or used the funds for his campaign .

Toronto. Barrick Mining Corporation has reported record operating and financial results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2025, supported by higher gold output, strong commodity prices, and lower production costs.

The company produced 829,000 ounces of gold and 55,000 tonnes of copper during the quarter, generating $4.1 billion in revenue, a record $2.4 billion in operating cash flow, and $1.5 billion in free cash flow. Net earnings rose to $1.3 billion, or $0.76 per share, up 62 percent from the previous quarter, while adjusted net earnings increased to $982 million, or $0.58 per share.

Group Chief Operating Officer and Interim President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Hill said the strong performance allowed Barrick to increase shareholder returns and continue funding key growth projects. “Higher gold production combined with lower costs and strong commodity prices drove record cash flow for Barrick in Q3,” he said.

“Given our confidence in ongoing cash flow generation, the Board has approved a 25 percent increase in the base quarterly dividend.” The Board declared a $0.175 per share dividend, including a $0.05 performance dividend, and authorised an additional $500 million share buyback, bringing the total repurchase programme to $1.5 billion through February 2026. Gold production rose 4 percent from the second quarter to 829,000 ounces, while all-in sustaining costs dropped 9 percent to $1,538 per ounce.

Copper production, at 55,000 tonnes, was 7 percent lower quarter-on-quarter, in line with expectations. Cortez and Turquoise Ridge mines recorded production increases of 15 and 13 percent, respectively, while the Pueblo Viejo mine in the Dominican Republic achieved its highest quarterly output since 2022. Barrick also reported three fatalities during the quarter, including one at Tanzania’s Bulyanhulu mine, saying investigations were underway and reaffirming its commitment to “every person going home safe and healthy every day.

” The company advanced several strategic projects, including the Fourmile gold discovery in Nevada, described as one of the most significant finds of this century. Updated studies confirmed its “rare combination of grade, scale, and exploration potential.

” Barrick’s Reko Diq copper-gold project in Pakistan and the Lumwana expansion in Zambia both remain on schedule, with construction accelerating. Meanwhile, Barrick continued to streamline its portfolio, agreeing to sell the Hemlo mine in Canada and its interests in Tongon, Ca’te d’Ivoire, for a combined $1.4 billion, expected to close in the fourth quarter.

Barrick reaffirmed its 2025 production guidance, expecting gold output between 3.15 and 3.

50 million ounces and copper production between 200,000 and 230,000 tonnes. Hill, who assumed the interim CEO role following the departure of Mark Bristow in September, said he had begun an operational review to strengthen safety, efficiency, and shareholder value.

“The quality of our portfolio is undeniable and the opportunity in front of the Barrick team is significant,” he said. “We are focused on driving improved performance, particularly at our Tier One assets in Nevada and the Dominican Republic.

” The Board, chaired by Brett Harvey, has launched a global search for a new CEO, promising a “thorough and deliberate” process to identify a leader capable of sustaining Barrick’s growth momentum. .

Arusha. The East African Community (EAC) has begun implementing a regional instant payment system, starting with a pilot project between Rwanda and Tanzania that is expected to transform the way citizens and businesses transfer money across borders.

The initiative, which entered its technical implementation phase at a high-level meeting in Kigali this week, aims to link Tanzania’s Instant Payment System (TIPS) with Rwanda’s National Payment Switch (RSwitch). Once operational, the system will allow individuals and businesses in both countries to send and receive money directly between bank accounts and mobile wallets in real time, the EAC said in a statement.

EAC Principal Information Technology Officer, Mr Daniel Murenzi, said the development marks a significant milestone in the region’s efforts to build an integrated digital payments ecosystem. “This preparatory work marks a pivotal milestone in our regional payment system integration agenda, moving us closer to a single regional instant payment ecosystem that will facilitate secure, affordable, and real-time transactions across borders,” said Mr Murenzi.

The chairperson of the meeting, Mr Fabian Ladislaus Kasole, who is Assistant Manager for Oversight and Policy at the Bank of Tanzania’s National Payments Directorate, reaffirmed the region’s collective commitment to the integration effort. “As a region, we remain committed to establishing a robust technical and operational framework that will ensure the successful interlinking of our national retail payment systems, ultimately enhancing cross-border payment efficiency and financial inclusion,” he said.

The linkage of Tanzania’s TIPS and Rwanda’s RSwitch forms the core of a Proof of Concept (PoC) pilot designed to demonstrate the technical and operational feasibility of direct, cross-border payment connectivity within the EAC. Officials say the bilateral pilot will serve as a scalable model for future expansion to other EAC partner states, laying the groundwork for a fully integrated and centralised regional digital payments market.

For ordinary citizens, the integration promises to make cross-border transactions faster, simpler, and cheaper. People will be able to send money to family, friends, or businesses across the border in real time from their existing bank accounts or mobile money wallets–cutting out intermediaries and reducing costs.

Businesses are also expected to benefit from instant, secure settlement of payments with suppliers and partners, which will help reduce transaction delays and operational costs while stimulating trade within the region. Boosting financial inclusion By leveraging platforms already used daily by millions, the initiative represents a major leap in advancing financial inclusion.

It will make cross-border payments as seamless as domestic ones, thereby empowering small-scale traders, entrepreneurs, and consumers to participate more fully in the regional economy. The interlinking of national payment systems is part of the implementation of the EAC Cross-Border Payment System Masterplan, which aligns with the strategic goal of the EAC Heads of State to deepen regional financial integration.

The project is being supported by the Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP), funded by the World Bank and coordinated by the EAC Secretariat. EARDIP aims to build a modern, interconnected regional payment ecosystem by strengthening linkages between partner states and promoting interoperability in financial systems.

The programme also focuses on developing both cross-border and local digital networks to ensure rural and remote communities can access faster, safer, and more affordable payment services. It further supports harmonisation of digital financial service policies and standards, including cybersecurity, data protection, and governance frameworks.

Through technical assistance and capacity building, EARDIP seeks to help national institutions strengthen and manage their payment systems, making it easier for citizens and businesses to transact across borders and drive inclusive regional growth. The ongoing technical meeting, taking place from 1014 November 2025 in Kigali, has brought together representatives from central banks, national payment systems, the EAC Secretariat, AfrikaNenda, and the Mojaloop Foundation.

Participants are expected to address key issues including interoperability frameworks, legal and regulatory alignment, governance structures, and regional strategic coordination for the system’s rollout. .

Dodoma/Dar/Upcountry. Tanzanians will on Thursday and Friday be watching President Samia Suluhu Hassan closely as she announces the nominee for Prime Minister and addresses Parliament, respectively.

Citizens are eager to know who will be recommended for the Prime Minister’s post. On Friday, they will also want to hear how the government plans to restore national unity and cohesion following the unrest that accompanied the October 29 General Election.

As Parliament sits for this crucial session to endorse the incoming Prime Minister, anticipation is mounting over the highly awaited announcement. Thursday’s session comes at a pivotal time for the nation, with expectations running high among Members of Parliament regarding the qualities and direction they hope the new leader will embody.

Under Tanzania’s Constitution, President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to present her nomination in the National Assembly, replacing Mr Kassim Majaliwa, whose tenure is coming to an end. MPs will then endorse the nominee through a vote.

But the question on many minds is: who will be the next leader of government business in Parliament? Discussions among lawmakers reveal a clear consensus on the attributes they seek in the incoming Prime Minister. The majority of MPs who spoke to The Citizen at Parliament on Wednesday suggested they want a person of integrity, capable of strong and principled leadership, hard-working and committed to democratic governance.

“We pray that we get a Prime Minister who can provide the public leadership needed to take us to the next level and deliver on citizens’ expectations,” said Ms Ritha Kabati (Kilolo-CCM). MPs emphasised the need for a Prime Minister able to navigate Tanzania’s complex political landscape while providing a clear vision for the country’s future.

“We need someone who can unify the country and bring different factions together,” said Mr Ado Shaibu (Tunduru North -ACT-Wazalendo, reflecting the views of several colleagues. He added: “I wish the country gets a Prime Minister who is responsible, creative, and committed to finding tangible solutions to the problems affecting Tanzanians.

” Similarly, Ms Anne Kilango-Malecela (Same East-CCM) said the country needs a hard-orking Prime Minister who will support the President in meeting Tanzanians’ aspirations, particularly in implementing the 2050 Development Vision. Mr Mwita Waitara (Tarime Rural-CCM) emphasised the importance of continuity.

“We need a leader who will coordinate Parliament with its people because the Prime Minister is the leader of government business,” he said. Speculation over potential candidates has intensified, with political analysts and social media observers scrutinising nominees’ backgrounds, political affiliations, and alignment with the President’s priorities.

Speaker Mussa Azzan Zungu told MPs in Parliament on Wednesday that President Hassan would present her nomination in the morning on Thursday, after which MPs would endorse the name via a vote. He also indicated that the House would elect the next deputy speaker prior to the official inauguration of the 13th Parliament on Friday.

As such, Tanzanians also expect that when President Hassan addresses Parliament on Friday, she will outline the government’s stance on the protests that led to violence and fatalities on and after October 29, the measures being taken to restore normalcy, reduce divisions, advance the new constitution process, and implement her election promises. These expectations were shared by citizens interviewed by The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, two days before the President formally opens the 13th Parliament, marking the second term of her leadership.

Speaking shortly after her inauguration at Chamwino, Dodoma, on November 3, President Hassan indicated that her address to Parliament and the nation would outline her government’s direction. Citizens and scholars alike expect clarity on solutions to the events of October 29 and on how the government intends to prevent recurrence.

Addressing the nation’s challenges A political science scholar at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Prof George Kahangwa, said a president’s first speech to Parliament usually maps out the implementation of plans for a five-year term. It allows the Head of State to explain the government’s intentions and expectations to MPs, who represent the people.

“Given current realities, it is expected that the speech will address the October 29 protests, which resulted in deaths, destruction of public and private property, and multiple legal cases. Tanzanians are eager to hear about reconciliation under the 4R philosophy, election promises within 100 days, and commitments mentioned by Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi during a recent Southern African Development Community (Sadc) virtual meeting,” Prof Kahangwa said.

He noted that citizens are looking forward to comforting words from the President and clear steps on how the government intends to handle these issues. “The public also wants the President to address corruption, disappearances and missing persons.

When the late John Magufuli addressed Parliament, he promised to tackle corruption and mismanagement. Tanzanians now want similar clarity, as poverty and youth unemployment remain linked to corruption.

” Prof Kahangwa emphasised the importance of discussing the new constitution process, as promised during the campaign, economic strategies, and the implementation of the National Vision 2050, particularly in terms of development and economic growth. National cohesion A political science lecturer at the University of Dodoma (UDOM), Dr Conrad Masabo, said the best way to address the October 29 events is for the President to publicly acknowledge that existing disagreements prior to the unrest were a contributing factor.

He expects the speech to acknowledge citizens’ concerns and outline how the government will address outstanding issues. “This allows citizens to provide input, which the government can then use to move forward or develop alternative measures,” Dr Masabo said.

Reconciliation Political analyst and diplomacy expert Thomas Kibwana said reconciliation is expected to feature prominently in the President’s speech, alongside the government’s five-year vision and commitments to future generations, including the establishment of a reconciliation commission and the new constitution process. Condolences and reassurance Civil society organisations are also watching closely.

The Executive Director of Safer World Organisation in Mwanza, Manga Msalaba, said he expects the President to offer condolences to victims of the protests and reassure citizens. “Not all who were killed were protesters.

The President should also outline how the nation will move forward united and strengthen the rule of law,” he said, adding that the speech should clarify when reconciliation efforts will begin, as the absence of such measures contributed to the unrest. The nation’s eyes will remain fixed on Dodoma as Tanzanians await the President’s nominations and address, hopeful that her leadership will provide direction, reassurance, and a pathway to unity and national progress.

Additional reporting by Katare Mbashiru in Dodoma .

Dar es Salaam. Barrick Gold Corporation’s African operations have emerged as the company’s strongest growth driver, posting an exceptional eight percent production increase in the third quarter of 2025, largely powered by higher output from Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The performance cements Africa’s position as Barrick’s best-performing region, contributing the highest year-to-date gold output and the lowest realised costs among all company divisions. According to the firm’s quarterly results released this week, Africa’s attributable earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) jumped by 65 percent quarter-on-quarter, boosted by strong results from the Kibali Mine in the DRC and North Mara in Tanzania.

Kibali, Barrick’s flagship operation in the DRC, recorded a 15 percent production increase in the third quarter, driven by higher mining volumes and improved ore grades. The mine’s processing upgrades cut total cash costs by 7 percent compared to the previous quarter, underscoring operational efficiency gains.

In Tanzania, North Mara exceeded expectations with a 3 percent increase in production. The mine’s combined underground and open-pit operations enhanced extraction efficiency, supported by cost optimisation and improved equipment utilisation across processing plants.

“The Tanzania operations benefited from operational optimisation initiatives that improved equipment utilisation rates and minimised downtime across processing facilities,” reads a statement in the financial results. Barrick said these developments allowed the African region to expand profit margins significantly, benefiting from both increased production and reduced per-ounce costs.

Meanwhile, the company’s Lumwana copper mine in Zambia achieved a milestone by self-funding its major expansion project, even after a 7 percent dip in production during scheduled maintenance. However, the otherwise stellar African performance was tempered by challenges in Mali, where four Barrick employees have been detained since November 2024 amid political and regulatory tensions following the government’s seizure of the Loulo-Gounkoto gold complex.

Despite the disruption, Barrick reaffirmed its full-year guidance, citing strong output in Tanzania and the DRC as key stabilisers of its regional portfolio. The company’s Q3 results show Africa’s operations contributing disproportionately to Barrick’s global revenue of $4.1 billion, reinforcing the continent’s growing strategic importance in the firm’s global mining portfolio.

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Dar es Salaam. For the first time since its creation three years ago under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process at COP27 in Egypt (2022), developing countries hit by climate change can now formally apply for financial support from the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD).

The announcement made on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the ongoing COP30 climate summit in Belem, Brazil, marks a breakthrough for nations already suffering from droughts, floods, sea-level rise, and other irreversible effects of global warming. At the centre of this new phase is the Barbados Implementation Plan (BIM), a detailed framework outlining how the FRLD will operate, receive, and distribute funds.

Under the BIM, developing countries can submit project proposals between mid-December 2025 and mid-June 2026, with the first approvals expected in July 2026. An initial $250 million (Sh625 billion) has been allocated to support projects addressing climate-induced loss and damage, including destroyed infrastructure, displaced communities, damaged ecosystems, and cultural heritage. “This first call for proposals will help test, learn, and shape the fund’s long-term operating model,” said FRLD Co-Chair Jean-Christophe Donnellier, adding: “It is an important signal to developing countries that support is now available.

” Tanzania and other African voices During the official launch of the BIM, Tanzania’s Special Envoy and Advisor to the President on Environment and Climate Change, Dr Richard Muyungi, said the move marks both real progress and a test of global solidarity. “We welcome the launch of the BIM because it represents significant progress,” said Dr Muyungi, adding, however, that current estimates for economic losses in 2025 alone range from $128 billion to $937 billion (Sh500 billion to over Sh2.3 trillion).

He emphasised that COP30 must go beyond symbolic pledges and secure firm political commitment for “significant capitalisation” when the FRLD begins its first replenishment cycle in 2027. The Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group, representing 44 nations across Africa, Asia-Pacific, and the Caribbean, echoed this call in a joint statement urging “rapid, direct, and effective disbursement” of resources to countries already facing climate-induced devastation. The group also welcomed the decision to start the replenishment process by 2027, noting that predictable funding cycles are vital to meeting the escalating needs of vulnerable nations on the climate frontline.

Civil society pushes for greater ambition Youth and gender activists say that while the FRLD’s operational launch is historic, the scale of available funding remains far from sufficient. Director of Hudefo and Lead Coordinator for Youth and Gender within the AGN, Ms Sarah Pima, said the fund’s current resources “represent only a fraction of what is required.

” “Climate disasters are escalating, yet we are talking about millions when losses already run into hundreds of billions,” she said, citing Hurricane Melissa, which recently caused an estimated $7 billion in damages across Jamaica and the Philippines. FRLD Executive Director, Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, acknowledged the funding gap but assured that efforts to mobilise additional financing are underway.

“We are aware that $250 million is not enough. But this first phase will help us learn, adjust, and attract more partners to scale up resources,” he said.

A long-awaited step towards climate justice The move has been welcomed across Africa and other developing regions as a long-awaited sign of progress in the global push for climate justice. The Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group Chair, Mr Evans Njewa, called it “a practical step toward justice, long awaited by communities on the frontlines of the crisis.

” He added that the fund must deliver “fast, simple, and accessible support with fair and flexible conditions for countries facing the harsh realities of climate change.” However, despite the celebration, experts warn that the available resources are drastically below what is required.

A report by the Independent High-Level Expert Group on Climate Finance estimates that developing countries could need between $200 billion and $400 billion annually by 2030 to address loss and damage. Yet so far, donor nations have pledged just $788 million, less than 0.

2 percent of the annual requirement. Of that amount, only $583 million has been converted into contribution agreements, and less than $400 million has been disbursed.

The numbers behind the fund Under the BIM, the FRLD will accept proposals for projects worth between $5 million and $20 million. However, given the limited $250 million pool, only a handful of proposals can be financed.

Experts urge developing nations to submit as many proposals as possible, arguing that oversubscription would send a strong political signal to scale up the fund. If not replenished swiftly, the fund could run dry by 2027, as its remaining reserves of about $157 million would be insufficient to sustain new commitments.

Analysts warn that developing countries collectively need at least $400 billion annually to address loss and damage, while scientific estimates suggest global economic losses from climate impacts could reach $395 billion in 2025 alone. For now, the FRLD’s opening call represents a small but symbolic step forward.

The real challenge, observers say, lies in ensuring that “the fund’s promises turn into tangible support for the world’s most vulnerable.” .

By Katare Mbashiru Dodoma. Speaker of the National Assembly, Mussa Azzan Zungu, has outlined his top legislative priorities for the 13th Parliament, including the long-standing quest for a new constitution.

Zungu, 73, the eighth top leader of the august House since independence, shared his plans for the new session, which opened here yesterday following his election by Members of Parliament (MPs) to succeed Dr Tulia Ackson. Out of 383 MPs who cast their votes, 378 backed Zungu, who also serves as the MP for Ilala.

He contested the post against five opposition candidates: Veronica Charles (NRA), Anitha Mgaya (NLD), Chrisant Ndege (DP), Ndonge Said Ndonge (AAFP), and Amin Yongo (ADC). In his acceptance speech after being sworn in by House Clerk Baraka Leonard, Zungu pledged impartiality in running parliamentary sessions, vowing to adhere strictly to the constitution, laws, and standing orders.

“My office will be open at all times, and I shall welcome any queries on how best we can run parliamentary business,” he said, emphasising the need to strengthen the link between Parliament and Tanzanians. Responding to a question from Tunduru North MP Ado Shaibu (ACT-Wazalendo) on pushing for the new constitution, Zungu said the agenda aligned with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s priorities for her second term.

“The President has made the constitution agenda a priority. As Speaker, I will ensure this quest is realised,” he said.

Calls for a new constitution have intensified among Tanzanians seeking improvements in governance, human rights, justice, and the rule of law. Observers say its enactment will be a litmus test for both government and Parliament.

Commenting on Zungu’s new role, Shaibu said: “I am glad he pledged to lead a House that does justice to all and is ready to supervise the process for a new constitution.” Hai MP Saasisha Mafuwe added that he was confident in Zungu’s leadership, noting the Speaker’s commitment to equality and inclusivity in Parliament.

About Zungu Mussa Azzan Zungu is a CCM politician who has served in Parliament since 2005. He was Chairperson of Parliament from 2012 to 2021 and Deputy Speaker from 2022 until his election as Speaker of the 13th Parliament. He also served as Chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security for more than 16 years and has worked under four different Speakers, gaining extensive parliamentary and administrative experience.

Internationally, Zungu has represented the Tanzanian Parliament in the ACPEU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, led the Tanzania Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), and participated in study visits to over 23 countries. In government, he served as Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), gaining experience in government administration and Union cooperation matters.

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Dar es Salaam. Prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) have surged in some parts of Dar es Salaam, as unscrupulous dealers reportedly exploit recent election-related chaos to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers.

A random survey by The Citizen in some parts of the city revealed such trend. In Goba for instance, a 15kg gas cylinder is now selling for Sh60,000, up from Sh58,000. In Toangoma (Temeke) and Mbezi Luis, the same cylinder has risen from Sh55,000 to Sh58,000. A 6kg Oryx Gas cylinder now costs Sh25,000, up from Sh24,000. However, an official from Oryx said the company had not adjusted its prices.

“We have not announced any price changes, but some dealers could be taking advantage of the recent unrest to cash in on consumers,” said a company official who requested anonymity. Residents across the city have expressed growing concern over the price surge, which has made cooking gas increasingly unaffordable for many households.

They said the abrupt hike has disrupted their daily routines, forcing some families to revert to charcoal and firewood despite government efforts to promote cleaner energy sources. A resident of Goba Lastanza, Ms Halima Juma, said the price increase came without notice or clear explanation, leaving families struggling to adjust their budgets.

“We call on the government and energy regulators to intervene and stabilise prices. This trend could undermine environmental conservation efforts and increase deforestation as people return to traditional fuels,” she said.

A small food vendor from Mbezi Luis, Sharon Aweso, expressed frustration, noting that the higher gas prices have squeezed their profits and may push food prices even higher. “We urge the authorities to ensure fair pricing and transparency in the LPG supply chain to protect ordinary Tanzanians from further hardship,” she said.

According to the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (Ewura), LPG imports increased by 38 percent to 403,638 metric tonnes in the 2023/24 financial year, up from 293,167 metric tonnes the previous year. The increase was attributed to ongoing government and private-sector campaigns promoting the use of clean energy sources over traditional fuels such as charcoal.

Oryx Gas led the market with a 35.2 percent share, followed by Taifa Gas Tanzania Limited with 32.1 percent. Manjis Gas, O Gas, Lake Gas, and Orange followed with 15.8, 7.

9, 5.7, and 1.

9 percent respectively. The Executive Director of the Tanzania LPG Association, Amos Jackson, said the association could not speak for individual companies, as prices are determined by competition.

“The regulation of fuel and gas prices is still in progress. EWURA knows that price setting is at the discretion of each company, which must maintain fair and reasonable prices that don’t exploit consumers,” he said.

He added that if any company or distributor raises prices unfairly, EWURA has the authority to intervene. “Some local agents may have increased prices depending on location, but they are not allowed to do so arbitrarily as that contravenes regulations,” he added.

Authorities continue to monitor the market closely, as LPG prices remain largely influenced by global fuel trends. .

Nairobi. Ethiopia and Kenya are turning to the Chinese yuan, seeking relief from the high cost of dollar-denominated debts.

They have become the first African countries to announce yuan-based debt-swap arrangements, signaling a shift in the region’s financial landscape as Beijing rushes to deepen its economic and monetary footprint. The two countries, both heavily indebted to China, said the move will allow them to partially repay Chinese loans in yuan instead of dollars, cushioning their economies against foreign exchange volatility and easing pressure on their reserves.

A Kenyan economic analyst cautioned the sustainability of these arrangements, saying they depends on how much African countries can export to China. “Short-term, authorities appear confident of lower interest expenses.

But long-term success depends on trade patterns, because availability of the currency to pay off those loans is also very important,” Mentoria Economics Chief Economist, Ken Gichinga told bird in an interview. Early October, Kenya’s Treasury said $3.5 billion USD of it bilateral debt to China will now be restructured under the new framework, allowing repayments through yuan accounts held at the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) with the Bank of China.

In the same month, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance and the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) announced that part of the country’s external debt to China will also be serviced in yuan. Ethiopia’s apex bank said Addis Ababa had opened talks with the Export Import Bank of China (China Eximbank) and the People’s Bank of China to swap part of its $5.38 billion Chinese loans into yuan.

The move comes as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) described Ethiopia’s debt as “unsustainable,” warning of growing distress due to falling reserves and missed repayments. “Ethiopia’s debt is assessed to be unsustainable, mainly due to protracted breaches of export related external debt indicators and a weak Debt Carrying Capacity,” the IMF said, noting that the country remains in debt distress following a missed Eurobond interest payment in December 2023. While yuan-based debt restructuring offers a big relief for Kenya, Ethiopia and other African countries, analysts say the long-term picture may be more complex than governments expect.

“Many African countries are looking at the short-term gain of lower interest rates, but I think many of them are discounting how much they’ll be able to sell to China. The assumption that China’s domestic market will absorb large volumes of African exports could be overly optimistic,” explained Gichinga.

According to the economist, China’s domestic demand remains weak following the COVID-19 pandemic and a slowdown in consumption. The Chinese economy is focusing more on exporting than on domestic demand, raising trade volume concerns for countries seeking to export to the Asian economy.

Similarly, while access to yuan might be cheaper, according to Gichinga, the pool of the Chinese currency in global markets is still small to counter the US dollar. “If you look at most of our exports like tea, coffee, avocados, they are paid for in dollars.

Even diaspora remittances, which form a big part of our foreign inflows, are 50 percent from the US. So, to make this work, we must boost exports to China to earn yuan,” he said.

According to the CBK’s June 2025 Quarterly Economic Review, the yuan accounted for 5 percent of Kenya’s official foreign reserves. The US dollar still dominates at 59.7 percent, followed by the euro at 27.3 percent.

Over the last 15 years, China has grown into Africa’s large trading partner with bilateral trade reaching $296 billion in 2024, according to the Ministry of Commerce of China. Chinese exports to Africa accounted for $179 billion, while African exports to China grew steadily, aided recently by Beijing’s zero tariff policy for Least Developed Countries that took effect in December 2024. “China has signed a framework agreement on economic partnership for shared development with more than 20 African countries and is actively promoting modular negotiations.

This stands in sharp contrast with the U.S.

action of imposing tariff wars on all African countries,” the Chinese ministry said in a June statement. China has been pushing for a new Africa financial engagement framework anchored on its Cross Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS), which is Beijing’s alternative to the US dominated SWIFT network, to promote the yuan as a global settlement and reserve currency.

According to the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), CIPS now connects over 1,600 financial institutions in nearly 120 countries. (bird story agency), with a growing number of African banks joining as indirect participants through Chinese correspondent banks.

In June 2025, the African Export Import Bank (Afreximbank) and South Africa based, Standard Bank Group, became direct CIPS participants. Afreximbank’s entry followed the issuance of its first Panda bond worth $303 million in China’s interbank market in March, marking a milestone for African access to yuan denominated capital.

Gichinga said Africa’s growing participation in yuan-denominated systems offers diversification and geopolitical resilience. “For a long time, the global financial architecture has been backed by dollars and SWIFT.

After the Russia-Ukraine war, when Russia was kicked out of SWIFT, many countries saw the need for an alternative system. This is part of diversification and risk management so that you’re not locked out if you ever disagree with Western powers,” he explained.

De-dollarisation he said has been unfolding gradually over two decades with about 80% of global trade in early 2000 conducted in dollars and has been coming down to nearly half the rate today. “Today, it’s probably half of that.

It’s part of a multipolar world order with the rise of blocs like BRICS slowly reshaping the global economy,” said Gichinga. Other African countries are also looking east.

Egypt’s central bank held talks with the People’s Bank of China in July 2025 to enable bilateral trade settlements in local currencies and discuss Egypt’s planned Panda bond issuance in China’s market. Zambia is also reported to be monitoring Kenya and Ethiopia’s yuan deals as it considers similar debt restructuring options.

Nigeria, South Africa, and Angola have already established yuan-based trade and financing frameworks through their central bank agreements with Beijing. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s political landscape has entered a new chapter of cautious optimism following the release of senior opposition figures detained after the October 29 General Election.

Their release, coming shortly after the government renewed its pledge for national reconciliation, has raised hopes that the country may be moving towards genuine unity and healing. The four opposition leaders from Chadema John Heche, Amani Golugwa, Boniface Jacob, and Godbless Lema were released on bail on Monday after days of uncertainty.

Their arrests had become emblematic of broader political tension following the disputed polls, during which security agencies detained over 240 people, many facing serious charges including treason and terrorism. The development came soon after Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi, speaking on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan at a Southern African Development Community (SADC) emergency summit, reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to “a successful reconciliation process that will restore peace, stability and unity, the core values that have long defined our nation.

” For many observers, the timing of these events is significant, signalling what could be the government’s first tangible step towards translating its reconciliation rhetoric into action. Party response But Chadema’s Deputy Chairman for the Mainland John Heche said yesterday that the party would issue a statement regarding the recent arrests and bail releases.

Mr Heche clarified that the release of the leaders was purely procedural and not the result of any agreement. He, along with three other officials–the Acting Deputy Secretary-General Amani Golugwa, Central Committee Member Godbless Lema, and Coastal Regional Chairman Boniface Jacob–were released after being detained at different times.

Golugwa, Lema, and Jacob were arrested on the same day, a few hours after police announced they were being sought, while Mr Heche had been in custody for nearly two weeks. “There have been no discussions with anyone.

People should not spread propaganda that we were released through any agreement. No such agreement exists,” he said.

Mr Heche stressed their confidence in their innocence and called for the unconditional release of others held outside proper legal procedures. He also noted that they were instructed to report again tomorrow at 10am.

Arrests and background On October 18, Mr Heche, preparing to travel to Kenya for the funeral of veteran politician Raila Odinga, was stopped at the Sirari border by immigration officials, who seized his travel documents. A video circulated on social media showed an altercation at the Tarime border.

Immigration later claimed Mr Heche had left the country without following legal procedures under the Immigration Act, Chapter 54. Heche denied this, saying he remained in his village in Tarime. On October 22, he was arrested at the High Court in Dar es Salaam while attending proceedings in the case of party chairman Tundu Lissu.

Following his arrest, Mr Heche’s lawyer, Hekima Mwasipu, stated on November 5 that he was alleged to be involved in acts associated with terrorism linked to the unrest of October 29. On November 8, the police announced that eight senior Chadema officials and two others were being sought over alleged looting, property destruction, and violence during election-day unrest. The list included Secretary-General John Mnyika, Central Committee Member Godbless Lema, Coastal Regional Chairman Boniface Jacob, Youth Council Chairman Deogratius Mahinyila, Communications Director Brenda Rupia, cadre Hilda Newton, Acting Deputy Secretary-General Amani Golugwa, Award Kalonga, Machumu Maximilian ‘Mwanamapinduzi,’ and Bishop Josephat Gwajima.

On November 11, Lema, Golugwa, and Jacob were arrested and later released on bail at different times. Political analysts weigh in Political analyst Ben Mganda told The Citizen that the releases are a significant gesture of goodwill.

“The government appears to be acknowledging that post-election political tension requires a softer, more inclusive approach,” he said. “Releasing high-profile opposition figures sends a message that dialogue, not confrontation, is the way forward.

” Dr Mganda added that President Hassan’s administration now faces the delicate task of converting goodwill into structured national dialogue. “Reconciliation cannot be achieved through words alone.

It needs frameworks, truth-telling platforms, inclusive dialogue, and legal reforms that ensure fairness for all actors.” Building bridges, not walls Calls for national reconciliation have grown since the election.

Civil society groups and religious leaders urge measures that go beyond political accommodation, emphasising justice, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all citizens. Human rights advocate Fatma Mdee said the release of opposition leaders should be seen as “a doorway to healing,” but warned that reconciliation will only be meaningful if anchored in truth and justice.

“People suffered during the unrest. Some lost loved ones, property and dignity.

To reconcile genuinely, we must first recognise the pain. The government’s gesture is commendable, but it should also address accountability–why arrests happened and how to prevent them in future,” she said.

Tanzania has long prided itself on being a beacon of peace and stability in Africa. However, recent political tensions have tested that image.

Analysts say the reconciliation promise presents an opportunity to rebuild public trust in state institutions, particularly the justice and security systems criticised for their handling of post-election unrest. Political scientist Leonard Komba said the release of Chadema figures could mark a “reset moment”.

“Reconciliation is not just about repairing relationships between the government and the opposition; it’s about restoring citizens’ faith in the system. If the authorities follow this gesture with consistent actions, such as reviewing laws that restrict political space, it could usher in a new era of inclusivity,” he said.

Beyond politics Reconciliation also carries economic and social implications. Economists warn that continued political tension discourages investment and hinders development.

Unity, on the other hand, fosters stability and growth. Governance researcher Irene Mushi said: “When people see their leaders choosing dialogue over detention, confidence in the economy rises.

Investors want predictability and peace. Political reconciliation is therefore not only about healing wounds, it’s about reviving the economy.

” While it remains too early to tell whether the release of opposition figures marks the full beginning of reconciliation, experts agree that the gesture offers a window of opportunity for Tanzania to chart a more united path. .