Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. As defending champions, Young Africans (Yanga) are at the summit of the Mainland Tanzania Premier League standings, but coaches have said it is too early to predict the winners of this year’s season.

Yanga have earned 10 points from four matches, winning three and drawing one. Their strong start has placed them ahead of arch-rivals Simba, who sit second with nine points from three matches, one game fewer than Yanga.

The early-season table underscores the league’s competitiveness. Mbeya City, Dodoma Jiji, and Mashujaa each have eight points from six matches, showing several clubs are keeping pace with the traditional front-runners.

Singida Black Stars, JKT Tanzania, and Fountain Gate have seven points apiece, while Tanzania Prisons, Pamba, and Namungo sit mid-table with six points each. Further down, Azam FC, Mtibwa Sugar, and Coastal Union are on five points, with Tabora United and Kinondoni United struggling at the bottom with three points each.

Despite Yanga’s top spot, Singida Black Stars head coach Miguel Gamondi urged caution. “It is impossible to predict the winner this season given the current trends.

“We have played only a few matches, some teams three, others four, and some six. Let’s wait until all teams have played the same number of matches; only then can we see the true trend, “said Gamondi, who also serves as the interim head coach of the Tanzania National Football team, Taifa Stars.

Gamondi believes the league still holds plenty of surprises, with several clubs likely to bounce back as the season progresses. Similarly, KMC head coach Marcio Maximo emphasized that the league is still in its early stages.

“The season has just begun, and it is impossible to predict the winner before at least 10 matches have been played. With 30 matches in total, trends only start to become clear after the tenth round,” said the Brazilian tactician.

Maximo noted that the small differences in matches played between teams, two or three games, are insufficient to draw conclusions. Maximo also highlighted the potential impact of the upcoming mid-season player registration window, which could significantly alter the standings.

“Some teams will strengthen their squads for the second round, which may completely change the league dynamics,” he added. The league is shaping up to be intensely competitive.

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Dar es Salaam. More than 200 local transport sector experts have undergone training focused on agency operations, customer care, passenger safety, workplace discipline, occupational health and safety, as well as the Kaizen model–a continuous improvement approach aimed at enhancing efficiency and service quality.

The Kaizen approach, a Japanese philosophy, promotes continuous improvement through small, incremental changes made by all employees to enhance processes, quality, and efficiency. It emphasises a mindset of “change for the better” and the active involvement of everyone within an organisation.

Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit Agency (Dart) Acting Operations Manager, Mr Joseph Lubilo, said in a statement that the training seeks to equip officers employed by Mofat Bus Company with the necessary skills to manage passenger services effectively and maintain high levels of professionalism. “As you are aware, we have begun training our newly recruited Mofat personnel who will be providing services on the new buses.

The buses are new, the route is new, and the employees are new. ” We therefore found it important to take them through the responsibilities they are expected to fulfill, especially in supervising the proper delivery of services to passengers,” he said.

The initiative is part of Dart’s wider efforts to strengthen service delivery across the transport sector. Mr Lubilo noted that once the training is completed, Dart will be responsible for monitoring and inspecting the officers to ensure that they perform their duties in line with the signed contract.

“After understanding their responsibilities, we will have the opportunity to visit and assess them to ensure they are working according to the terms of the agreement,” he added. According to Dart, the two-day training programme targets newly recruited officers who will operate along the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Phase Two corridor, which runs from the city centre to Mbagala.

Participants include transport officers, operations officers, and passenger service attendants. .

Dar es Salaam. Catholic Church leaders in Tanzania have called for continued prayers and national reflection to foster peace grounded in justice.

They warned that the country risks losing its dignity and unity if violence and unrest persist. Their message, delivered during special requiem Masses across several regions, urged Tanzanians to acknowledge the underlying causes of recent unrest and seek honest mediators committed to repentance, reconciliation, and truth.

The bishops’ call comes days after violent protests erupted in various parts of the country following the October 29 general election, resulting in loss of life, injuries, and destruction of public and private property. In Dar es Salaam, the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese, Juda Thadeus Ruwa’ichi, expressed during the November 10 Mass at St.

Joseph’s Cathedral that the incidents had wounded the nation and tainted its honor. “The country has not only lost its dignity but also its citizens, who were killed unjustly.

Some were shot dead while protesting, but the penalty for protesting is not death by bullet. Others were even followed and killed in their own homes.

This does not reflect Tanzania in any way and is an abomination before God,” said Archbishop Ruwa’ichi. He further lamented the nation’s loss of vision for justice, stressing that many now speak of peace without recognizing that true peace cannot exist without justice.

“Justice is the foundation of peace. We must remember that.

When we abandon justice, we lose the very essence of peace,” he stated. Quoting scripture, he reminded Christians that causing harm or scandal is detestable to God.

“As we pray for our brothers and sisters who lost their lives during the election week, let us ask God to grant us the wisdom and courage to act justly and truthfully,” he added. A call for healing and reflection In Mbeya, Archbishop Gervas Nyaisonga explained that the decision to hold the special Mass was inspired by six key intentions: to pray for the deceased, the injured, and the missing; to console those who lost property; to encourage national reflection; and to seek healing from God.

He noted that incidents of violence before and after the election had claimed lives and caused extensive property damage, particularly in the Mbeya and Songwe regions. “This year’s election has resulted in the deaths of both the guilty and the innocent–children, youth, elders, women, men, civilians, and even police officers.

On November 4, I witnessed long lines of people buying coffins and funeral processions leaving Mbeya in sorrow,” he said. Archbishop Nyaisonga added that the tragedy was so widespread that it was difficult to determine who should be consoled first.

“We are mourning as a nation. The losses are too many, but perhaps God allowed this to awaken us from the slumber that made us forget essential values,” he reflected.

He urged citizens to re-examine the moral and social direction of the nation. “We must accept that there were fundamental reasons that led us here.

We need sincere mediators–people willing to repent and help us uncover the roots of the problem so that no one exploits these crises for personal gain,” he said. Time for national repentance In Arusha, Archbishop Isaac Amani issued a pastoral letter on November 7, calling on Tanzanians to unite in prayer, fasting, and deep reflection following the violence witnessed during the October 29 election.

He expressed sorrow over the deaths, injuries, and destruction that occurred in various cities, stating that these incidents shocked the world and tarnished the image of a nation long admired for its peace. “What happened that day shocked both us and the world.

Tanzania was reborn in sorrow. I urge all believers to pray for those who lost their lives, the injured, and those mourning their loved ones,” said Archbishop Amani.

He noted that the violence left physical and psychological scars, especially among children who witnessed brutality in their homes. “The nation must now seek healing and comfort from God while reflecting on its respect for life and human dignity,” he said, quoting the Book of Jeremiah: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping” (Jeremiah 31:15).

Archbishop Amani compared the current national wounds to the biblical story of Cain and Abel, warning that anger and hatred can destroy fraternity. “We have abandoned brotherhood and turned against one another.

The voice of your brother’s blood cries out from the ground,” he said. He urged all religious leaders and citizens to continue reciting the “Tanzania Justice and Peace” prayer until the nation finds divine restoration.

Protect the sanctity of life In Musoma, Bishop Michael Msonganzila reminded Christians that all humans are created in the image of God, including both the victims and perpetrators of violence. “We must become defenders of life.

Catechists should teach people the meaning of life–it is a sacred gift meant to glorify God. Our message is clear: do not kill,” he said.

Bishop Msonganzila reported incidents of killings in several regions, adding that while Kagera was largely peaceful, the overall situation remains grave. .

Arusha. The East African Community (EAC) recorded robust growth in international merchandise trade during the second quarter of 2025, signalling renewed economic momentum and improving global competitiveness across the region.

According to the latest EAC Quarterly Statistics Bulletin released on Monday, November 10, 2025, total trade rose by 28.4 percent to $38.2 billion, up from $29.7 billion in the same period of 2024. The sharp increase was driven by exceptional export performance, with exports jumping by 40.5 percent to $18.6 billion, reflecting strong global demand for EAC-produced goods. Imports rose more modestly by 18.8 percent to $19.6 billion.

As a result, the region’s trade deficit narrowed significantly, from $3.2 billion a year earlier to $0.9 billion in the second quarter of 2025, marking a notable improvement in the bloc’s external position. Trade with other African countries expanded by 42.9 percent to $9.3 billion, now accounting for nearly a quarter of total EAC trade.

Intra-EAC trade also strengthened, rising by 24.5 percent to $4.6 billion, equivalent to 12.1 percent of total trade. The Community continued to deepen its commercial links with Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) and Souther African Development Community (Sadc), which contributed 9.9 percent and 15.2 percent, respectively, to the region’s trade portfolio. China, the UAE, South Africa, Hong Kong, and Singapore remained the dominant destinations for EAC exports, collectively absorbing 62.8 percent of total outbound shipments, up from 40.1 percent last year.

Malaysia and South Africa recorded the strongest quarter-on-quarter growth in demand for EAC goods. High-value commodities continued to underpin export performance.

The top five, copper, precious stones and metals, coffee and tea, mineral fuels, and ores, accounted for 79.6 percent of total exports, reflecting growing specialisation in globally competitive products. On the import side, China maintained its lead as the largest supplier, accounting for $4.7 billion or 24.2 percent of total imports.

The UAE, India, South Africa, and Japan also remained key partners, jointly contributing more than half of the region’s import bill. Petroleum products, machinery, vehicles, precious metals, plastics, and iron and steel dominated the list of imported items, signalling continued investment in infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing.

Despite the strong trade performance, inflationary pressures remained a challenge across the region. The EAC’s annual headline inflation stood at 22.7 percent in June 2025, slightly lower than May’s 24.0 percent but still far above the 13.7 percent recorded in June 2024. The report attributed the elevated figure to steep price increases in South Sudan (179.4 percent) and Burundi (34.1 percent).

On average, headline inflation for the 2024/25 financial year rose to 23.0 percent, up sharply from 6.6 percent the previous year.

Core inflation, excluding food and energy, eased to 19.3 percent in June from 23.6 percent in May, though still well above the 15.0 percent recorded a year earlier, indicating persistent underlying price pressures. Short-term interest rates rose in most EAC economies during the quarter, except in Kenya, where the 91-day Treasury bill rate dropped by 70 basis points to 8.

2 percent. Uganda and Burundi recorded the highest rates at 11.2 percent and 8.

6 percent, respectively. Lending rates fell in Kenya and Tanzania but rose in Uganda, which saw an increase of 140 basis points.

Deposit rates remained largely stable, with Tanzania recording the only notable rise of 70 basis points. South Sudan posted the widest interest rate spread at 13.7 percent, while Tanzania had the narrowest at 6.

5 percent, reflecting varying monetary policy environments across the region. Regional money supply (M3) expanded by 19.1 percent year-on-year, driven by a 19.2 percent rise in private-sector credit, an indication of ongoing monetary expansion and growing business confidence.

Overall, the EAC’s strong trade performance in the second quarter of 2025 underscores an increasingly dynamic and diversified regional economy. The narrowing trade deficit, surging exports, and steady intra-African trade expansion point to improving integration and resilience.

The EAC Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a competitive business environment, enhancing value addition, and promoting shared prosperity among Partner States. .

Dar es Salaam. The rising tendency of pharmacies in Tanzania to sell medicines, especially antibiotics, without requiring a doctor’s prescription is causing mounting concern among public health experts.

They warn that the widespread practice risks escalating into a serious health emergency if left unchecked. Pharmacies, originally intended to dispense medicines strictly on medical prescription, are increasingly turning into unofficial treatment points, where patients can obtain drugs without ever consulting a doctor.

According to the Pharmacy Council of Tanzania, medicines such as antimalarial drugs like ArtemetherLumefantrine (ALU) and antibiotics including Amoxicillin and Doxycycline are listed as prescription-only, meaning they should only be issued under a doctor’s written authorisation. In reality, however, the situation on the ground tells a different story.

Many Tanzanians now rely almost entirely on pharmacies for diagnosis and treatment, often bypassing hospitals altogether. While the convenience is undeniable, experts caution that the risks are grave, with one of the most dangerous consequences being the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a condition where bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens evolve to resist the drugs designed to kill them.

A global and local concern The issue is far from isolated. A global study published in The Lancet revealed that antimicrobial resistance was linked to 4.

71 million deaths worldwide, with about 24 percent of those deaths directly attributed to drug resistance rather than underlying health conditions. If unchecked, experts predict that AMR-related deaths could rise by 70 percent by 2050, with sub-Saharan Africa among the regions expected to be worst affected.

Closer to home, research conducted by Dr Pendo Ndaki of the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS) in Mwanza showed that 89 percent of pharmacy workers dispense antibiotics for urinary tract infections without prescriptions, while 87 percent admit to offering incomplete doses based solely on patients’ symptoms rather than diagnostic tests. A casual test conducted in Sinza, Dar es Salaam, confirmed how common the practice has become in urban settings.

After walking into a local pharmacy and complaining of symptoms associated with gonorrhoea–without any prescription–a reporter was handed a syringe and medication and instructed to go to another pharmacy for administration. The attendant admitted she was “afraid” to administer the injection herself.

In another pharmacy, a full course of malaria medication was sold within minutes after merely describing fever-like symptoms. When the experiment was repeated at 30 pharmacies in the city, posing as patients with different ailments such as ulcers and urinary tract infections–20 of them provided medicines without asking for a prescription or medical history.

Some attendants claimed they had received informal medical training or experience during hospital field placements, which they now rely on to advise patients. “After college, I did fieldwork at a hospital and learned how to assist patients.

That’s what I use today,” said one pharmacy worker who requested anonymity. Another attendant admitted that the behaviour is partly customer-driven.

“The patient often insists that their doctor told them to buy the medicine, and because I also need to make a sale, I give them what they want,” she said. However, some attendants were more cautious.

Those unsure of a customer’s background or seriousness demanded prescriptions, while others relied on appearances and confidence levels to decide whom to serve. Government responds According to the Government Chief Pharmacist, Daudi Msasi, misuse of medicines, especially antibiotics, remains one of the leading causes of antimicrobial resistance both locally and globally.

Citing studies, he noted that more than half of Tanzanian patients use medicines without professional guidance, often purchasing them directly from pharmacies or reusing leftover drugs at home. Mr Msasi said the government is implementing the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, which promotes rational medicine use, disease prevention, improved laboratory diagnostics, and public awareness.

“The government, through the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA) and the Pharmacy Council, has strengthened regulatory oversight of pharmacies to curb the sale of medicines without a doctor’s prescription,” he told The Citizen. Among the ongoing interventions, he mentioned the nationwide awareness campaign ‘Holela Holela Itakukosti’–loosely translated as ‘Reckless Use Will Cost You’, which has so far reached about 24.7 million people.

The initiative has been recognised by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) as one of the continent’s most impactful public health campaigns. Although no specific region has been identified as having the highest rate of malpractice, Dar es Salaam remains the country’s largest pharmacy hub, hosting 1,345 registered outlets, or 47 percent of all pharmacies nationwide.

Authorities attribute this to the city’s large population and growing demand for quick health services. To enhance enforcement, the Pharmacy Council recently established an Eastern Zone Office in Dar es Salaam and equipped it with additional staff and vehicles to improve inspection coverage.

During the 2024/2025 financial year, a total of 1,768 pharmacies were inspected out of the 3,302 registered nationwide, according to official figures. For many Tanzanians, pharmacies have become the first–and sometimes only–point of medical care.

Residents interviewed by The Citizen said they often resort to pharmacies because of long queues, limited staff, and high consultation costs in hospitals. “I only go to the hospital when it’s very serious.

For fever or flu, I just buy painkillers or antibiotics from a nearby pharmacy and it’s gone,” said Gladness Aloyce, an entrepreneur based in Sinza. Another resident, Deogratius John, said the efficiency of pharmacies makes them more appealing than hospitals.

“I once went to hospital but the queue was too long. I went to a pharmacy instead, got tested for malaria, and received medication immediately.

Since then, I’ve been advising others to do the same,” he said. For Sabrina Jumanne, who suffers from severe menstrual pain, pharmacy-based painkillers have become her main source of relief.

“They work for me. I’ve never felt the need to go to the hospital,” she said.

“Using these medicines has really become part of our lives,” she added. “I get faster service instead of wasting hours at the hospital.

” Shakira Ahmadi, another resident, agreed. “Unless it’s a serious illness, I don’t see the point of going to the hospital.

For things like headaches or stomach pain, I just go to the pharmacy and buy medicine as long as the attendant is helpful,” she said. The legal framework The Pharmacy (Prescription Handling and Control) Regulations, 2020 prohibit any person from selling or dispensing prescription-only medicines without a valid prescription issued by a licensed medical practitioner.

Anyone found violating the regulations faces a fine ranging between Sh500,000 and Sh5 million, or imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both. Moreover, each prescription is valid for only seven days from the date of issue.

Despite the clear legal provisions, enforcement remains difficult due to weak monitoring mechanisms and limited manpower. Some pharmacies also operate in residential areas, making inspection more challenging.

Experts call for stronger enforcement Public health experts are calling for tighter control and broader awareness campaigns to address the growing culture of self-medication. Health advocate Erick Mahatara said the trend is driven by a mix of patient behaviour, poor regulation, and economic hardship.

“High consultation fees, misinformation, and easy access to drugs at pharmacies push people to self-medicate,” he said. He added that stiff competition and the desire for profit compel many pharmacy operators to bend the rules.

“Many fear losing customers if they don’t provide treatment, especially when rival pharmacies nearby are doing so,” he noted. Mr Mahatara further pointed out that inadequate training among some pharmacy attendants exacerbates the crisis.

“A number of those dispensing drugs are not qualified pharmacists. They may have minimal or no formal training, yet they provide medical advice,” he said.

Experts say a long-term solution lies in addressing both the demand and supply sides of the problem. They recommend increasing access to affordable healthcare, expanding public hospitals, and ensuring that pharmacies are manned by certified professionals.

Others urge the government to invest more in community health education, particularly in explaining the dangers of antimicrobial resistance and the importance of following prescriptions. As the government continues its crackdown and awareness drives, the challenge remains balancing enforcement with accessibility–ensuring that while essential medicines remain within reach for ordinary citizens, the safety of public health is not compromised.

Unless urgent measures are taken, experts warn that Tanzania risks joining the global list of countries facing a silent but deadly epidemic–an age where ordinary infections become untreatable because the drugs meant to cure them no longer work. .

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has appointed six new Members of Parliament, in a move that signals some of the faces likely to feature in her next cabinet.

The appointments, which take effect immediately, were announced on Monday, November 10, 2025 through a government gazette notice issued by the President’s Office at State House in Dodoma. The notice, signed by Chief Secretary Dr Moses Kusiluka, invoked Article 66(1)(e) of the Constitution, which empowers the Head of State to nominate up to ten MPs.

President Hassan’s new nominees include former cabinet ministers, diplomats and administrators, reflecting her continued preference for experienced hands in governance and policy. Among the appointees is Dr Dorothy Gwajima, a medical doctor and former minister for Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups.

She has also previously served as Minister for Health and as Deputy Permanent Secretary in the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government). Ambassador Dr Bashiru Ally, a respected academic, diplomat, and political strategist, also makes a return to the political stage.

He is a former Secretary-General of the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM). Two other seasoned diplomats like Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo and Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar are also on the list.

Ambassador Kombo has just completed his tenure as Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation. The President has also appointed Mr Abdullah Ali Mwinyi, a business leader and son of former President Ali Hassan Mwinyi, and Dr Rhimo Nyansaho, who has served on several key boards, including as chairperson of the Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (Tanesco).

Analysts say the nominations align with President Hassan’s broader strategy of strengthening her administration with a blend of technocrats, diplomats and seasoned policymakers as she prepares for potential cabinet adjustments. .

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) has officially confirmed that this year’s National Basketball League (NBL) will take place at the Chinangali Court in Dodoma from November 26 to December 6, 2025. The announcement was made by TBF Secretary-General Mwenze Kabinda during an interview with The Citizen yesterday.

Kabinda revealed that this season promises a highly competitive tournament, featuring 28 teams from across the country. Of these, 16 teams will compete in the men’s category, while 12 teams will compete in the women’s category, reflecting the growing popularity of basketball nationwide.

“We are now preparing for the event, and soon we will announce the sponsors and the final list of participating teams,” Kabinda said. Last year, Dar City claimed the men’s title after an impressive tournament run, with ABC finishing as runners-up in a competition sponsored by the betting brand BetPawa.

The brand introduced Locker Room Bonus payouts, awarding 12 players and four team officials a cash prize of Sh140,000 each immediately after a match victory, with payments made directly to mobile accounts before leaving the court. BetPawa injected a total of Sh194.8 million into the National Basketball League.

In the women’s category, Fox Divaz from Mara emerged champions, outshining DB Lioness of Dar es Salaam in the finals. The league is expected to attract basketball enthusiasts from across Tanzania and provide a platform for young talent to showcase their skills at a national level.

Kabinda highlighted that the TBF is committed to ensuring a well-organized event that will further enhance the sport’s profile in the country. “The National Basketball League has grown significantly over the past few years, and we are determined to make this edition even more competitive.

Fans should expect high-quality games and exciting matchups,” he added. .

Dar es Salaam. Acknowledging mistakes, avoiding blame, healing wounds and halting arbitrary arrests are among key steps proposed by various stakeholders, including Bishop Benson Bagonza of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), Karagwe Diocese as the nation takes initial steps towards reconciliation.

The stakeholders believe these measures will enable the country to build genuine unity and peace, while showing the government’s maturity in choosing dialogue over confrontation. Their remarks come two days after Vice President Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi announced the government’s plan to begin reconciliation talks aimed at ensuring every voice is heard and peace is restored.

“The intention of President Samia Suluhu Hassan is to initiate reconciliation dialogue so that even the minority can be heard, ensuring Tanzania remains a peaceful, united and stable nation, a model for Africa and the world,” Dr Nchimbi said during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State Summit. Dr Nchimbi’s statement echoes President Samia’s campaign pledge to establish reconciliation efforts, a body that would also guide the process towards drafting a new constitution within her first 100 days in office.

Bishop Bagonza said it was ironic that those who had initially called for reconciliation before the General Election now oppose it, while those who rejected it then are the ones calling for it today. “There is blood; much blood that is still fresh.

It must be cleansed by allowing families to bury and mourn their loved ones. Without that, entering reconciliation talks is like smearing ourselves with blood,” he said.

He called for the immediate suspension of arrests and the release of those detained, stressing that some individuals who should participate in reconciliation efforts are either missing or being held in custody. The bishop also said the country must be safe for both supporters and critics, noting that many who express dissent are now fleeing the country.

He proposed the formation of a truth and reconciliation commission to establish who should be forgiven, who should face justice, and who deserves compensation, to prevent similar crises in the future. He added that the commission must be transparent, inclusive and accountable to the public to retain the trust of citizens.

All groups must be included Political and governance analyst, Mr Philemon Mtoi, said that although recent unrest has been linked to political tensions, the reconciliation process must include representatives from all sectors of society. Since it is impractical to consult every individual citizen, he proposed selecting representatives from various community groups, including religious leaders, civil society, youth organisations, and political parties, while excluding MPs, arguing that many citizens no longer trust them to represent public interests.

He also called for the involvement of security and government representatives to ensure a comprehensive and credible process. No side should claim victory Mr Mtoi warned that reconciliation should not be treated as a contest between winners and losers.

“All parties must admit their mistakes. The government must acknowledge its errors, and even protesters must accept their share of responsibility,” he said.

He emphasised that true reconciliation requires sincerity and an end to finger-pointing. “When we talk about reconciliation while some people are still being arrested or harassed, it undermines the whole process,” he cautioned.

Healing and accountability Political science scholar, Dr Conrad Masabo, from the University of Dodoma (UDOM) said national healing requires both political will and moral responsibility. He said the first question Tanzanians must ask themselves is whether they are genuinely ready to move forward.

“This responsibility rests with every Tanzanian, from top government leaders to ordinary citizens, but the level of accountability differs depending on one’s position,” he said. Dr Masabo added that the nation must acknowledge what happened, accept collective responsibility, and avoid the politics of blame.

“We must stop pointing fingers. We should accept that there were riots, destruction of property and loss of life, and not deny any of it,” he said.

He suggested that the next step should involve identifying and honouring those who lost their lives, ensuring proper burial rites according to cultural and religious traditions to allow healing. “Such steps provide cultural healing.

In our traditions, death is painful, but it becomes even more so when the deceased are not laid to rest respectfully,” he said. Dr Masabo also proposed developing a compensation framework to support families of victims and those who lost property, not as a replacement for life, but as a gesture of care and recognition.

He called for accountability for everyone involved in the unrest, whether through incitement or action, regardless of their status. “All allegations, including claims of external involvement, should be thoroughly investigated to establish the truth,” he said.

A credible mediator needed Dr Masabo further suggested appointing a neutral and respected mediator to facilitate the reconciliation process. “Unfortunately, we currently lack an individual trusted by all sides.

If necessary, we may need to invite a neutral figure from outside the country, someone all parties can listen to,” he said. He concluded that the chosen mediator must be impartial, respected and capable of guiding the process towards genuine national unity and lasting peace.

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Dar es Salaam. A Tanzanian agribusiness company is setting its sights on Dubai and India as next export destination in a bid to expand footprint in the global fresh produce trade.

The company called Chimi Group Company Limited, founded and led by Ms Rose Chimilila, currently exports Hass avocados, kidney beans, white maize, and peas, sourced directly from smallholder farmers across Tanzania. To access global markets, the company has partnered with export-certified firms that already hold European trade credentials.

However, Ms Chimilila said acquiring such certifications remains a significant hurdle for small but growing agribusinesses. “Obtaining export and compliance certifications such as the Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) can cost around $5,000, which is quite expensive for a company of our size,” she explained.

SMETA is a globally recognised audit that assesses ethical business practices, labour standards, and environmental management. To navigate these challenges, Chimi Group is strategically focusing on markets in Dubai and India, where export documentation requirements are less stringent and provide more accessible entry points for emerging exporters.

The company aims to identify direct buyers in these markets to reduce its reliance on intermediaries. “Targeting these markets will allow us to grow sustainably while maintaining quality control across the supply chain,” Ms Chimilila noted.

“We work closely with smallholder farmers to ensure quality and consistency while empowering them to earn better incomes,” Ms Chimilila told The Citizen. Before establishing direct export routes, Chimi Group has been using agents to ensure Tanzanian-grown produce reaches international buyers.

Ms Chimilila began her agribusiness journey in 2021, when she launched Chimi Fresh Produce, initially focusing on Irish potatoes for the domestic market. Within a year, production grew from 10 to over 30 metric tonnes per month, paving the way for regional exports across East Africa.

By 2023, the enterprise had evolved into Chimi Group Company Limited, expanding its product range to include avocados, beans, maize, bananas, and pulses. “Today, the company exports hundreds of tonnes of produce each season, from December to August,” she said.

From sourcing and processing to packaging and export, Chimi Group manages the entire value chain to ensure quality, traceability, and timely delivery. Beyond export activities, the company invests in farmer empowerment programmes, including training, contract farming, and improved market access.

Although expansion has been gradual due to limited financing, Ms Chimilila remains optimistic about the company’s prospects. “Our vision is to build a sustainable and inclusive agribusiness that uplifts farmers’ livelihoods while delivering fresh, high-quality produce to consumers across regional and international markets,” she said.

Chimi Group’s focus on Asia aligns with Tanzania’s broader efforts to diversify export destinations and tap into high-demand markets for tropical produce. Industry observers note that as global consumers increasingly prioritise ethically sourced and traceable products, Tanzanian agribusinesses like Chimi Group stand to gain from the country’s fertile climate, growing production base, and improving logistics infrastructure.

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When crises erupt be they political, social, or humanitarian the media stands at a delicate crossroads. On one side lies the public’s insatiable demand for immediate information; on the other, the professional obligation to verify, balance and remain independent.

The tension between speed and accuracy, emotion and ethics, becomes almost unbearable. In moments of national or global upheaval, journalists face a paradox: the public expects the media to be both the first to tell and the most reliable to trust.

Yet, the reality of the newsroom is often messy, chaotic and constrained by imperfect facts. As the pressure mounts, the risk of compromising integrity grows not because journalists lack principles, but because the environment itself is designed to test them.

Crises distort the normal flow of information. Social media floods the public space with real-time updates, videos and commentary.

In contrast, traditional media must verify before publishing a process that takes time. But in a world where seconds matter, the delay can appear as failure.

In Tanzania, for instance, when disasters strike from floods to political tensions the public often turns to Twitter, WhatsApp and citizen blogs for instant news. Meanwhile, reputable outlets take a more measured approach, seeking confirmation from official sources.

That balance, however, is frequently misunderstood as bias or silence. This is the dangerous zone where credibility and relevance collide.

A journalist who takes time to verify risks being labelled “slow” or “controlled,” while one who rushes may amplify rumours and lose public trust. Integrity is not an abstract virtue it’s the foundation of journalism’s social contract.

During crises, maintaining that integrity often means resisting political pressure, commercial influence and even emotional manipulation. Governments, for example, may expect the media to promote stability, emphasising unity and calm.

The public, however, may demand transparency and accountability sometimes in tones that border on hostility. The journalist is then wedged between two powerful expectations: to inform without inciting and to report without being silenced.

This tension can be seen globally, too. During the Covid-19 pandemic, many media houses faced the challenge of reporting rising infections without fuelling panic, while also holding authorities accountable for health system failures.

The balance was fragile too much alarm and credibility suffers; too little scrutiny and the watchdog role is lost. Another crisis facing modern journalism is the blurring line between fact and opinion.

In the race to capture attention, analysis and commentary often overshadow reporting. When this happens during a crisis, the public gets emotional narratives instead of verified truths.

Social media influencers, pseudo-journalists and even well-meaning activists contribute to this noise. The media’s voice, once authoritative, now competes in a crowded marketplace of claims.

The result is confusion, mistrust and “confirmation bias”, where audiences believe only what aligns with their pre-existing views. Integrity, therefore, requires more than accuracy; it demands courage the courage to tell unpopular truths and to stand firm when both power and public sentiment push in opposite directions.

For the media, the ultimate goal is not popularity but trust. When the public believes that journalists act in good faith, even if they disagree with what is published, integrity is preserved.

That trust, however, is fragile and must be earned daily. Media houses must embrace transparency about their processes: how stories are verified, why some information cannot yet be published and what ethical lines they refuse to cross.

This openness can transform misunderstanding into respect. At the same time, the public must also play its part.

Consumers of news should learn to differentiate between journalism and propaganda, between verified reports and social media chatter. Trust is a two-way relationship; the media alone cannot sustain it.

As crises become more complex and fast-moving, the role of journalism must evolve. Media organisations should invest in crisis communication protocols, fact-checking units and ethical refresher training for reporters.

These measures ensure that integrity is not an afterthought but a built-in safeguard. Collaboration, not isolation, is also key.

Partnerships between traditional media, digital platforms and civil society can help amplify verified information and combat misinformation in real time. Ultimately, the soul of journalism lies in its integrity.

Technology will continue to evolve, audiences will change and crises will keep coming, but the principles of fairness, accuracy and independence must remain constant. When the storm passes, the only thing that keeps the media standing tall is not how fast it ran the story, but how truthfully it told it.

Angel Navuri is Head of Advertising, Partnerships and Events at Mwananchi Communications Limited .