Category: The Citizen

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 .

Dodoma. Members of Parliament from the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) have elected Ilala MP-elect Mussa Zungu as the party’s candidate for the position of Speaker of the 13th Parliament.

Should he be elected by the full House, Zungu will become Tanzania’s eighth Speaker. Zungu garnered 348 votes, defeating his rival, former Shinyanga MP Stephen Masele, who managed only 16 votes.

Masele had earlier been considered a strong contender before voting began. If confirmed, Zungu will join a line of former Deputy Speakers who have ascended to the top parliamentary seat, a tradition established by the likes of Anne Makinda, the late Job Ndugai, and Dr Tulia Ackson, all of whom served as Deputies before becoming full Speakers.

Zungu now awaits the possibility of facing other contenders from outside CCM in the national election scheduled for Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in the Parliament Chamber. However, given CCM’s numerical dominance in the House, his election as Speaker is virtually assured.

Earlier, the CCM Central Committee had shortlisted three candidates for the position: the outgoing Speaker Dr Tulia Ackson, Mussa Zungu, and one other aspirant. The race was reportedly tight between Dr Tulia and Zungu until November 7, when Dr Tulia announced her withdrawal, leaving the two remaining names to be voted on by CCM MPs.

Zungu first entered Parliament in 2005 and has since held various leadership roles, including Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security, a position he held for 18 years. Between 2016 and 2025, he served as a member of the Parliamentary Service Commission, representing Tanzania in joint meetings of African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Parliaments and the European Union Parliament.

He also chaired the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Tanzania branch and represented the country at international CPA forums. Zungu was Chairperson of Parliament from 2012 to 2021 and later served as Deputy Speaker from 2022 to 2025. He also served as Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment).

His opponent Stephen Masele previously served as Deputy Minister for Energy and Minerals and was once Vice President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), a position that placed him at odds with then-Speaker Job Ndugai after he reportedly complained of not being accorded due respect as a continental parliamentary leader. In another development, CCM MPs on Sunday elected Babati Rural MP Daniel Sillo as their candidate for the Deputy Speaker position.

His election by the full Parliament will follow the swearing-in of MPs and the Speaker’s election. Sillo secured 362 votes, with two ballots spoilt.

His two rivals who were Timotheo Mzava (Korogwe Rural) and Najma Giga (Special Seats) withdrew before voting, leaving Sillo as the sole candidate. His selection continues the line of succession from Zungu, as Sillo had succeeded him as Parliamentary Chairperson on April 4, 2023, after Zungu became Deputy Speaker.

Elected to Parliament in 2020, Sillo previously chaired the Budget Committee and was later appointed Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, serving until the dissolution of Parliament. Veteran councillor Job Ole Sulutya commented that Zungu’s election signified transparency but cautioned that the seasoned politician often “pushes things through with speed.

” “I’ve known Zungu since the late 1970s during our country’s defence campaigns, where he was an expert in aviation. But in Parliament, he sometimes takes serious matters lightly and rushes them through,” Ole Sulutya remarked.

He, however, suggested that given the youthful composition of the 13th Parliament, a Speaker more aligned with its generational rhythm might have been ideal .

Dodoma/Dar es Salaam. As the first session of Tanzania’s National Assembly convenes tomorrow in Dodoma, where, among other matters, the new Prime Minister will be proposed and endorsed, Tanzanians have voiced their expectations for the country’s next top executive.

Those who spoke to The Citizen outlined the qualities they want in their next leader following confirmation that outgoing Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, who has served in the post for ten years (20152025), did not contest a parliamentary seat and is therefore ineligible for the position. Another key figure who will not be part of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s next administration is Vice President Philip Mpango, whose position has been filled by CCM cadre and diplomat Emmanuel Nchimbi.

Those who spoke to The Citizen and its sister newspaper Mwananchi at the weekend, said they want a prime minister who is firm, capable and able to oversee government operations effectively. Governance Links director Donald Kasongi said the next prime minister must be strict in managing all government activities, as they are ultimately responsible for responding to parliamentary debates on government matters.

Governance Links Tanzania is an independent, cross-sectoral research and policy analysis in Tanzania. “The Prime Minister is the chief coordinator of all ministers and must have a firm stance in monitoring government operations to ensure they are not compromised.

Without such oversight, subordinates will fail to carry out their duties,” said Mr Kasongi. He said that Tanzanians also expect a prime minister who is hardworking, honest, trustworthy and free from corruption.

It has to be one not driven by greed for rapid wealth and capable of uniting all citizens regardless of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This comes at a time when the country is facing challenges stemming from the election-related chaos that recently hit major cities including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, Mbeya, Shinyanga, Geita, Songwe, Ruvuma, Mara, Kilimanjaro, Dodoma and Iringa, leading to loss of life and destruction of property.

A police statement released at the weekend indicated that the violence led to the torching of offices belonging to the Tanzania Revenue Authority, the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau, courts, ruling party offices and automated teller machines (ATMs). Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses and lanes, petrol stations, vehicles, shops and police stations were also destroyed, while roads were blocked using burning tyres.

Analysts say Tanzania now needs a prime minister capable of effectively advising the President and the Vice President on how to move the nation forward amid divisions triggered by the unrest. Prof Humphrey Moshi from the University of Dar es Salaam’s School of Economics said the next prime minister should be people-centred, prioritising citizens’ interests over those of the ruling elite.

“We need a prime minister who will be close to citizens and understand their grievances. Most importantly, the new prime minister should restore peace and stability, as the post-election chaos and lockdown have hindered the country’s development,” said Prof Moshi.

He added that peace and stability are fundamental to economic growth. “The Prime Minister’s actions should promote security and harmony.

In other words, we need a leader who walks the talk. If we get such a leader, I am confident Tanzania will prosper economically and socially,” he said.

A political analyst from the State University of Zanzibar (Suza), Prof Ali Makame Ussi, said that beyond legal qualifications, the next prime minister must steer the nation’s progress under the National Development Vision 2050, which begins implementation under the sixth-phase administration. “The sixth phase’s implementation will set the stage for achieving Vision 2050. Goals such as building an inclusive and upper-middle-income economy depend heavily on competent leadership,” he said.

Prof Makame added that as the government’s chief executive, the prime minister must demonstrate strong capacity to persuade, advise and supervise implementation within defined timelines. He cautioned that failure to implement CCM’s 20252030 Election Manifesto would jeopardise long-term development goals.

“We need a leader who will unite and guide Tanzania forward after the October 29 general election. The Prime Minister should uphold values and morals among public leaders, who bear responsibility for the country’s natural resources and direction,” he said.

He further noted that Tanzania does not need a prime minister driven by emotion, whose statements could create confusion or unrest. “The new leader must understand the country’s current needs, distinguish between party and government matters and protect the interests of all citizens,” he said.

A lecturer at St John’s University of Tanzania, Dr Assad Kipanga, said citizens want a prime minister with a clean record and no history of corruption. “The next prime minister must unite all Tanzanians so that the development achieved under President Hassan’s administration benefits everyone, regardless of region,” he said.

“We still have capable leaders who can guide the country from its current state to a better future. We want a prime minister who will heal citizens’ wounds rather than deepen them,” he added.

A University of Dodoma (UDOM) lecturer, Dr Erasto Kano, said the country needs a prime minister who can manage government affairs with authority and precision. “For the government to succeed, especially in overseeing development projects, the Prime Minister must be action-oriented, not just a talker,” said Dr Kano.

“We need a leader whose words carry weight and whose supervision guarantees results–not one too lenient to enforce accountability.” He added that this is a crucial moment for President Hassan to assemble a trusted team, including a diligent prime minister capable of handling daily government operations effectively.

At Sabasaba Market in Dodoma, trader Agnes Nicolaus said she hopes for a prime minister who upholds justice, equality, peace and unity. “What Tanzanians need is peace that allows them to go about their daily activities without fear or uncertainty.

The next prime minister must ensure this,” she said .

Serengeti. A total of 120 tour operators from various American companies have arrived in Tanzania for a familiarisation trip to key tourist attractions, including the Serengeti National Park, as part of efforts to boost the number of international visitors to the country.

The visit also aims to continue promoting Tanzania globally as Africa’s leading tourism hub, thanks to its diverse natural heritage and unique attractions. Speaking to journalists yesterday at the Serengeti National Park, some of the agents expressed their admiration for the park’s beauty and pledged to encourage more tourists to visit Tanzania.

One of the agents, Ms Patricia Walker from Nexion Travel in the United States, said visiting Tanzania had been her long-time dream. “I have always wanted to travel to Tanzania and experience its unique attractions, especially the Serengeti National Park.

I’m delighted to have finally fulfilled my dream,” she said. “After seeing what we have witnessed here, we believe we will help to increase the number of visitors through the various travel packages we offer back home,” she added.

Another agent, Ms Catherine Alexander, said they were particularly impressed by the hot air balloon safaris conducted inside the park, which offered them a chance to view different animals from the sky. She added that beyond wildlife experiences, the group was also looking forward to exploring Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage.

“We had the opportunity to see animals and other attractions from above, which was truly a unique experience. We also plan to visit the Hadzabe, Datoga, and Maasai communities to learn about their traditional cultures,” said Ms Alexander.

For his part, Excellent Guide Tours and Safaris managing director, Mr Justin Garfield, said the agents would spend 12 days in the country visiting different attractions and learning more about Tanzania’s tourism offerings so they could better promote them globally. “I believe that after this trip we will continue to receive even more visitors.

Some of these agents have been to Tanzania before, but for many this is their first time, which will further stimulate growth in the tourism sector,” said Mr Garfield. Senior Assistant Conservation Commissioner and Chief Park Warden for Serengeti National Park, Mr Stephano Msumi, welcomed the guests and urged them to continue serving as ambassadors of Tanzania’s tourism.

“We welcome you to Serengeti and to Tanzania as a whole. We believe you will be good ambassadors for our attractions and help the country shine even brighter on the global tourism stage,” he said.

Recently, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Hassan Abbasi, said during the World Tourism Day celebrations that the government would continue collaborating with stakeholders to expand the tourism sector, which generated $3.9 billion (about Sh9 trillion) in 2024. He noted that tourism had continued to stimulate the growth of other economic sectors, with the number of international visitors rising from 922,000 in 2021 to 2.14 million in 2024, while domestic tourists increased from 788,000 to 3.

12 million over the same period. .

Dar es Salaam. For Tanzanians in the diaspora, the 2025 elections were expected to unfold like any other national exercise.

Few anticipated that what would follow on October 29 and after would devastate lives not only within the country but also across oceans, affecting families who rely heavily on the financial and emotional bond that ties them to home. The intertwined relationship between Tanzanians abroad and those at home is not just emotional but deeply financial.

According to World Bank data, formal remittances from Tanzanians in the diaspora exceed $2 million daily. These flows constitute one of Tanzania’s most reliable sources of foreign exchange, supporting households, education, health care, and small businesses.

Yet, during the post-election unrest, when the internet was shut down for more than five days, this crucial link was abruptly severed. The shutdown paralysed financial transactions, disrupted online communication, and sent waves of anxiety through families scattered across continents.

In financial terms, the disruption translated into losses of hundreds of billions of shillings in transactions almost overnight. Tanzanians abroad who attempted to pay school fees, hospital bills, or rent for their families found themselves stranded in confusion.

A Tanzanian woman living in the United States recalled how she tried to settle her mother’s hospital bill, only for the transaction to fail even after funds were deducted from her account. “The system froze, and I could not reach the hospital or the bank,” she said.

Others in Europe and the Middle East shared similar experiences, saying they tried repeatedly to reach their local banks, only to face endless technical errors and unanswered calls. The panic was intense.

For a community accustomed to instant connectivity, being digitally cut off from home was both frightening and disorienting. Banks later released public statements explaining the technical disruptions and urging customers to remain calm.

They also opened temporary communication channels to handle complaints and reassure clients that no permanent data losses had occurred. Yet, the emotional damage lingered long after the internet was restored.

For the diaspora, the inability to contact relatives during the unrest was unbearable. Many could not verify the safety of their families or confirm rumours circulating on social media.

In an age where misinformation spreads faster than truth, and artificial intelligence tools can fabricate realistic images and news, finding factual information felt like searching for a needle in a haystack. For days, the only communication tools that seemed to work were paid international calling applications such as Rebtel and Google Voice.

Diaspora groups across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Gulf states turned to WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook groups to exchange updates and emotional support. “If you have any verified information about what’s happening in Tanzania, please share it so we can keep each other informed,” one Tanzanian in Germany pleaded online.

For many, a week under internet lockdown felt like an unending year of fear, confusion, and helplessness. When calm gradually returned after the swearing-in of the President and the internet was restored, the diaspora community flooded online spaces to process what had transpired.

Older Tanzanians living abroad admitted they had never imagined the country could experience such scenes of political violence. Some questioned whether Tanzania, long seen as one of Africa’s most stable nations, was changing.

Others worried whether their investments back home were still safe. “Please do not rush to sell off our plots of land; there is no reason to fear,” urged Dr Shaaban Fundi, a respected community leader among Tanzanians in Atlanta, United States.

His reassuring voice was a lifeline for many who were beginning to panic. The community had been making decisions based on incomplete, often conflicting, information trickling through social media and calls from home.

For others, like Irene, another Tanzanian living in the US, the experience deepened her understanding of why Julius Nyerere had placed such emphasis on national unity. “Now I understand why Mwalimu fought so hard for unity,” she said in an online discussion.

“He wanted a country that would never be divided by religion, ethnicity, or external influence.” Irene and others suspected that foreign interests were keen to exploit Tanzania’s internal tensions, seeing an opportunity to gain from the nation’s abundant natural resources.

She noted that similar interference had worsened conflicts in several other African countries. Irene also worried about the vulnerability of Tanzanian youth.

Many, she said, were detached from the historical values of Ujamaa, when communities worked collectively for the common good. That disconnection, she feared, made them easy targets for manipulation.

In the aftermath of the unrest, the diaspora community’s activism intensified. They have long advocated for dual citizenship, but this time their focus expanded to demanding accountability for the loss of life during the demonstrations.

Across Europe and North America, Tanzanian diaspora associations organised online vigils and virtual town hall meetings, calling for transparent investigations. However, their outspokenness has not been universally appreciated.

Some Tanzanians at home criticised diaspora members for posting disturbing videos and photos online, claiming they were tarnishing the nation’s image. “They ask why we are exposing matters that should remain hidden,” said one member based in Canada.

“These questions often come from young Tanzanians working within the government.” She lamented that many of them were self-centred, motivated by personal gain rather than genuine public service.

“They believe their individual success represents national progress,” she said. The debate then shifted to the meaning of patriotism.

What does it mean to be patriotic, loving the country, supporting the government, or showing loyalty to the ruling party? For many in the diaspora, the boundaries appeared blurred. Some argued that loyalty to leadership in Chamwino was being equated with love for the nation itself.

Others insisted that true patriotism should begin with those in power and be demonstrated through integrity, service, and transparency. Tanzanians abroad, especially the younger generation, were encouraged to reconnect with their homeland.

“You cannot claim to care for Tanzania if you have never visited it or met your relatives there,” one member said. Many second-generation Tanzanians born overseas know the country only through their parents’ stories.

They recognise its wealth in natural resources, yet often lack a sense of emotional attachment or concrete investment plans. In several online forums, diaspora members proposed establishing investment funds targeting domestic tourism.

They argued that if international arrivals declined due to negative global media coverage, Tanzanians abroad could fill the gap by promoting internal travel and heritage tourism. “If we invest in our own tourism, we not only support our economy but also show the world we still believe in our nation,” one member wrote.

Influential Tanzanians abroad were also urged to use social media constructively. They were encouraged to produce educational content comparing public policies and service delivery between Tanzania and developed nations.

“Let’s do short videos explaining how counties and states function in the US, and how similar models could be adapted at home,” one participant suggested. “We should use social media to identify challenges and propose practical solutions, not to deepen division.

” Another recurring theme in diaspora discussions was the widening generational gap between Tanzanian youth and the state. Many insisted that young people should never have to choose between expressing their opinions and preserving their safety.

The two, they said, must coexist, for freedom of expression is a fundamental right. The diaspora community believes that the events surrounding the 2025 elections should serve as a lesson on the importance of civic dialogue, inclusiveness, and transparency.

They see themselves as an extension of the national conscience, financially supporting the economy, but also morally bound to speak for justice and reconciliation. “We cannot build Tanzania from afar,” said a member during a virtual meeting.

“But we can influence how it heals and grows.” Efforts to turn words into action soon followed.

Nuru Masunga, a Tanzanian living in the United Kingdom, launched a GoFundMe campaign to support victims of the unrest and their families. Within days, contributions poured in from across the globe, showing that despite distance, the emotional bond between Tanzanians remains strong.

The post-election crisis reminded many in the diaspora that their homeland’s peace cannot be taken for granted. It also rekindled conversations about shared responsibility, good governance, and national unity.

For decades, Tanzania has been admired for its stability and cohesion. Those values, they say, must be preserved through dialogue, tolerance, and a renewed sense of collective patriotism.

In the end, the diaspora’s message was clear: love for Tanzania must transcend politics. Patriotism should be measured not by blind allegiance to leaders, but by commitment to justice, compassion, and truth.

The nation’s strength lies not only in its territory but also in the hearts of its people, both at home and abroad, who continue to hope, to give, and to dream of a Tanzania that stands united in purpose and peace. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s exports of goods and services continued their upward momentum, growing by about 15 percent to $17.09 billion in the year ending September 2025, as gold, manufactured goods and traditional agriculture produces recorded strong earnings.

According to the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), the growth is attributed to the strong earnings from gold, manufactured goods, and traditional agricultural exports–particularly cashew nuts and tobacco–coupled with increased service receipts from tourism and transport. “The growth was largely driven by increased service receipts and stronger performance in the export of gold, manufactured goods, and traditional exports, particularly cashew nuts and tobacco,” the central bank said in the report.

Goods exports climbed sharply to $10.12 billion, up from $8.23 billion in the year to September 2024, a performance largely driven by gold, manufactured goods, cashew nuts, cereals, and tobacco. According to the report, gold exports surged by 35.8 percent to $4.43 billion, from $3.26 billion in the corresponding period, reflecting elevated global gold prices and steady production levels.

Gold remained the country’s largest foreign exchange earner, accounting for about 44 percent of total goods exports. Traditional exports also registered robust growth, expanding by 38.3 percent to $1.48 billion from $1.07 billion in the previous year.

This improvement was mainly supported by strong performance in cashew nuts and tobacco, which benefited from higher international prices and increased export volumes. Cashew nut exports almost doubled to $527.6 million, compared to $225.6 million previously, while the value of manufactured goods exports increased from $1.3 billion to $1.56 billion, according to the report.

The value of cereal exports almost doubled to $340.6 million, compared with $194.2 million recorded in 2024. The BoT notes that this performance was largely underpinned by strong demand from neighbouring countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Manufactured goods continued to perform well, supported by industrial expansion and regional market integration.

The report indicates that Tanzania’s non-traditional exports–comprising mainly gold, manufactured items, and horticultural products–collectively remained a key driver of the country’s external earnings. On a monthly basis, exports of goods rose to $1.02 billion in September 2025, from $934.2 million in September 2024, largely propelled by gold and manufactured products.

Meanwhile, service receipts amounted to $6.97 billion during the year ending September 2025, compared to $6.67 billion in the corresponding period in 2024, reflecting a 4.6 percent increase.

The growth was primarily attributed to higher earnings from travel and transport services, which together account for the largest share of service income. BoT data shows that travel receipts continued to strengthen, reflecting sustained recovery in the tourism sector, with tourist arrivals increasing by 11.9 percent to 2,315,637 visitors.

The report underscores that this improvement aligns with ongoing promotional campaigns and enhanced air connectivity. Similarly, transport service earnings–mainly freight–rose to $2.54 billion, up from $2.28 billion in the previous year, supported by an increase in trade volumes across the East African region.

However, on a monthly basis, total service receipts declined slightly to $576 million in September 2025, compared with $584.7 million a year earlier, partly due to seasonal fluctuations. On the import side, the report shows that imports of goods and services rose to $17.73 billion in the year ending September 2025, from $16.76 billion recorded in the corresponding period a year earlier.

The increase was largely attributed to higher imports of industrial supplies, machinery and mechanical appliances, parts and accessories, and transport equipment. Nevertheless, oil imports, which accounted for 16.8 percent of total imports, fell to $2.47 billion, down from $2.75 billion in the previous period, mainly due to a decline in global oil prices.

On a month-to-month basis, imports of goods stood at $1.50 billion in September 2025, higher than $1.25 billion recorded in the same month of 2024. At the same time, service payments rose to $3.09 billion, up from $2.60 billion in the preceding year, driven largely by higher freight charges associated with the increased import bill. Reflecting the strong export performance, the report notes that the current account deficit narrowed to $2.23 billion in the year ending September 2025, down from $3.04 billion a year earlier.

Foreign exchange reserves remained robust at $6.66 billion, sufficient to cover more than five months of projected imports of goods and services–well above both the national and East African Community (EAC) benchmarks. The BoT attributes this resilience to steady export earnings, prudent macroeconomic management, and favourable commodity prices, especially gold.

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The Swahili proverb “Sumu haionjwi” which is literally translated as “Poison is not to be tasted” is more than a saying. It is a warning, a reminder that not everything is as it appears and that vigilance is essential in protecting what is ours.

Just as many African communities emphasise safeguarding their own, this timeless wisdom teaches caution. Indeed, when a thief kisses you, count your teeth.

This year’s elections serve as a painful reminder of that truth. What was meant to be a day of civic duty and participation turned tragic on October 29, 2025. Election-related chaos claimed lives, destroyed property and left the nation with lessons that should never have had to be learnt this way.

On the morning of polling day, everything seemed orderly. Voters queued patiently, casting their ballots with optimism.

Yet as the day progressed, reports of violence began to surface. That was the start of three traumatic days for Tanzania.

Lives were lost and injuries were recorded. Public and private property were torched, including filling stations, bus rapid transit (BRT) stations, buses, vehicles, police stations/posts, schools and hospitals court buildings among others.

Before long, authorities imposed a curfew, confining citizens indoors and bringing everyday life to a halt. Social services were disrupted.

Ordinary Tanzanians, accustomed to peace and harmony, feared stepping outside, even during permitted hours. Shop owners hesitated to open for business, worried about looting.

Others who depended on daily wages suddenly found themselves idle and hungry. Some turned to begging for help and some of those who were sometimes turned away bred resentment and despair.

The economic impact was immediate. Prices of basic goods soared as supply chains broke down.

Limited movement meant that stock could not reach markets and inflation took hold overnight. Public transport costs rose sharply.

Bodabodas and bajajis which are the transport lifelines for low-income earners, tripled their fares. A journey that once cost Sh2,000 suddenly demanded Sh6,000, mirroring the inflated cost of fuel.

Food became scarce. Tomatoes, once plentiful, became four times more expensive.

Beef prices nearly doubled in Dar es Salaam. Essentials that were once routine purchases turned into rare luxuries.

Those with chronic illnesses bore an even heavier burden. Patients requiring dialysis, heart treatment, or diabetes management missed crucial appointments due to travel restrictions.

For many, rescheduling treatment was not a simple option. Yet amid the hardship, the curfew revealed glimpses of humanity.

For a few days, men stayed home with their families, a rarity in many Tanzanian households. It also exposed who one’s true friends were: those who checked in despite the nationwide internet shutdown.

These were not social media acquaintances reacting to a WhatsApp status, but genuine friends concerned for one’s wellbeing. Still, with no food and spiralling prices, even those moments of solidarity offered little comfort.

Within five days, Dar es Salaam was unrecognisable. Gunfire, tear gas and smoke from burning fuel stations filled the air.

Roadblocks and repeated ID checks became part of daily routine. A simple journey illustrated the scale of the disruption.

After being trapped at work on the first day of the curfew, I finally left on October 30, only to face multiple security checks along the way: Buguruni, Tazara, Serengeti Breweries and Nyerere Bridge. Each inspection added minutes of uncertainty and fear.

While various actors may justify their actions, the impact on ordinary citizens was devastating. Life became difficult in ways previously unimaginable.

The events of October 29 underline the priceless value of peace. As the old adage goes, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

Sumu haionjwi. Once peace is lost, its return comes at a staggering cost.

Those who have lived in conflict-prone regions understand the profound void it leaves behind, the same peace Tanzanians have cherished for decades. Education, they say, is expensive.

But the cost of losing peace is immeasurably greater. The lesson is clear: Tanzania must never again allow the very fabric of its society to unravel so violently.

Safeguarding life, property and essential services must always outweigh political theatrics. Citizens deserve to exercise their democratic rights without fearing for their lives or livelihoods.

The 2025 elections remind us that vigilance, foresight and empathy are not luxuries; they are necessities. Protecting what is ours, including our families, our communities and our peace, is not optional.

It is imperative. Poison is not to be tasted.

Never again should our nation endure a day like October 29, 2025. Samuel Tindwa is the News Editor of The Citizen .

Dar es Salaam. Tears, grief and silence have enveloped the family of Christina John Richard, popularly known as Tina, a 22-year-old long-distance lorry driver who was shot dead on October 30 during the election-related unrest.

Ms Tina worked for Super Star Forwarded, driving cargo lorries from Dar es Salaam to neighbouring countries including Zambia and Malawi. She inspired many young women through social media, posting images of herself preparing for journeys, changing lorry tyres, and performing her daily duties.

Ms Tina was laid to rest on November 6 in Ngulimi Bolenga village, Nyamongo, Serengeti District. She first gained recognition for her courage and dedication to mechanical work at age 17 and became a lorry driver at 19, a role often dominated by men.

Her mother, Osilo Zedekia Omumbo, spoke to The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, sharing her daughter’s journey, dreams and the tragic way her life ended. “She was our family’s pillar.

Her father passed away when she was young. She left school to support the family and pursue mechanics.

Our dreams were cut short by gunfire,” she said. She was born on November 27, 2002, and completed Standard Seven at Yogelo Primary School in Sengerema, Mwanza Region.

Despite her academic success, she chose not to continue schooling due to the family’s financial situation. “After finishing school, she told me, Mother, I will stop here.

I want to go to a garage and learn mechanics,'” she recalled. Ms Tina took on responsibilities often expected of an eldest son, helping the family financially, and even purchased a house in Sengerema.

She began formal mechanical training in 2018, later moving to Dar es Salaam in 2022 to pursue better opportunities. “She always planned for her son Isaka, wanting to teach him her trade,” Mr Osilo said.

Ms Tina started driving large lorries in 2023 and worked for three different companies before joining Super Star last December. The tragic day Osilo recounted her final conversation with Tina on October 29 at 8 am.

“She called, asking, ‘Mother, are you safe?’ She sounded worried, but we spoke briefly. The next morning, her sister called to tell me Tina had been shot.

I was devastated.” She had gone to work that morning and was waiting at a dala-dala stop in Chamazi when she was shot.

Ms Osilo expressed gratitude to her daughter’s employer for assisting in retrieving the body and preparing it for burial. Ms Tina leaves behind a five-year-old child and a grieving family who continue to mourn the loss of a brave and determined young woman.

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Dar es Salaam. Africa is moving to overhaul its pension systems in a historic shift aimed at bringing informal workers, who make up the overwhelming majority of the continent’s labour force, into retirement savings schemes through digital micro-pension platforms.

The decision was reached during the All-Africa Pension Summit held at the Speke Resort Convention Centre in Kampala, where pension fund heads, government representatives and multilateral institutions agreed that pension reform in Africa can no longer focus solely on investment returns. Instead, the priority must be expanding pension access to those who have been locked out because they do not have formal employment contracts or predictable monthly incomes.

According to data presented by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Assistant Secretary-General Ahunna Eziakonwa, Africa holds between $700 billion and $1 trillion in pension assets. However, only 6.

1 percent of working-age Africans and 8.9 percent of the continent’s entire labour force contribute to a pension scheme.

She said this makes Africa the world’s least pension-covered region, despite having a youthful and rapidly expanding workforce. “Pensions in Africa must not be a privilege for the few with formal employment,” she said.

“We should design systems that allow informal workers to save flexible amounts that match how they earn.” Eziakonwa said that informal workers — including market traders, boda boda riders, small-scale farmers and domestic workers — are excluded not because they lack the will to save, but because pension systems were designed for people with fixed monthly salaries.

She told participants that new pension models need to match the reality of informal workers whose earnings fluctuate daily or weekly, and whose financial lives are centered on mobile money transactions rather than bank accounts. She said digital micro-pension platforms will allow workers to save any amount, at any time, through their phones.

According to UNDP estimates shared during the summit, micro-pension systems could unlock between $10 billion and $14 billion annually from informal-sector savings. Eziakonwa added that Africa’s pension challenge is not only low coverage, but also the lack of diversity in how pension funds are invested.

Pension funds, she said, remain conservative, with more than 80 percent of assets in some markets invested in government bonds instead of higher-impact sectors like infrastructure or climate-related projects. “African pension funds offer long-term patient capital,” she said.

“But if only a small percentage of workers contribute to these funds, we are limiting our potential before we even start.” The summit heard that pension assets are concentrated in a few countries.

South Africa alone accounts for between 40 and 50 percent of Africa’s total pension assets, valued at around $347.2 billion. Nigeria, Kenya and Botswana follow at a distance.

According to UNDP, pension funds globally hold about $60 trillion in assets, meaning Africa contributes less than two percent of global pension capital. Uganda’s Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Matia Kasaija, said African governments must recognise that expanding pension access is a development strategy.

“We are committed to policy reforms that unlock pension capital as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable growth,” he said. Kasaija said Uganda is currently transitioning its public service pension scheme into a contributory system to ensure sustainability and intends to widen pension access to include self-employed and informal workers.

He told delegates that pension reforms are aligned with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV, which prioritises industrialisation, job creation, science, technology and innovation. Uganda reported that real GDP grew to 6.

3 percent in the 2024/2025 financial year, up from 6.1 percent the previous year.

Inflation remained below 5 percent, and the poverty rate is projected to fall to 56 percent from almost 60 percent recorded in 2020. Kasaija emphasised that the expansion of pension coverage would deepen domestic savings and reduce reliance on external borrowing. “We must implement, not just discuss,” he said.

“Let us meet again in 2027 to present progress, not ideas.” Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who officially closed the summit, challenged African governments to stop depending on foreign financing and instead use domestic resources to fuel development.

He said Africa’s historical problem has never been a shortage of natural resources or labour, but the lack of capital. “Africa has always had land and labour,” he said.

“What we have lacked is capital. Pension funds offer the capital we need.

We should use our own resources to address the infrastructure gaps that undermine the growth of businesses.” Museveni said Uganda’s National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has demonstrated that pension money can be used for development after it invested in renewable energy and housing projects.

He told delegates that African countries must move beyond simply building infrastructure to ensuring that such infrastructure enables citizens to create wealth. He stressed that infrastructure by itself is not enough if Africans do not use it to generate income.

“Development alone is not enough. It must lead to wealth creation for households,” he said.

During the summit, Eziakonwa highlighted examples of ongoing reforms. South Africa has recently introduced a “Two-Pot” pension system allowing contributors to access part of their savings before retirement while protecting long-term reserves.

South Africa’s Public Investment Corporation has invested over $800 million in renewable energy, contributing more than 2,000 megawatts of power. Nigeria’s pension fund reforms, which have accumulated over 22.8 trillion (approximately $14.2 billion), have enabled investments in infrastructure, power generation and healthcare.

Kenya has introduced micro-pension schemes that allow informal workers to save via mobile-based platforms. All commitments and outcomes reached during the summit were captured in the Kampala Declaration, a framework that outlines shared priorities across African pension authorities.

The declaration includes commitments to adopt digital pension platforms, expand pension coverage to informal workers, and harmonise regulations that restrict pension funds from investing across borders. In addition, the Declaration establishes an Implementation Working Group and a monitoring system that allows participating countries to track progress.

Eziakonwa, however, in her address she stressed that the success of the reforms will depend on political will. “We must build systems where retirement security fuels national prosperity,” she said.

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TUNIS. Jailed Tunisian opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi, 84, began a hunger strike, joining two prominent politicians who are protesting what they call “unjust imprisonment,” lawyers said on Saturday, marking the latest escalation in a standoff with President Kais Saied.

Most of the country’s opposition leaders are in jail and some parties have accused Saied of turning Tunisia into an “open-air prison” while using the judiciary to cement his authoritarian rule. Ghannouchi follows opposition politician Jawhar Ben Mbarek who has been on a “wildcat” hunger strike since last week.

And Republican Party leader Issam Chebbi started a hunger strike on Friday, demanding his release. Ghannouchi, head of the Ennahda party and a fierce critic of Saied, has been detained since 2023 and was sentenced to 37 years in prison across multiple cases, including illicit foreign financing and conspiracy against the state.

He has refused to appear in court, saying he won’t face judges who only follow Saied’s orders. Lawyers, family, and rights groups say Ben Mbarek’s health has sharply deteriorated, he is refusing treatment and is at risk of dying.

The Tunisian Prisons Authority denied that the prisoners’ health had deteriorated due to the hunger strikes, saying medical examinations showed conditions were “normal and stable,” without giving additional details. This year, courts handed prison sentences ranging from five to 66 years to opposition leaders including Ben Mbarek and Chebbi on charges including “conspiracy against state security.

” Human rights groups say these prosecutions targeted political opponents. Lawyer Dalila Ben Mbarek said Jawhar informed her that he would soon leave the prison “either free or dead.

” His father said Saied was responsible for any harm that came to his son, calling him a dictator. The opposition says Saied’s sudden closure of the elected parliament in 2021 and his move to rule by decree was a coup.

Saied denied this, saying his actions were necessary to save Tunisia from years of chaos; he has called jailed opposition leaders criminals, traitors and terrorists. .