Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. On the evening of Friday, October 24, 2025the Bahati Female Band demonstrated that when the entertainment industry provides space for people with disabilities, true artistry and magic emerge.

During the listening party for their five-track “Nithamini EP,” a product of the Nithamini Project, the all-female band used their music to deliver a powerful message on disability inclusion and equality. From the opening track, Sote ni Sawa (We Are All Equal), to the closing Mazingira (Environment), each song conveyed a profound narrative about society’s perceptions and treatment of people with disabilities.

The live performance transcended mere entertainment; it was a poignant and emotional experience. The audience was visibly moved, with some shedding tears, as blind singers and dancers performed with passion, while an artist with albinism took to the stage to highlight how society often overlooks or marginalises the talents of people with disabilities.

According to Pili Maguzo, director of Bahati Female Band, the Nithamini Project stemmed from personal experiences and a desire to confront discrimination against women with disabilities in the arts and beyond. “The idea came from the pain of what we’ve endured–how people react when you arrive late for a show with someone who has a disability.

They immediately assume you’ve come to beg. These perceptions hurt deeply,” Maguzo explained.

She added that the project extends beyond music, aiming to reaffirm the presence and value of people with disabilities within their families and communities. “If we don’t raise our voices now, then when will we? Music is our voice, and tonight, people are hearing what we’ve created,” she said.

The Bagamoyo Arts and Cultural Institute (Taasisi ya Sanaa na Utamaduni Bagamoyo, TaSUBa) and the National Arts Council (Basata) praised the initiative, noting significant progress compared to previous years, with more artists with disabilities actively participating in the creative sector. Dr Herbert Makoye, Principal of TaSUBa, highlighted the vital role that artists with disabilities play in society.

“People with disabilities hold an important place in our community, just like everyone else,” he said. “Through initiatives like this, we see how the arts can amplify inclusion.

At our institution, we have artists with disabilities and facilities designed to support them.” The event also hosted a panel discussion that shed light on the longstanding neglect of artists with disabilities, from major music festivals and studio sessions to collaborations with non-disabled peers.

Band member Irene Malekela shared her experiences: “Many people assume that a person with a disability can’t be an artist. But when they see us perform like this, it changes their mindset,” she said, emphasising that accessibility remains a significant challenge in most performance venues.

Determined to break barriers, the Bahati Female Band has made it their mission to prove that disability does not equal inability, and that talent knows no physical limitation. Founded out of pure love and compassion with just five members, the band has grown to over thirty women.

Since its official registration in 2000, Bahati Female Band has expanded its work beyond music, launching social campaigns such as efforts against teenage pregnancies and the Shika Ndoto (Hold on to Your Dream) initiative. Now, through Nithamini, they are amplifying messages of equality and inclusion.

Looking ahead, Bahati Female Band plans to transform into a fully-fledged NGO, continuing to harness the power of art not only as entertainment but as a tool for empowerment and social change. .

Washington/Monrovia. Donald Trump’s administration said on Friday it has reached an agreement with Liberia to accept Kilmar Abrego, the migrant whose wrongful deportation to El Salvador in March became a flashpoint in the Republican president’s immigration crackdown.

The Justice Department said in a court filing that Abrego could be deported to the African country as soon as October 31. Maryland-based US District Judge Paula Xinis has temporarily blocked the US government from deporting Abrego while she considers his bid to be released from immigration detention. It is unclear how the administration’s agreement with Liberia will influence the judge’s decision.

Abrego also could seek to challenge his removal by claiming fear of torture or persecution. Liberia said it agreed to take Abrego “on a strictly humanitarian and temporary basis” following a request from the United States.

Liberia’s information ministry said in a statement that it would ensure that Abrego is not removed to “any country where he may face substantial risk of persecution, torture or other serious harm.” Liberia is the first country in Africa to agree to accept Abrego after the administration unsuccessfully floated Uganda, Eswatini and Ghana as options for a potential second deportation.

Abrego, a sheet metal worker who entered the United States illegally, had been living in Maryland with his wife, their child and two of her children – all of whom are American citizens – when he was arrested and sent to his native El Salvador. He was deported to El Salvador, where he spent time in a mega-prison known for its harsh conditions, in violation of a prior US court order.

Abrego was sent back to the United States in June, and Trump’s Justice Department brought criminal charges accusing him of smuggling migrants. He has pleaded not guilty, and his lawyers have accused the administration of vindictive prosecution.

The administration also has said Abrego was a member of the MS-13 gang, an accusation his lawyers deny. A lawyer for Abrego, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, said Abrego has no personal connection to Liberia, and added that the country is far from his wife and children in Maryland.

“The government has chosen yet another path that feels designed to inflict maximum hardship,” Sandoval-Moshenberg said in a statement. “Their actions are punitive, cruel and unconstitutional.

” His lawyers in the past have accused the administration of violating Abrego’s rights to due process under the US Constitution. A deportation in the coming days could also impact a court hearing in his criminal case scheduled for November 4 and 5 in Nashville, Tennessee, that will examine whether Abrego was improperly charged in retaliation for his decision to bring a legal challenge to his March deportation.

Abrego’s lawyers have sought testimony from several Justice Department officials. The administration vowed to remove Abrego again from the United States after he was in August.

Abrego’s lawyers have indicated a preference for Costa Rica, a Spanish-speaking country in Central America that has said it would take in Abrego, but the administration has so far not agreed to send him there. The Justice Department highlighted Liberia’s historic ties to the United States, its “humane treatment of refugees” and its “robust” human rights protections.

A 2024 US State Department report flagged significant rights issues in the West African country, including extrajudicial killings. Liberia was one of five African countries the Trump administration pressed in July to accept migrants being deported to countries other than their own.

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Kigali, Rwanda. In a landmark collaboration aimed at bridging the digital divide, the Airtel Africa Foundation on October 25, 2025 partnered with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), and Cisco to launch a transformative initiative under the Digital Transformation Centres (DTC) programme.

The partnership seeks to advance digital inclusion across Rwanda by providing free Internet connectivity and digital skills training to underserved communities, supporting the country’s journey towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Under the initiative, ITU will deliver digital skills training content to the DTCs, alongside other regional capacity-building activities.

It will also facilitate networking opportunities to promote digital literacy, granting participants access to expertise and global best practices. Speaking to the press, Airtel Rwanda Managing Director, Mr Sujay Chakrabarti, said: “Today’s partnership between the Airtel Africa Foundation, ITU, RISA, and Cisco marks a significant step forward in bridging the digital divide and empowering Rwandan youth with digital skills.

This partnership is a powerful example of what happens when government, private sector, and international organisations come together to empower communities.” The Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Rwanda, will equip DTC locations with routers, Wi-Fi, and data packages at no cost, ensuring that digital training and educational platforms are fully accessible to learners.

The initiative complements Rwanda’s ambition to become a knowledge-based economy and aligns with national programmes such as ‘Connect Rwanda’, which seek to broaden access to smartphones and digital services for marginalised communities. Ms Esi Asare Prah, Head of Programmes at Airtel Africa Foundation, on behalf of Dr Segun Ogunsaya, Chair of the Foundation, said: “This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting national development goals and closing the digital divide through meaningful collaboration.

We are honoured to partner with ITU to bring this vision to life and contribute to Rwanda’s journey towards becoming a digitally empowered society.” Dr Emmanuel Mannaseh, Regional Director for ITU, added: “Our partnership with Airtel Africa Foundation begins in Rwanda, where we are joining forces to strengthen digital skills in underserved communities and advance connectivity.

This initiative lays the groundwork for broader regional collaboration, as we aim to expand this work to other Digital Transformation Centres across Africa.” RISA CEO Mr Antoine Sebera emphasised the transformative potential of the programme, stating: “What we are seeing here today is partnership in action.

With 900 million people in Africa still unconnected, extra effort must be made to ensure that no one is left behind. These centres will play a vital role in educating the youth to leverage AI.

Digital transformation is driving the world, and Africa, particularly Rwanda, cannot be left behind.” .

Dar es Salaam. Youth innovation in Tanzania is beginning to take a commercial path following the official handover of two university technology projects from the College of Information and Communication Technologies (CoICT) to the Dar Teknohama Business Incubator (DTBi) entrepreneurship programme.

The two projects — an Internet of Things (IoT) system for detecting tomato spoilage and a modern road transport safety system — highlight how technology can be used to improve safety, resilience, and food security. The transfer is designed to help young innovators from universities turn their technological ideas into market-ready products and services with real economic value.

The handover ceremony, held at CoICT in Kijitonyama on October 23, 2025 marked a new beginning for the innovators, who will now receive business training, technical support, and mentorship to transform their projects into viable enterprises. DTBi Executive Director Patience Karua said innovation needs more than just ideas — it requires an environment that allows it to grow and create impact.

“Innovation needs more than a good idea. It needs a system that nurtures it, provides business direction, and creates room for growth,” said Ms Karua.

“Through our partnership with CoICT and the Youth TeamUp Project, we are not just transferring innovations; we are investing in the future of Tanzania’s digital economy.” The Youth TeamUp Project, which connects young people from Africa and Europe through innovations that support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2030), continues to empower Tanzanian youth with skills, networks, and international exposure.

CoICT Project Coordinator Dr Eva Shayo said innovations developed within universities must go beyond classrooms and research labs to solve real-life challenges. “At CoICT, we believe in learning by doing.

Seeing these innovations move into DTBi’s entrepreneurship programme shows that creativity and research can bring practical solutions to society,” said Dr Shayo. DTBi Project Coordinator Makange Mramba said the handover signals the start of a promising journey for the innovators.

“This handover is not the end, but the beginning of a new journey. The young innovators will continue to receive business mentorship, training, and technical support to ensure their products are ready for the market,” said Mr Mramba.

The collaboration between CoICT, DTBi, and Youth TeamUp marks a growing shift in Tanzania’s innovation landscape — one where youthful creativity is increasingly finding space in the business world. .

Dar es Salaam. The third prosecution witness in the treason case against Chadema national chairman Tundu Lissu concluded his testimony at the Dar es Salaam High Court (Magistrate’s Division) on October 23, 2025, stressing that he could not record every detail in the written statement he gave to police because doing so would amount to producing a book or a research report.

The witness, Police Inspector Samuel Eribariki Kaaya (39), a photographic specialist attached to the Photographic Unit of the Commission for Forensic Science Investigations at Police Headquarters, Dar es Salaam, made the remarks as he finished answering a series of questions intended to reconcile his in-court evidence with the written statement he had provided to police, and in response to cross-examination by the accused, Tundu Lissu. Inspector Kaaya gave evidence for six consecutive days from Wednesday October 15 until he finished on October 23. He testified before a three-judge bench hearing the case: Dunstan Ndunguru, James Karayemaha and Ferdinand Kiwonde.

Lissu faces a charge of treason contrary to section 39(2)(d) of the Penal Code, arising from remarks he is alleged to have made about preventing the holding of the 2025 General Election. When led by Senior State Attorney Tawab Issa (SSA) to explain one matter of reconciliation between answers he gave in court and his written police statement, Kaaya said the written notes he prepared for police were only a summary of his work and that he could not possibly write down every detail in those statements because they would then be research reports rather than statements of evidence.

Kaaya explained this position after Lissu put 75 questions to him about aspects of his oral testimony given in court that do not appear in the written statement he supplied to police. In response to some of Lissu’s questions, Kaaya admitted familiarity with certain matters and denied knowledge of others, as follows: Lissu: “Witness, are you aware you were asked 165 questions in court by the Republic’s lawyers?” Witness: “I am not certain.

” Lissu: “Are you aware that of those 165 questions asked by your lawyers, 112 are not contained in the statement you wrote to police?” Witness: “I am not certain.” Lissu: “Witness, 68 per cent of the questions asked by the State counsel are not in the statement you wrote to police — true or not?” Witness: “True.

” Lissu: “Why are the answers you have given in court not included in the statement you made to police?” Witness: “The statement I wrote to police is a summary of the work I carried out; you cannot write everything because you would be writing research.” Lissu: “Have you given a reason in court for why you did not include your in-court evidence in the police statement?” Witness: “I have not given a reason.

” Lissu: “Who wrote those statements to the police?” Witness: “I wrote them myself.” Lissu: “In the statement you wrote, who warned you?” Witness: “The warning statements do not contain a warning-officer.

” Lissu: “Who warned you?” Witness: “I wrote it myself.” Lissu: “When police prepare written statements there is a verification process — true or not?” Witness: “I wrote it myself.

” Lissu: “Who trained you police officers to write warning statements?” Witness: “Our fellow police officers.” Lissu: “Are you familiar with the Police General Orders (PGO)?” Witness: “Yes.

” Lissu: “When did you last read the Police General Orders?” Witness: “This morning.” Lissu: “I stand accused of treason here; I am alleged to have broadcast seditious material during my meeting and uploaded it online.

Tell the judges: is it possible that the person speaking and the person holding the camera recording live are the same person?” Witness: “I do not know.” Lissu: “In a professional forensic inquiry can you determine who uploaded the video online, given that I am accused of having uploaded it?” Witness: “When conducting a metadata investigation you examine the link that uploaded the video; therefore, I did not identify a person.

” Lissu: “You have answered very well, witness — may God bless you.” Lissu: “Tell the judges who was operating that camera on April 3, 2025 for the recording.

” Witness: “I do not know and I am not familiar with that.” Lissu: “From your knowledge, is it possible for someone without a Jambo TV username, without a YouTube account or password, and who is not a Jambo TV employee, to upload the video to Jambo TV?” Witness: “It depends.

Technology has advanced; there are things called hacks which enable someone to access an account without a password.” Lissu: “Witness, I am persuaded by everything you have said, but I maintain the allegation that I uploaded the seditious material and put it on that account; I would like clarity on that.

” Witness: “There is no way someone can access an account unless they have the password, or unless there is software that can break into the account without a password — people can hack accounts.” .

Nairobi. The Horn of Africa is facing a renewed surge in human trafficking and irregular migration, with Ethiopia, Somalia, and Eritrea singled out as major hotspots for smugglers exploiting desperate jobseekers.

Fresh data from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reveals that illegal labour migration along the Eastern Route — stretching through Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, and Yemen — has sharply increased in the first eight months of 2025, cementing its place as one of the world’s busiest and most perilous migration corridors. Nihan Erdogan, IOM’s Deputy Regional Director for East, Horn, and Southern Africa, said most irregular migrants originate from Ethiopia and Somalia, often lured by the promise of jobs in the Middle East and the Gulf.

“We continue to see citizens from the eastern Horn risking everything for employment opportunities abroad,” she noted at the 3rd Igad Conference on Labour, Employment, and Labour Migration in Nairobi. The IOM attributes the rise to new smuggling routes through Yemen’s Ta’izz City and increased cross-border departures from Ethiopia.

Figures show migration numbers rose from 178,300 in 2024 to 238,000 by mid-2025. During the same period, 55,700 Ethiopian migrants were forcibly repatriated from Saudi Arabia — slightly fewer than last year — though the number of returning boys and girls grew by 31 and 18 percent respectively. Between April and June, 78 migrants died or went missing along the route, mostly in Djibouti and Yemen.

By June 2025, at least 348 deaths or disappearances had been recorded, surpassing last year’s toll. Ethiopia, long criticised for porous borders, pledged to tighten controls and promote safer, regulated labour mobility.

Member states of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad) — including Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Djibouti, Eritrea, and Ethiopia — vowed to harmonise labour migration policies and strengthen protection for migrant workers. Igad Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu described the region’s migration crisis as “a ticking time bomb,” urging governments to create jobs at home and improve working conditions abroad.

“Too many of our youth, driven by despair, are dying along routes like the Red Sea. We must ensure they thrive where they belong,” he said.

Kenya’s Labour Cabinet Secretary, Dr Alfred Mutua, echoed the call for reforms linking employment and human rights. “Migration should be dignified, safe, and beneficial,” he said.

“We must fight human trafficking and stop the exploitation of our people simply because they are desperate.” Dr Workneh also renewed calls for a single-visa regime across the Igad bloc to ease lawful labour mobility without undermining national security or sovereignty.

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Dar es Salaam. As more Tanzanian families turn to smartphones for information and entertainment, researchers say digital tools could also hold the key to better parenting and healthier child development.

The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) has launched a pioneering study to explore how technology can help parents build stronger emotional bonds with their children and improve early learning at home. The study, conducted in collaboration with the Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative (REPSSI) and Stellenbosch University, comes amid growing concern that excessive or unproductive screen time is weakening family interactions and eroding positive parenting practices.

Speaking during a stakeholder meeting in Kinondoni District, NIMR Mwanza Centre’s Digital Parenting and Child Development Project Coordinator, Mr Christopher Mshana, said the research responds to the social and behavioural changes brought about by widespread digital engagement. “We realised that many parents rely on digital platforms for information, yet effective parenting practices are declining,” said Mr Mshana.

“Through this project, NIMR is using technology to reintroduce positive parenting skills and improve how parents interact with their children.” At the heart of the study is a specially designed smartphone application offering interactive lessons, games, and home-based activities to promote family bonding and reduce parenting-related stress.

The project, which targets children aged four to six and their parents or caregivers, is currently being implemented across 12 wards in Kinondoni District. “Our goal is to promote meaningful parentchild engagement, enhance mental health, and encourage shared activities like play and reading at home,” said Mr Mshana.

“This helps build supportive environments for both parents and children.” According to the Project Manager from REPSSI, Ms Rahaba Mvuoni, the research has already exceeded expectations, reaching 408 caregivers, slightly above the initial target of 400 participants.

“The project offers nine digital lessons focused on strengthening parentchild relationships, building effective parenting skills, and improving parents’ mental health,” said Ms Mvuoni. “Even with busy schedules, parents can dedicate just 10 to 15 minutes daily to read, play, or learn with their children.

” The app also includes 50 educational books, interactive games, and simple home-based activities designed to make learning and bonding both fun and accessible. Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

A community worker from Msasani Ward, Ms Eva Nyella said the project has changed her parenting approach. “I didn’t have a clear routine for engaging with my child before,” she said.

“Now, I’ve learned different play and learning methods that have strengthened our bond. I spend more time learning about parenting instead of scrolling through social media.

” Similarly, a community health worker from Bunju Ward, Mr Deus Bwire said the initiative is helping to reshape parenting habits across communities. “Many Tanzanians use social media daily, so this smartphone-based approach is practical and accessible,” he said.

“It encourages parents to use their devices for positive purposes–building stronger families and reducing moral decline.” .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s football giants Azam FC are on the verge of making history as they aim to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage for the first time in the club’s history.

The ‘ice cream makers’, will host Zanzibar’s KMKM this evening at the Azam Complex in a decisive second-leg clash, kicking off at 5pm. Azam FC head into the encounter in a commanding position after securing a 20 away victory in the first leg played at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar on October 18, 2025. Goals from Jephte Kitambala and Pascal Msindo gave Florent Ibenge’s side a crucial advantage heading into the return fixture.

With that result, Azam need only a draw or any kind of win to progress to the group stage. KMKM, on the other hand, face an uphill task as they must win by at least three clear goals to advance.

Azam, who have enjoyed a strong start to their continental campaign under Congolese tactician Florent Ibenge, are determined to continue their impressive form and make club history. Speaking ahead of the match, Azam assistant coach Kassim Liogope said the team is in top condition and fully focused on completing the job.

“All the players are in excellent shape and ready to give their best. We are taking the game very seriously because in football, anything can happen,” said Liogope.

“KMKM are a strong and disciplined team, so we must stay alert throughout the 90 minutes and make sure we control the game. Our goal is clear, to finish the job and qualify.

” Meanwhile, KMKM head coach Hababuu Ali remains confident his players can turn things around despite the two-goal deficit. “We lost 20 in the first leg due to some mistakes which we have already corrected.

My players are focused and determined to deliver a strong performance. We know it will be difficult, but nothing is impossible in football,” said Ali.

A win or draw tonight would see Azam FC reach the CAF Confederation Cup group stage for the first time in their history, marking a major milestone in the club’s continental journey and a proud moment for Tanzanian football. .

Dar es Salaam. The High Court (Dar es Salaam Registry) has dismissed a habeas corpus application filed on behalf of former diplomat Humphrey Polepole, ruling that there was no evidence proving that the respondents were responsible for his alleged abduction or detention.

The decision, written by Principal Judge Salma Maghimbi and read today, October 24, 2025, by Deputy Registrar Livin Lyakinana, stated that the applicant failed to substantiate his claims. However, advocate Peter Kibatala, who represented Mr Polepole — a former Tanzanian ambassador to Cuba — said they will appeal the decision, insisting that the case raises substantial legal questions that the Court of Appeal ought to review.

The case, Application No. 24514/2025, was filed on October 7, 2025, by Mr Kibatala under a certificate of urgency.

The respondents listed in the case were: the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Attorney General (AG), the Zonal Crime Officer for the Dar es Salaam Special Zone (ZCO), and the Zonal Police Commander (ZPC). In his affidavit supporting the application, Mr Kibatala stated that Mr Polepole was reportedly abducted on October 6, 2025, from his home in Ununio, Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam, by individuals believed to be police officers.

He argued that Mr Polepole had not been charged with any criminal offence before any court of law and was believed to be held in an undisclosed location by the respondents. “His constitutional rights have been violated without just cause.

The applicant’s wellbeing requires urgent attention and judicial intervention to ascertain his safety and legal status,” Mr Kibatala stated in the affidavit. He urged the court to order that Mr Polepole be released on bail or brought before a competent court of law and charged accordingly.

Mr Kibatala further informed the court that the applicant is a Tanzanian citizen who has served the country in various capacities, including as District Commissioner for Ubungo, Dar es Salaam, and Ambassador to Malawi and Cuba. He added that earlier this year, Mr Polepole voluntarily resigned from his diplomatic post, citing dissatisfaction with how national affairs were being managed within the government and across the country.

According to Kibatala, in his public statements, Mr Polepole had repeatedly expressed concerns for his personal safety due to threats he allegedly received from unknown individuals, linked to his outspoken political and governance views. “These claims were publicly confirmed by his brothers, Godfrey and Agustino Polepole, as reported by local media outlets,” the lawyer said.

He noted that the fifth respondent, ZPC Jumanne Muliro, was quoted in the press dismissing the allegations of abduction. Mr Kibatala emphasised that, as of the time he swore the affidavit, Mr Polepole’s whereabouts remained unknown, and none of the respondents had provided any feedback on his condition, safety, or legal status — a situation that continues to heighten public concern.

“I have reason to believe that the respondents, particularly the fifth respondent (ZPC), are aware of and have authority over the applicant’s detention,” Kibatala said. Court’s decision The matter was heard through written submissions.

In its ruling delivered today, the court held that the applicant failed to discharge the burden of proving that the respondents were the ones who took Mr Polepole. “What was presented before this court were mere suspicions that the respondents might have taken him or know his whereabouts,” the ruling read in part.

“For those reasons, this court declines to grant the orders sought. Consequently, the application is hereby dismissed,” announced Deputy Registrar Lyakinana.

Reacting to the ruling, Mr Kibatala confirmed that an appeal has already been lodged. “We have filed a notice of intention to appeal and requested the High Court to prepare the necessary case records for the appellate process.

The documents are already in the court system,” he said. .

Dar es Salaam. The High Court of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam Sub-Registry, has rejected a bail application filed by the Chairperson of the opposition party Chadema, Tundu Lissu, in his ongoing treason case.

Lissu made the application on October 24, 2025 after the prosecution requested an adjournment of the proceedings due to the absence of a witness. Earlier, the prosecution had asked the court to postpone the hearing until November 3, 2025 stating that their witnesses were unavailable for the day.

The case, which is being heard by a three-judge panel led by the Principal Judge of the High Court in Iringa, Judge Dunstan Ndunguru and assisted by Judges James Karayemaha and Ferdinand Kiwonde, was scheduled to continue on Friday. However, the prosecution informed the court that the next witnesses were expected to testify based on exhibits that had been ruled inadmissible on October 22 and 23, 2025. The excluded exhibits included data storage devices — a flash drive and a memory card — containing video footage of a speech by Lissu, which the prosecution alleged contained statements inciting rebellion against the government.

Chief State Attorney Lenatus Mkude told the court that since it was the final day of the current hearing session, they were seeking an adjournment under Section 302 of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) until November 3, 2025 in line with the official case schedule. Lissu, however, strongly opposed the request, arguing that the prosecution had failed to present valid grounds for adjournment.

He urged the court to compel the prosecution to produce its witness, insisting that without the excluded exhibits, the case had effectively collapsed and no further evidence existed to substantiate the charges. He further requested that if the court agreed to the adjournment, it should grant him bail under Section 302(2) of the CPA.

In response, Chief State Attorneys Mkude and Nassoro Katuga objected to the bail plea, arguing that the offence of treason is non-bailable under Tanzanian law. Delivering his ruling, Judge Ndunguru upheld the prosecution’s motion, stating that their reasons for seeking adjournment were valid and lawful.

He added that while the section cited by Lissu provides for bail under certain conditions, the current circumstances did not meet those criteria, given that the postponement request was legally justified and the charge itself was non-bailable. “Since today marks the end of this court session, the case is hereby adjourned until November 3, 2025 as indicated in the court’s cause list,” Judge Ndunguru declared.

Following the decision, Lissu was returned to remand custody, marking his 202nd day in detention since his arrest on April 9, 2025 when the case was first filed. .