Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Sanlam and Allianz, two global insurance powerhouses that joined forces in 2023 to form Africa’s largest non-banking financial services group, SanlamAllianz, have officially launched their new brand in Tanzania.

The unveiling ceremony took place yesterday in the city, marking another milestone in the group’s continent-wide brand rollout. The launch introduces two entities to the Tanzanian market — SanlamAllianz General Insurance Tanzania Ltd and SanlamAllianz Life Insurance Tanzania Ltd — which will offer general and life insurance products respectively.

Mr Jaideep Goel has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of SanlamAllianz General Insurance, while Mr Julius Magabe serves as Chief Executive Officer of SanlamAllianz Life Insurance. SanlamAllianz aims to leverage its global and pan-African expertise to drive growth in Africa’s high-potential economies, the company said in a statement yesterday.

Guided by its mission to empower generations to be financially confident, secure, and prosperous, the group seeks to expand access to financial services and enhance inclusion through innovative, customer-focused solutions. Mr Robert Dommisse, chief executive: Life Insurance at SanlamAllianz, described the launch as a key milestone for both the joint venture and Tanzania’s financial sector.

“Through the joint venture, we are combining the scale, strength, and global capabilities of Sanlam and Allianz. Our clients will benefit from innovative solutions tailored to their evolving needs,” he noted.

Mr Goel said the focus is on providing reliable services. “This launch is not just about a new brand; it’s about reinforcing our promise to stand with our clients through every life stage and challenge,” he said.

On his part, Mr Magabe said the new brand represents a long-term commitment to helping Tanzanians secure their financial future. “Life insurance is about building confidence for the future.

With SanlamAllianz, we combine global expertise with local understanding to help Tanzanians plan, protect, and prosper,” he said. “Our focus is on developing innovative life insurance products that promote long-term financial security and inclusion.

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Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has declared Wednesday, October 29, 2025 a public holiday to allow Tanzanians to take part in the general election.

According to a statement issued on October 24, 2025 by Chief Secretary Ambassador Dr Moses Kusiluka, the decision follows the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) designating that day as the official date for the presidential, parliamentary, and local government elections. “In order to enable eligible citizens, including public servants and private sector employees, to exercise their constitutional right to vote, the President has approved October 29, 2025 as a public holiday,” the statement reads in part.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has meanwhile urged all registered voters to turn out in large numbers on election day and exercise their democratic right to choose leaders who will steer the nation for the next five years. .

Dar es Salaam/Dodoma/Morogoro. Tanzania has recorded its first standard gauge railway (SGR) accident since electric train operations began, following the derailment of an electric multiple unit (EMU) train at Ruvu in Coast Region on yesterday.

Before the incident, which occurred shortly after 8am, the SGR had reported only minor technical challenges such as brief power outages and yesterday’s derailment marked the first physical accident since the service was launched in June 2024. Photos and videos shared online showed one section of the high-speed train off the tracks near a signal post, sparking public concern and debate over the cause. Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) Director General Machibya Shiwa attributed the accident to an operational fault rather than infrastructure failure.

“There was a challenge in operations, not on the line. The infrastructure remained intact, except that an operational error caused the problem.

That’s why we were able to restore services quickly,” Mr Machibya told The Citizen’s sister publication Mwananchi. He said services resumed later in the day, with trains from Dodoma, Morogoro and Ruvu running as scheduled.

“Only two services were affected–one from Morogoro to Dar es Salaam and the 9.30am train to Dodoma,” he said.

No fatalities or injuries were reported, although passengers described moments of fear and confusion. “It was just a scare; we didn’t see anyone injured,” said one commuter.

Passengers stranded The accident occurred about 25 minutes after departure from Dar es Salaam’s Magufuli Station, forcing the temporary suspension of SGR operations and leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. At Magufuli Station, passengers expressed frustration over delayed communication.

“Since no one could confirm whether we would depart or not, I’ve decided to go to the airport instead. I have a meeting at 3pm and I’ve been here since morning with no update,” said Anastazia Njenge.

Another passenger, a German national identified as Johannes Muller, said he chose to return to his hotel and await further communication. When Mwananchi visited the station, some passengers were leaving while others waited for updates.

New arrivals continued to seek clarification after seeing reports of the derailment on social media. In Morogoro, passengers at Jakaya Kikwete Station were also asked to postpone travel plans.

“We were told the derailed train had blocked the line,” said Omary Mrisho. Another passenger, Yusta Komba, said she had planned to travel to Dar es Salaam for her daughter’s send-off ceremony but had to cancel her trip.

In Dodoma, more than 800 passengers were left stranded at the Samia Suluhu Hassan SGR Station in Kikuyu South. “We saw the news online, but there was no official communication,” said passenger Aisha Nurudin Saidi.

Previous incidents Although this was the first derailment, the SGR service has previously experienced power and technical faults. On September 9, 2024, an electric train stalled at Ngerengere for over three hours, leaving passengers heading to Dodoma stranded.

Another outage on July 30, 2024, between Kilosa and Kidete halted operations for two hours. On August 1, 2024, a DodomaDar es Salaam train carrying passengers and dignitaries was delayed for several hours in Morogoro after attending the official service launch.

Common causes of train accidents Experts say the most common causes of electric train accidents include human error, negligence, mechanical failure, speeding, track defects and unprotected crossings. Other contributing factors include faulty signals, misaligned rails and poor weather conditions.

Globally, derailments and collisions are the leading types of train accidents. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, an average of 1,800 train accidents occur annually worldwide, causing between 50 and 70 injuries and up to seven deaths.

In 2019, there were 1,848 recorded accidents–1,283 derailments, 115 collisions and 450 other incidents–resulting in 57 injuries and four deaths. A year earlier, 1,934 accidents were reported, with 1,375 derailments, 86 collisions and 473 other cases, causing 204 injuries and seven fatalities.

Compiled by Hamis Mniha and Rachel Chibwete (Dodoma), Hamida Sharif (Morogoro) and Devotha Kihwelo and Herieth Makwetta (Dar es Salaam) .

Arusha. Cross-border traders in the East African Community (EAC) are raising fresh concerns over delays and high costs linked to trade permits and certificates — a new bottleneck that is hampering the flow of goods and threatening livelihoods across the region.

At the Namanga border, traders say the growing bureaucracy, coupled with multiple customs checks and frequent cargo inspections, has made cross-border trade increasingly cumbersome. Perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables are reportedly bearing the brunt of the delays, leading to substantial revenue losses.

The grievances surfaced during a two-day publicprivate dialogue on non-tariff barriers (NTBs) that brought together more than 70 stakeholders, including border traders, customs agents and business support organisations. Chairperson of the Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA), Mr Alex Kabuga, said that obtaining trade permits and certificates of origin remains time-consuming, costly and inconsistent across EAC member states.

“These challenges discourage small-scale traders and undermine the Simplified Trade Regime (STR), which was meant to make cross-border trade easier,” he said. Traders further decried the proliferation of roadblocks near border points, which they say slow down the movement of goods.

“On the Kenyan side of Namanga, there are more than eight roadblocks just a few kilometres apart. On the Tanzanian side, there are at least five, many without basic facilities such as toilets or inspection sheds,” said Ms Naseriani Mosses, a produce trader.

“These repeated and unnecessary checks often cause spoilage of perishable goods.” The meeting also heard that some customs officers do not consistently apply the Simplified Certificate of Origin (SCO), while others lack awareness of its purpose — leading small-scale traders to pay unnecessary taxes and fees.

Ms Magreth Christopha, one of the participants from Tanzania, said differences in implementation among EAC partner states continue to undermine the SCO’s benefits. “High permit costs and procedural delays waste time and reduce traders’ incomes,” she said.

The dialogue was organised by the East African Business Council (EABC) in partnership with the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA), with support from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). It sought to identify the challenges faced by small-scale traders and propose practical solutions to enhance trade efficiency.

EABC Acting Executive Director, Mr Adrian Njau, urged EAC governments to streamline the issuance of trade permits and certificates, reduce fees and align procedures with the Simplified Trade Regime. He cited findings from an EABC study on maize and horticultural trade, which showed that inspection and phytosanitary certificate fees — averaging about $100 per consignment — disproportionately affect small-scale traders, forcing some to use unofficial routes.

“Women and youth traders are the most affected. This dialogue was organised to capture their voices and submit recommendations to EAC leaders for action,” Mr Njau said.

He called for harmonised systems across member states and better training for traders and customs officials to reduce bureaucracy. “Simplifying permits and cutting costs will encourage freer trade, enhance competitiveness and promote regional growth,” he added.

Representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of Tanzania, Mr Amedeus Arbogast Mzee, said the concerns aimed at boosting the EAC economy through the resolution of Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs), will be presented to the high-level meetings of Heads of State of the member countries. “We are here to identify challenges and propose solutions.

The good thing is that my ministry is responsible for overseeing the implementation of EAC integration agreements. Therefore, I assure you that any barriers raised will be followed up and addressed through resolutions adopted at the highest levels,” he said.

Mr Mzee also urged customs agents and officials from all member states to execute their duties diligently and assist cross-border traders in understanding their rights and responsibilities to prevent conflicts of interest, including being subjected to inspections by unauthorised officers, a practice that can create opportunities for corruption. The dialogue also coincided with the launch of a Trade Information Centre at the Namanga One-Stop Border Post (OSBP), aimed at improving access to market information, trade procedures and guidance on the STR.

AGRA Youth Specialist, Ms Barbara Mbabazi, said the EABCTCCIAAGRA partnership seeks to empower women and youth traders by improving their understanding of trade processes and strengthening their participation in agricultural trade. The initiative is part of the “Promoting Intra-EAC Agri-Food Cross-Border Trade by Addressing Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) to Trade” project, which runs from 2024 to 2026. It aims to increase the participation of women- and youth-led agri-food traders and boost cross-border trade in maize, rice, beans, soybeans and horticultural products along major EAC corridors.

The three-year programme, supported by a $399,900 grant from AGRA and additional funding from the Mastercard Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, targets around 2,440 women and youth traders across the region. “Our focus is on reducing trade costs and delays caused by NTBs, strengthening traders’ knowledge of facilitation tools such as the STR,” Ms Mbabazi said.

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Arusha. The Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB) has disbursed loans and grants worth S26.5 billion to 135,240 higher education students across Tanzania for the 2025/2026 academic year, marking the first phase of the loans and Samia Scholarship allocation.

Speaking to journalists on October 24, 2025 HESLB Executive Director Dr Bill Kiwia said the funds form part of the government’s commitment to ensure that every eligible and needy student receives financial support to pursue their studies without economic barriers. He said the beneficiaries are those who submitted their applications between September 15 June and 15, 2025. “Out of the 135,240 students, a total of 40,952 undergraduate students and 5,342 diploma students have been allocated loans amounting to Sh152 billion,” said Dr Kiwia.

In addition, 615 beneficiaries of the Samia Scholarship have been awarded grants worth Sh3.3 billion, while 88,331 continuing students enrolled in various institutions across the country have been allocated loans totalling Sh271.2 billion. Dr Kiwia further stated that HESLB will continue releasing subsequent rounds of loans and grants as it receives admission confirmations for new students and academic results for continuing ones.

“We urge all applicants to check the progress of their applications through their SIPA accounts. This is the official platform for obtaining accurate updates while the evaluation and allocation processes are ongoing,” he emphasised.

According to Dr Kiwia, the government has set aside Sh916.7 billion for the 2025/2026 financial year to finance loans for 273,347 students, including 99,300 first-year students and 174,047 continuing students. He said this represents an increase from Sh787 billion issued in the previous year to support over 245,000 students.

“This increment demonstrates the government’s commitment to investing more in higher education as a pillar of national development. We want to see more young people achieving their dreams without financial obstacles,” he added.

Dr Kiwia also assured that the allocated funds will reach beneficiaries as soon as they report to their respective institutions on November 3, 2025 allowing them to commence their studies without delays. He commended loan beneficiaries who continue to repay their debts voluntarily, saying such compliance strengthens the board’s capacity to fund the next generation of students.

He revealed that the total matured loan portfolio currently stands at Sh2.7 trillion, of which Sh1.8 trillion–over 70 percent–has already been recovered. “On average, we collect more than Sh20 billion monthly, making Tanzania the leading country in Africa in student loan recovery performance,” he noted.

Meanwhile, HESLB’s Director of Loan Allocation and Issuance, Dr Peter Mmari, urged all applicants and the public to seek verified information only from the board’s official website and its social media pages under the name HESLB Tanzania to avoid misinformation from unofficial sources. He added that the institution will continue strengthening its digital systems to enhance transparency, efficiency, and speed in both loan disbursement and recovery.

“We remain a model institution in Africa in supporting youth access to higher education through transparent, equitable, and efficient systems. No qualified student will be left out, provided they meet the set criteria and follow the correct information channels,” he stressed.

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Once upon a regime, yes, in those days there was this Tajiri. You know the type polished suits, a calm smile, and a way of making even his scandals sound sophisticated.

He had “legitimate businesses” (at least that’s what the papers said) and a very long list of people on his payroll. Now, some of these people actually worked for him.

Others not so much. The “not directly” ones were in offices, committees, and boards basically the places where decisions are made, rules are bent, and signatures can change your destiny.

The Tajiri paid them to stay quiet, to look away, and to make problems disappear faster than a soda in Dar heat. When I first heard the story, I laughed.

Because honestly isn’t this bribery? Isn’t this corruption? But no one called it that. They said, “Ah, huyo jamaa ni mjanja.

Ana connection.” And just like that, a crime became a skill set.

And that’s exactly where we are as a society, we’ve turned corruption into a soft skill. It’s no longer something shameful; it’s a survival hack.

People talk about bribery the same way they discuss football scores: casually, loudly, even proudly. Someone gets their passport in two days? “Bwana, I just knew who to talk to.

” Someone skips a traffic fine? “I sorted the officer kidogo.” Someone’s child gets top marks mysteriously? “Ni Mungu tu!” (Sure, let’s call it divine intervention.

) We laugh, we clap, we move on as if these small acts don’t build the big rot we keep pretending to hate. The same people who post online about corrupt leaders are the ones handing kitu kidogo at the police checkpoint.

We have double standards so high they could use their own ZIP code. And here’s the funniest part, we don’t even hide it anymore.

Corruption has gone public. It’s discussed in weddings, whispered in churches, and joked about in offices.

We’ve created an entire vocabulary for it”chai”, “shukrani”, “mambo ya ndani” We have normalised it to the point that refusing to give a bribe now looks suspicious. Try doing things the right way, and people will look at you like you’re the problem.

“Unataka kuhustle eeh?” they’ll ask, half annoyed, half amused. We’ve reached a level where integrity is seen as stubbornness, and cheating the system is celebrated as “knowing your way around life”.

But corruption is not some government thing “up there”. It’s us.

The daily shortcuts, the small favours, the casual justifications. We’ve all played our part in building this monster, brick by brick, bribe by bribe.

We say “everyone does it” like it’s a national motto. But the truth is, corruption is a slow poison it doesn’t kill immediately, it just numbs the conscience until wrong starts feeling right.

So yes, maybe the Tajiri in that story was wrong. But so are we, every time we stay silent, every time we look away, and every time we call corruption by a cute name just to feel better about it.

The moment we stop being shocked by corruption is the moment it wins. And maybe that’s already happened because these days, no one even whispers about it anymore.

It’s said and done openly, like it’s part of the weather forecast. But here’s the thing just because we’ve learnt to live with rot doesn’t mean we should stop cleaning.

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Dar es Salaam. NMB Bank has been ranked among Africa’s top 40 banks by African Business Magazine, thanks to its strong capital base, solid profitability and substantial asset size.

According to the 2025 rankings, NMB also features among the top five banks in East Africa, reflecting its consistent growth and resilience. In a statement released yesterday the bank described the recognition as a testament to its position as one of Africa’s most dynamic and stable financial institutions–anchored on sound fundamentals, robust governance, and disciplined execution of its long-term growth strategy.

As of June 2025, NMB’s total assets had surpassed Sh14 trillion, supported by a strong capital base, ample liquidity, and a five-year average annual growth rate of over 30 percent in net profits. The lender maintained its status as Tanzania’s most profitable bank, recording Sh358.57 billion in net profit during the first half of 2025–a 14 percent increase from Sh314.17 billion in June 2024. Its return on equity remains among the highest in the region, signalling effective capital management and prudent operations.

NMB attributes its performance to the successful execution of its 20212025 Medium-Term Plan, which focuses on financial inclusion, digital transformation, operational efficiency, and sustainability. Currently, over 96 percent of all customer transactions occur outside physical branches, underscoring the impact of its digital strategy.

Beyond financial success, NMB continues to lead in responsible banking and sustainability. In 2021, it became the first bank in Africa to issue a Gender Bond–an initiative that underscored its commitment to inclusive finance and women’s economic empowerment.

The innovation earned NMB global recognition, including the Platinum Award for Sustainable Bond of the Year from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Global SME Finance Forum. The bank has also received several international accolades, including Euromoney’s Africa’s Best for Sustainability award, Top Employer certification for workplace excellence, and the prestigious EDGE Certification for gender equality–becoming the first African bank to achieve this milestone.

Commenting on the achievement, NMB’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ms Ruth Zaipuna (pictured), said the recognition represents the strength of our strategy, the resilience of our people, and the trust our customers place in us. “It is a proud moment for Tanzania and a reminder of our responsibility to continue building a world-class financial institution that delivers sustainable value for all stakeholders,” she said.

As the bank concludes its current strategic cycle and prepares for the next phase, Ms Zaipuna said its focus remains on sustainability, technology, and service excellence. In celebrating the continental recognition, NMB extended its gratitude to customers, employees, shareholders, partners and regulators, for their continued trust and support.

“We dedicate this achievement to every stakeholder who has walked this journey with us,” the bank said in a statement. “Together, we are not only building a bank but also transforming lives and shaping a stronger financial future for Tanzania and the region.

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Dar es Salaam. CCM presidential candidate and incumbent Head of State, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to building an inclusive and united Tanzania, calling on young people to safeguard peace and stability as the nation approaches the polls.

Speaking yesterday during a campaign rally held at Tanesco grounds in Buza, Temeke, President Hassan emphasised that her government’s development vision is anchored on human dignity, equal opportunities, and unity across all social and economic spheres. “Our founding fathers, including the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, reminded us that for a nation to develop, it must have people, land, sound politics, and good leadership,” she told supporters who had gathered in the sweltering Dar es Salaam afternoon heat.

“We have sung these words for years in CCM, and we continue to live by them. In our current and forthcoming manifestos, we are focusing on the people — empowering them, developing them, and upholding the dignity of every Tanzanian.

” Economic inclusivity and empowerment Turning to the economy, President Samia highlighted her government’s strides in strengthening both large-scale and small-scale economic activities, saying that her administration had worked hard to create a business environment that accommodates all. “In the area of the economy, we have done a good job,” she said.

“We have built an economy that supports big investors while also providing opportunities and spaces for small traders. Our goal is to make sure that every Tanzanian has a chance to participate meaningfully in the nation’s economic growth.

” On matters of justice, she said her government had invested in strengthening the judiciary to ensure timely and fair access to justice. “We have enhanced the independence of the judiciary, and today justice is available and delivered on time,” she added.

She further underscored the importance of freedom of expression — within the bounds of Tanzanian values and traditions — saying, “Freedom of speech, as enshrined in our Constitution, must coexist with our cultural norms and the respect for human dignity that defines us as Tanzanians.” Land and good governance Addressing land management, President Samia admitted that Tanzania had long struggled with planning and fair distribution, but said her party had drawn up concrete strategies to ensure that land was used productively.

“We have vast land resources,” she noted. “In the past, there were gaps in planning and fairness in land allocation.

But CCM is now well-prepared to utilise this land productively — for agriculture, investment, and other development projects that directly benefit our people.” The President also touched on the concept of clean politics, saying that it was central to peace, inclusivity, and accountability in governance.

“Clean politics ensures that people participate in decision-making through committees and commissions. When challenges arise, we talk to each other, we listen, and we resolve issues together,” she said.

“This is what Mwalimu Nyerere taught us — and our governments have continued to uphold these principles at various areas.” Joining her at the rally, Dr Thabit Kombo, Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, praised President Hassan for spearheading initiatives that have opened international employment opportunities for Tanzanian youth.

“One of the key achievements of President Samia’s leadership has been opening up our nation,” Dr Kombo said. “We have now signed agreements that will allow 50,000 young Tanzanians aged between 20 and 35 to work abroad.

These opportunities come as part of our efforts to expand employment beyond our borders.” He added that another 20,000 jobs were in the pipeline as new agreements with other countries were being finalised.

“Our youth should be ready to seize these opportunities. This is a reflection of the President’s commitment to empowering young people both at home and abroad,” he said.

Meanwhile, National Chairperson of the rulling party’s women’s wing, Mary Chatanda, said the women’s wing had already reached 15.7 million out of a targeted 16.7 million women across the country in their campaign to mobilise votes for President Hassan. “Women of Tanzania are ready to ensure you win decisively,” Chatanda told the rally.

“Since your nomination as our party’s presidential candidate, we have been mobilising tirelessly. You have worked hard for four years, and we are proud of you.

Whatever others may say, your record speaks for itself — and we, the women, will honour that with our votes.” As the rally concluded, Samia urged Tanzanians especially the youth — to cherish unity and peace above all else.

“Let us protect our peace. Let us not be misled into destroying what we have built together.

A united and inclusive Tanzania is our shared future,” she said to resounding applause. .

After a few quiet years, Tanzania’s beauty pageant scene is dazzling once again, and this time, the crowns are heavier, the stages grander, and the spotlight brighter on the global stage. From Miss Universe Tanzania to Miss Grand Tanzania and the revived Miss Tanzania competition, local queens are rewriting the country’s image and proving that Tanzanian beauty, confidence, and culture belong on the world stage.

Over the weekend, Miss Grand Tanzania 2025, Beatrice Alex Akyoo, made history by becoming the first Tanzanian to reach the Top 10 at the Miss Grand International pageant. The 25-year-old beauty queen from Dar es Salaam secured the fifth runner-up position at the grand finale held on October 18, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand.

Competing against 77 contestants from around the world, Akyoo’s remarkable journey began when she was crowned Miss Grand Tanzania on August 16, 2025, in Dar es Salaam. Her performance at the international stage marked one of the country’s best international performances in years.

Her elegant confidence, signature smile, and Swahili poise earned her a devoted following among global fans. In a heartfelt message to her supporters, Akyoo expresses her gratitude, stating, “We made it to the Top Ten, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

” This achievement not only highlights her personal dedication but also represents an important turning point for Tanzania in the realm of international beauty pageants. The internet lit up with Tanzanian pride.

“So far, I have no debt with this girl, no complaints I’m more than proud to say Tanzania pageantry is going somewhere!” comments a fan in one of Miss Akyoo’s performance posts Another adds, “Who’s behind this young lady? Wow, she really knows how to make us proud.” It was beyond mere excitement, it was a national validation that Tanzania’s queens could compete shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best.

Meanwhile, Miss Earth Tanzania 2025, Amina Abdulkadri Jigge, embodies this shift perfectly. Before flying to the Philippines for the Miss Earth International competition, she was honoured with a spirited send-off celebration in Dar es Salaam, a swirl of music, fashion, and patriotism.

“Success starts with taking a bold step,” shares former Miss Earth 2008, Miriam Odemba, in her message to Amina. “You’ve already taken the bold step.

Now use that platform to show the world that Tanzania cares about the planet.” Known for her intelligence and environmental advocacy, Amina’s participation underscores how Tanzanian pageantry has expanded its purpose, from outer beauty to impact and intellect.

Similarly, Adelina David Mpinga, Miss Tourism Africa International Tanzania 2025, is representing the nation in Abuja, Nigeria, where she’s competing at the continental finals. Social media has been both a runway and a megaphone for this renaissance.

TikTok and Instagram have become virtual catwalks, where Tanzanian contestants showcase creative costumes, practise their speeches, and build international fan bases. “Every like, share, and retweet counts,” says pageant strategist Alice Mwenda.

“Fans are no longer passive spectators; they’re part of the journey, and that’s what’s fuelling this momentum.” .

Dar es Salaam. Just a week before Tanzanians head to the polls, rights bodies have urged the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) to take urgent steps to ensure security, safeguard democracy, protect media freedom and promote national dialogue ahead of the 2025 General Election and beyond.

The call came during a high-level meeting between CCM officials and civil society representatives, led by THRDC National Coordinator Onesmo Olengurumwa, who said the proposals were submitted to CCM as it is the ruling party forming the government. A coalition of ten rights organisations formally submitted detailed proposals to CCM, including THRDC, Tanzania Women Lawyers Association (Tawla), Tanzania Media Women Association (Tamwa), Union of Tanzania Press Clubs (UTPC), Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), Shiviawata, Youth Participation Consortium (YPC), Tanzania Constitution Forum (Jukata), Nguruka Development Organisation and Tanzania NGO Network (Tango).

Responding to the proposals, CCM Deputy Secretary-General John Mongella acknowledged the gravity of the issues raised, noting that the concerns were both well-founded and in the national interest. “After receiving recommendations from civil society organisations, CCM has reviewed them and integrated over 80 percent into its 20252030 manifesto,” Mr Mongella said, highlighting the importance of maintaining cooperation and mutual understanding between the party and rights organisations, even when viewpoints differ.

“There are times when parties may seem to speak differently on an issue, but this should not be mistaken for fundamental disagreement,” he added. Mr Mongella also reaffirmed President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s commitment to the 4R principles (Reconciliation, Resilience, Reform and Rebuild), stressing that these would be pursued vigorously even after the elections.

On abductions, he revealed that the President had directed security agencies to act decisively. CCM’s then Secretary-General, Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, now the party’s running mate, had similarly emphasised that such incidents undermine public trust in the party.

“We are committed to ending these acts and ensuring that peace and stability prevail,” Mr Mongella said, noting that mental health factors sometimes contribute to disappearances. “The community may still perceive the person as fully capable, but underlying conditions can lead to tragic outcomes,” he explained.

He pledged to forward to the party’s leadership the civil society’s idea of forming independent commissions for actionable outcomes. “The government has previously established similar commissions, which proved very effective in addressing key issues.

I will ensure this proposal is presented in the party’s senior meetings so that concrete steps can be taken to implement it,” he said. On constitutional reform, Mr Mongella reiterated CCM’s commitment to creating a fair and impartial legal framework that transcends partisan politics, enhances national security and strengthens long-term stability.

Presenting the coalition’s concerns, Mr Olengurumwa stressed the critical role of dialogue in addressing governance and human rights issues, noting that few meaningful discussions have taken place to date. “Despite sustained advocacy and with elections approaching, no meaningful national dialogue has been held to address citizens’ grievances or promote reconciliation,” he said.

Rights bodies highlighted the rising trend in abductions and enforced disappearances, affecting journalists, human rights defenders, online activists, religious leaders, opposition politicians and other critics. “Between 2023 and 2025, nearly 100 cases of abductions and enforced disappearances were reported, many of which remain unresolved,” Mr Olengurumwa noted, adding that children’s cases are under-reported.

Official police records show 73 children went missing in 2023, while 20162019 data indicate 86 abductions, including 23 children. Unofficial estimates suggest that at least 256 people, including 96 children, were abducted or disappeared between 2016 and 2025. The coalition called on the government, CCM and security agencies to protect all citizens, particularly those exercising constitutional rights to free expression, assembly and political participation.

“We urge the creation of an independent commission to investigate all abductions and enforced disappearances and to hold perpetrators accountable,” Mr Olengurumwa said. “We also appeal to President Samia Suluhu Hassan to ratify international conventions against enforced disappearances and torture.

” Rights organisations also warned that democracy and media freedom remain under pressure in Tanzania. Despite constitutional guarantees, restrictive laws, government controls and widespread fear continue to limit citizen participation.

Reports indicate that between 2020 and 2025, over 120 journalists faced arrest or prosecution over alleged violations related to online content or licensing, with at least 30 arrests recorded in JanuarySeptember 2025 alone. The meeting further emphasised the need for inclusive national dialogue to address electoral reforms, human rights and constitutional issues.

“CCM has incorporated constitutional reform into its manifesto, which is a positive step, but the process must be transparent and inclusive,” Mr Olengurumwa said. “Lessons from Uganda, South Africa and Kenya show that constitutional reform succeeds only when the process is open, inclusive and backed by genuine political will.

” He stressed that dialogue should involve political parties, civil society and all social groups to comprehensively address grievances and achieve national reconciliation. “Our visit highlights the urgent need to address enforced disappearances, threats to democracy and the protection of media freedoms,” Mr Olengurumwa said.

“We remain committed to promoting dialogue, citizen participation and national reconciliation to safeguard Tanzania’s democratic foundations.” .