Category: The Citizen

Butiama. The CCM presidential candidate, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has declared that her government is realising the dreams of the Father of the Nation, the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, through the completion of major strategic projects, including the iconic Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP).

Addressing a large rally at Mwenge Grounds in Butiama, Nyerere’s birthplace, on October 10, 2025, President Hassan said her administration has worked to honour and advance Nyerere’s vision while building a modern, united, and prosperous Tanzania. “When we speak of the Father of the Nation, we cannot separate him from the ideological and philosophical foundations he laid for this country,” she told the crowd.

“Those foundations included freedom, unity, self-reliance, hard work, and nationhood. Today, through the projects we are delivering, we are translating his ideals into real progress,” added President Hassan.

The CCM presidential hopeful said the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) was a dream that Mwalimu had long wished to realise but could not implement, noting that today the dam is complete, producing electricity, and securing Tanzania’s energy future. She further pointed to the successful relocation of the nation’s capital to Dodoma as one of Nyerere’s most ambitious dreams.

“This was a governance decision taken long ago. We delayed for some years, but from the Fifth Phase Government and now in this Sixth Phase, we have completed the move.

All three pillars of government are now in Dodoma. Parliament moved first,” stressed President Hassan.

She also mentioned the SameMwanga water project, linked to the Nyumba ya Mungu Dam. According to President Hassan, the late Father of the Nation began the project but was unable to complete it, noting that her government has expanded it, ensuring clean water for communities in Same, Mwanga, and Korogwe districts.

In addition, the Mkomazi Dam in Korogwe is already 50 per cent complete, while the Kidunda Dam, which will serve Dar es Salaam, Coast Region, and parts of Morogoro, has also passed the halfway mark.”All these projects reflect the essence of Nyerere’s dream of self-reliance and inclusive development,” she stressed.

President Hassan reminded Butiama residents that Nyerere left a strong philosophical, political, and policy foundation. According to her, today’s leaders must interpret and apply those ideals in the modern context.

“Our policies, strategies, and manifestos are shaped to reflect his thinking. We are building a self-reliant, inclusive, and prosperous nation where development is meaningful to every citizen,” she said.

She added that Nyerere emphasised that true development must focus on people and uplift their daily lives. “That is why we are strengthening social services such as education and health, expanding economic empowerment for citizens, and investing in large-scale productive sectors,” she said.

“These are the foundations of a strong and independent nation that cares for its people.” President Hassan also underlined the importance of peace, unity, and national cohesion, values deeply cherished by Nyerere.

“Most importantly, we are committed to protecting our peace, unity, and national solidarity, alongside our precious Union,” she said. “CCM recognises the need to reinforce national unity by completing the process for a new constitution, as outlined in our manifesto.

” On the constitutional process, she said her government would carry it forward in response to the longstanding wishes of Tanzanians. “This is the will of many citizens across different times.

The Fourth Phase Government began the process, though it was not completed. In this Sixth Phase, we will continue.

Like our founders and elders before us, we in CCM remain the guardians of Tanzania’s greater national interest,” stressed President Hassan. She recalled Nyerere’s famous warning: “Without a strong CCM, our nation will falter.

” “We cannot and will not allow our country to stumble for any reason,” she declared, drawing loud cheers. Butiama residents welcomed her message, saying it was symbolic for President Hassan to pledge Nyerere’s legacy from his homeland.

“This is history coming full circle. We are seeing with our own eyes the dreams of Mwalimu being fulfilled by CCM,” said 68-year-old Mr Paulo Nyirenda.

Another resident, Ms Maria Joseph, 35, said she was proud to witness the government bringing water and power projects to life. “These projects are transforming lives in our communities.

For me, this is what Mwalimu wanted, a Tanzania that works for its people,” she said. Young voters also expressed confidence in CCM’s continuity.

“As youth, we believe President Samia is carrying forward Nyerere’s vision while preparing opportunities for our future,” said student Benson Marwa. For President Hassan, the campaign stop in Butiama was more than politics; it was an affirmation of continuity between Tanzania’s founding father and its present leader.

“Mwalimu gave us the compass. Our responsibility is to keep following the direction he set, and to ensure that Tanzania never turns back,” President Hassan told the crowd .

Manyara. The CCM presidential candidate, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has announced ten key pledges to accelerate development in northern Tanzania if elected, covering infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, and industrial growth.

Speaking separately at rallies in Tanga, Kilimanjaro, Arusha, and Manyara regions, President Hassan tied each pledge to her administration’s record and promised deeper reforms over the next five years. In the Tanga Region, President Hassan announced the immediate start of a 1,108kilometre railway project after the election, linking the Port of Tanga to Arusha and Musoma.

She said the railway would unlock industrial and mining zones, create jobs, and stimulate economic opportunities for the region and the northern corridor. “This modern railway is part of a broader plan to upgrade Tanga Port into a specialised oil and gas hub,” she said.

In Pangani, she pledged to complete the 95kilometre PanganiSaadaniMakurunge road and the 125metre Pangani Bridge. “This will improve access to services and boost trade and tourism,” she said.

In the Kilimanjaro Region, she promised a 31kilometre bypass from Kahe to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) and upgrades to municipal roads. “Better roads will ease transport and expand economic activity,” she told residents during a rally.

She said modernising Tanga Port is strategic for trade, logistics, energy, and fisheries, positioning it as a national gateway. The CCM presidential flagbearer pledged to build on the S29.1 billion investment to attract shipping lines, expand logistics parks, and strengthen the maritime economy.

During the ongoing nationwide campaign rally, she reaffirmed her government’s goal of universal electricity access. “We have reached half of all hamlets.

Rural electrification will extend to islands and remote villages,” she said in Same, stressing that electricity is a right for all. She pledged projects such as the Sh308.3 billion SameMwangaKorogwe scheme to bring water close to homes.

Furthermore, she said phase one was complete, with phase two extending coverage to the remaining wards. Regarding plans to transform agriculture and livestock, President Hassan said in Hanang’ that producing one million tonnes of wheat by 2030 was the government’s target.

However, she assured residents of continued fertiliser subsidies for livestock; the subvention involves vaccines that will help farmers keep livestock to international health standards and open export markets. Regarding the revitalization of industries and local economies, she said the Kilimanjaro Machine Tools Factory would be revived to support new investments.

She promised modern produce markets to help farmers and limit exploitation by middlemen. On strengthened healthcare, President Hassan stressed maternal health and facility upgrades, noting that Sh7 billion has been invested in Hanang’.

“Giving birth should not cost lives. We are building stronger health systems,” she said.

She committed to free education and expanding infrastructure for all levels. Furthermore, the CCM presidential hopeful told Arumeru residents that based on the importance of student loans, no child will be left behind.

According to her, youth, women, and traders would be economically empowered, stressing that Sh200 billion would be disbursed to support vulnerable groups and expand the Building a Better Tomorrow (BBT) initiative, urging communities to make land available for its success. She highlighted tourism’s potential, noting Mount Kilimanjaro and other attractions, pledging to boost fisheries and create jobs through Tanga’s maritime hub, open gateways to Mkomazi National Park, and improve Karatu’s tourism access.

She said Sh3.097 trillion had been invested in Arusha in the last four and a half years, stressing that: “With your votes, we can achieve more.” A political analyst at the University of Dar es Salaam, Mr Salbinus David, said the pledges reflect the region’s priorities, while Prof Makame Ali Ussi of the State University of Zanzibar described them as “ambitious and pragmatic” and a test for her election.

President Hassan concluded by urging citizens to recognise her achievements and be ambassadors of peace. “Our work speaks for itself.

With your support, we will transform the nation, village by village, ward by ward, region by region,” she said. .

It was a sad weekend for us. That is, the week that ended on September 28, when a mzee of ours departed to join his Maker in the afterworld.

Mzee Josiah was a master storyteller who cleverly fused fact and fiction to enthral us whenever we shared his company, either formally or informally. Even as he went through his last week on earth at a Dar hospital, he never tired of regaling his visitors with his incredible stories.

It was on October 3 when we laid to rest our jovial old man at the church cemetery in an emotional ceremony attended by family and friends from various parts of Bongo and beyond. After we’re done with the various sombre activities and bidding kwa heri to those who have to travel immediately to their different destinations, it’s time to relax and explore.

Yeah, time to head to our side of Mount Kamwala’s shopping centre to see what’s on offer at Kwa Dada Anna, Kwa Temu and Kwa Sammy drinking joints. A younger bro, Dullah, had stayed close to me most of the day, impressing me with what has been going on within the Muyanza family and the village in general.

Who has married whom, and who has divorced whom? You note with interest that the incidence of divorce in the villages is much less than what we’re witnessing in the urban areas, where some marriages break up within a couple of months, if not weeks. And nobody raises eyebrows! Dullah leads you to Kwa Sammy, where we find the place full to the brim.

Some drinkers are having their booze while standing. There are two vacant tables without chairs, but your kid bro says no to the suggestion that we take our beer standing as a handyman goes out to look for chairs.

“We’ll just remain standing idly as we wait for chairs; my bro is an important man from Dar (ha!), and won’t have his beer standing up like a villager!” asserts Dullah. It only takes a few minutes before chairs arrive and we settle down for our beer.

Dullah is a young and strong man, which explains why he orders a Safari. I ask for my usual, a warm Castro Laiti, which Dullah dismisses as maji matupu, sheer plain water! I’m literally dying of thirst, because it’s been more than 24 hours since I took my last sip of beer.

I get hold of a bottle, ready to lead it to my waiting mouth, but I return it to the table and shout, “Hey, mhudumu, I had ordered a warm beerthis one is chilling cold!” “But that’s warm beer, mzee,” responds the mhudumu. “actually, we don’t even have a fridge here nobody owns a fridge in Usangi!” I dislike cold beer, but there’s nothing I can do other than take the beer the way it is.

Climate change has done us in because, in the not-so-distant past, having wintry weather beyond August was something unheard of. Rest in peace, dear Mzee Josiah Gerson Marisa WM.

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Dar es Salaam. The High Court, Small Claims Division in Dar es Salaam yesterday approved a request by lawyers representing former Tanzanian ambassador to Cuba Humphrey Polepole to submit an additional affidavit in a case concerning claims of his alleged abduction.

The petition, case number 24514/2025, filed under an urgent Habeas Corpus motion, seeks a court order to produce Mr Polepole before the court. It was filed on Tuesday against the Inspector General of Police and other respondents, including the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Attorney General (AG), the Special Zone Commander in Dar es Salaam (ZCO), and the Dar es Salaam Police Commander (ZPC).

Judge Salma Maghimbi, who is presiding over the case, granted the application to submit an additional affidavit, following a request from Mr Polepole’s legal team led by Mr Peter Kibatala. The court also set deadlines for submission and scheduled the full hearing for all parties on October 15 at 9.

30 am. Mr Polepole’s lawyers argued that new information had emerged since the first witness testimony, making it necessary to submit further evidence.

They requested that the matter continue ex parte, allowing proceedings without respondents who failed to appear despite receiving court summons. The court ordered Mr Polepole’s legal team to submit his additional affidavit by today, while the second respondent must file a counter affidavit by Tuesday, October 14. Respondents who fail to appear will need court permission to submit any further affidavits.

Advocate Kibatala told the court that Mr Polepole, a Tanzanian citizen who has served in various government positions, including District Commissioner for Ubungo and ambassador to Malawi, Cuba, and other Latin American countries, voluntarily resigned from his diplomatic post earlier this year. His resignation letter, dated July 13, 2025, was addressed to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania.

He alleged that in the early hours of October 6 unidentified individuals forcibly entered Mr Polepole’s Ununio residence in Dar es Salaam and took him to an unknown location. The claim has been corroborated by Polepole’s brothers, Godfrey and Agustino Polepole, and was widely reported in local media.

Mr Kibatala emphasised that as of the filing of the affidavit, Mr Polepole’s whereabouts remain unknown. None of the respondents has provided information on his welfare or legal status, raising concerns over his safety and constitutional rights.

The petition seeks to have Mr Polepole produced before the court pending the hearing of the full case. If successful, it could compel authorities to provide clarity on his detention or release him, while ensuring that due legal processes are respected.

The court’s approval of the additional affidavit is seen as a critical step in expediting the matter, especially given the urgency surrounding allegations of unlawful detention. Lawyers representing Mr Polepole argued that immediate court intervention is necessary to safeguard his fundamental rights.

“This case highlights the importance of legal safeguards for all citizens,” Mr Kibatala said. “We are acting swiftly to ensure that Polepole’s constitutional rights are respected, and that the matter is addressed transparently and urgently.

” Mr Polepole’s legal team also includes Faraji Mangula, Alphonce Nachipiangu, Deogratius Mahinyila, and Grolia Ulomi, who are coordinating efforts to ensure the petition proceeds without delay. .

Dar es Salaam. Young Africans (Yanga) defensive midfielder Aziz Andabwile was absent from the national football team, Taifa Stars, during their crucial World Cup qualifier match against Zambia due to citizenship clarification issues.

The decision came as a surprise to many fans who had anticipated seeing the talented midfielder feature in the game. Andabwile joined the national team camp when it opened at the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Ground before the squad relocated to Zanzibar in preparation for the match.

Despite his presence in camp, his name was notably absent from the matchday lineup, raising questions among supporters and media alike. Prior to the game, there had been no official indication that Andabwile was unavailable due to injury, unlike central defender Dickson Job, who was sidelined because of a fitness issue.

This fueled speculation and curiosity among fans eager to see the midfielder in action. In response to inquiries, Taifa Stars head coach Hemed “Morocco” Suleiman explained that Andabwile’s omission was linked to a complex citizenship matter.

Suleiman stated that the coaching team had received information that Andabwile, despite being Tanzanian, had represented Malawi’s U-20 national team during the 2019 COSAFA tournament in Zambia. “After receiving this information, and to protect the integrity of the team, we were advised to remove him from the matchday squad while awaiting formal clarification from the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) regarding his eligibility,” said Suleiman.

Suleiman further explained that TFF had officially written to FIFA seeking guidance on whether Andabwile could legally play for Tanzania at the senior level. Unfortunately, a response had not been received by match time, compelling the coaching staff to err on the side of caution and leave him out of the line-up.

Clifford Ndimbo, TFF’s Media and Communications Officer, confirmed the matter, stating that the federation is awaiting a response from FIFA. “As far as I know, the matter is currently with FIFA following our letter,” Ndimbo said.

Andabwile himself addressed the situation, stressing that he is a Tanzanian citizen with a valid passport and other official documents. He explained that his previous stint with Malawi’s U-20 team did not affect his eligibility.

“I am Tanzanian, and there is no issue with my citizenship. I went to Malawi to play club football and was registered with Big Bullets FC after leaving Mbeya City.

The clarification has already been provided by the CEO of Yanga,” he said in a phone interview. .

Mahenge. Tanzania is set to reap significant economic and social gains from the newly launched $300 million graphite mining project, which is expected to boost the country’s position as a major global supplier of critical minerals.

The project, led by Faru Graphite Corporation in partnership with Australia’s Black Rock Mining, will operate for more than 26 years. It is expected to create around 900 direct jobs and 4,000 indirect jobs, while also stimulating infrastructure development in the host communities.

Speaking during the official launch here on Thursday, October 9, 2025, Minister for Minerals Antony Mavunde said the Mahenge project is a joint venture between the Tanzanian government, which holds a 16 percent non-dilutable stake, and private investors, who hold the remaining 84 percent. “This structure protects national interests while benefiting from private sector expertise,” he said.

Until recently, Tanzania contributed just 0.6 percent of the global graphite supply, lagging behind regional producers such as Madagascar and Mozambique.

“The Mahenge project is set to change that dynamic. With large-scale mining licences granted in 2022, full-scale operations have begun, positioning Tanzania as a rising graphite producer,” he added.

Graphite is crucial for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage. The high quality of Mahenge’s graphite, combined with Tanzania’s access to hydropower and deep-water ports, makes the project especially valuable globally.

The government has ensured that residents displaced by mining operations have received new homes, part of Faru Graphite’s social responsibility programme. Chief Finance Officer Paul Sims said the mine will generate over 900 full-time jobs across four development phases, with 400 positions already filled in Phase 1.

The project also stimulates the local economy through procurement from Tanzanian suppliers, supporting SMEs in accommodation, catering, logistics, and retail. Infrastructure development is a key component.

Faru is funding a 70-kilometre electricity transmission line from Ifakara to Mahenge to power the mine and surrounding communities. Roads and bridges, including the Farujon Access Road, will also be improved in partnership with Tanroads, enhancing transport safety and local economic opportunities.

The $300 million project is financed through a blended model, with $150 million in debt provided by CRDB Bank, the Development Bank of Southern Africa, and South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation. The remainder is being raised through equity markets in Australia.

Faru CEO John de Vries said construction has already started, with Phase 1 expected to produce 90,000 tonnes of graphite per year. Treasurer Nehemiah Mchechu noted that revenue from taxes, royalties and social contributions will support education, healthcare and infrastructure nationwide.

The Ambassador of South Korea, Eun Ju, praised the project as a strategic collaboration that reflects shared goals under Tanzania’s development aspirations as outlined in the Dira 2050, aimed at using mining to drive GDP growth and industrial transformation. .

Dar es Salaam. African governments have been urged to invest in digital infrastructure and policy frameworks that will allow artificial intelligence (AI) to meaningfully drive climate action across the continent.

The call was made yesterday during a panel discussion on “Powering AI for Climate Action: The Infrastructure Imperative” at the UNFCCC Technology Executive Committee’s AI for Climate Action Forum 2025, taking place in Dar es Salaam. The experts said the continent’s AI potential would remain underutilized without coordinated data systems, inclusive funding mechanisms, and deliberate efforts to localize technology.

World Bank senior digital development specialist Sara Ballan said many African governments are sitting on valuable climate and agricultural data that could spark local innovation if made accessible. “Across ministries, the data sits in silos,” she said.

“In Kenya, it took a year and a half just to curate and organize it in a way innovators could use.” She said the World Bank has supported such initiatives by helping governments build shared digital infrastructure and cross-sector data systems that allow collaboration between ministries, researchers, and startups.

“The digital transformation has become a foundation for development planning. Governments are now realizing that investing in data centers, connectivity, and interoperability is not optional–it’s essential,” she said.

From Malawi, Mechro’ chief executive Mr Alinafe Kaliwo said enabling policies and access to capital remain major hurdles for AI-driven climate solutions in Africa. “Governments must create policies that are enabling enough for innovators to innovate, but also inject opportunities for funding,” he said.

He added that while donor funding remains limited, resources should be directed to areas with direct community impact. “The starting point should be the innovators themselves.

We must look at the challenges our communities face and turn them into opportunities,” he said. Enterprise Neurosystem Chairman Mr Bill Wright said the next frontier for Africa lies in developing its own digital backbone — from cloud systems to sensor networks.

“When we went to Uganda, they made it clear they didn’t want to use Western cloud providers,” he said.He added, “They wanted to build their own infrastructure, and we partnered with startups like AfroCloud to make that happen.

” He said such models not only enhance data sovereignty but also preserve cultural and social values embedded in AI models. “It’s more than just technology– it’s about ensuring that what we build reflects the essence of the societies it serves,” he said.

Wright added that Africa’s innovation ecosystem is gaining global recognition. “You could camp out at universities and be amazed at what’s happening,” he said.

“The intellectual engine is already running; what’s needed is structured collaboration.” Mr Kaliwo said AI innovation should be guided by practical needs,especially in agriculture.

“As technology evolves, we must evolve our solutions,” he said. “We are developing the Munda Platform, which connects IoT, cloud computing, and AI analytics–all powered by green energy for field-based use.

” He stressed that food systems must be at the heart of AI infrastructure. “If it doesn’t touch the farmer, we risk building systems that do not feed people,” he warned.

The panelists agreed that Africa’s climate innovation agenda depends on how well governments, international partners, and local entrepreneurs can align their efforts. The AI for Climate Action Forum 2025, which continues today, has drawn global participants exploring how AI can accelerate climate solutions while addressing Africa’s unique infrastructural and policy gaps.

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Nairobi. The International Monetary Fund said on Friday that a staff visit to Kenya took stock of the latest macroeconomic developments and discussed reforms that could pave the way for a new programme.

The IMF said in a statement that policy priorities included “measures to enhance fiscal policy credibility, ensure sustainability of public finances and debt, and minimize fiscal, financial, and external sector risks”. Discussions with Kenyan authorities would continue during the upcoming IMF Annual Meetings, it added.

The East African nation’s $3.6 billion programme with the IMF expired earlier this year, and some officials have expressed interest in getting a new one that will include a lending component. Some financial analysts have said that Kenya needs a new loan deal from the Washington-based Fund to anchor its external debt repayments.

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Dar es Salaam. The first prosecution witness in the treason case against Chadema national chairperson Tundu Lissu has completed his testimony, insisting that incitement intended to threaten the government constitutes treason.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) George Bagyemu, the Deputy Zonal Crime Officer (DZCO) for the Dar es Salaam Special Zone, made the statement on Thursday, October 9, 2025 as he wrapped up four days of testimony before the High Court’s Dar es Salaam sub-registry. ACP Bagyemu took the stand from Monday, October 6, to Thursday, October 9, before a panel of three judges led by Judge Dunstan Ndunguru of the Iringa Sub-Registry, sitting with Judges James Karayemaha and Ferdinand Kiwonde.

Mr Lissu is facing a treason charge under Section 39(2)(d) of the Penal Code, in connection with remarks he allegedly made suggesting the prevention of the 2025 General Election. Led by Principal State Attorney (PSA) Nassoro Katuga, the witness faced clarifying questions following two days of cross-examination by the accused.

He maintained that suspending elections through lawful means does not amount to treason, but doing so unlawfully, through intimidation or violation of the law, does. On Thursday, ACP Bagyemu spent about 27 minutes responding to the prosecution’s clarifying questions before being released after prosecutors confirmed the conclusion of their examination.

Among the key exchanges between the State Attorney and the witness were: Attorney: You were asked whether incitement is an act of treason, and you said yes. What did you mean? Witness : Incitement that threatens the government amounts to treason; it is not simply the act of incitement itself.

Attorney: You were shown the charge sheet and asked whether the word “Government” appears in it. You said even if it does not, it is implied.

Can you explain? Witness: The term “Government” is implied in context. Considering the statements and their intent, they amount to rebellion.

Elections are constitutional, so even if the term is missing, it remains contextually present. Attorney: You were also asked whether preventing elections is treason.

You said it depends on the method. Please clarify.

Witness: Preventing elections through legal procedures is not treason. But doing so unlawfully, through intimidation or defiance of the law, is treason.

Attorney: You were asked about who published the content online. You mentioned “P” and later both “P” and Tundu Lissu.

What did you mean? Witness: By speaking to journalists, particularly from Jambo TV, Mr Lissu intended his statements to be published online. The journalist was his conduit for dissemination.

Attorney: You were also asked whether it is an offence for an opposition party to challenge the government through lawful means. You said it is not.

Please clarify. Witness: Challenging the government through lawful means is not an offence.

It only becomes one when intimidation is involved. During Wednesday’s cross-examination, Mr Lissu questioned the witness extensively about his earlier testimony, while recounting his record in democracy and human rights advocacy.

He repeatedly asked whether the witness was aware of his background, achievements, or international recognition. ACP Bagyemu said he knew some details, was unaware of others, and denied a few outright.

He added that he did not know of Mr Lissu’s activism or that he was a prominent public figure. Following ACP Bagyemu’s conclusion, the prosecution called its second witness, Police Inspector John Kaaya, 45, from the Cybercrime Investigation Unit, who serves at the Online Patrol Desk.

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