Category: The Citizen

The Special Committee of the ruling CCM Central Committee in Zanzibar has approved the continuation of dialogue and consensus-building efforts between CCM and ACT-Wazalendo, with a joint statement expected to be issued outlining agreed positions once final procedural formalities are completed.

Although official details of the agreements have not been released, sources within both parties indicate that discussions have included proposals for a possible new Zanzibar Constitution and the establishment of an Independent Commission of Inquiry into the 2025 General Election.

Speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, on Saturday, July 4, 2026, CCM Zanzibar Secretary for Ideology, Publicity and Training, Mr Khamis Mbeto Khamis, said the Special Committee received a progress report on the CCM-ACT-Wazalendo dialogue on the proposed formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU).

The report was presented on Friday, July 3, 2026, by Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi.

‘CCM received a report on the progress of talks between the parties, which are being overseen by former presidents,’ said Mr Mbeto.

He said the Special Committee unanimously agreed that a joint statement should be issued by CCM and ACT-Wazalendo to outline the stage reached in the process.

‘We have agreed that there will be a joint statement between ACT-Wazalendo and CCM, which will be issued jointly and will outline the next steps,’ he said.

Mr Mbeto added that the statement would detail the substance of the agreed positions once formally signed by both sides.

However, he said the timing of the statement has not yet been set as final procedural arrangements are still underway.

‘After the statement is issued, it will outline the next steps. For now, we are waiting for the completion of signing procedures and implementation arrangements,’ he said.

Sources familiar with the talks say ACT-Wazalendo has proposed the establishment of an Independent Commission of Inquiry to investigate the conduct of the 2025 General Election.

The proposed commission would review the entire electoral process, identify challenges, and recommend reforms to strengthen future elections.

The sources further indicate that the dialogue also considered proposals to review the 1984 Zanzibar Constitution, last amended in 2010, to align it with current political, social, and economic realities.

The reconciliation process began in November 2025, involving CCM representatives, former Zanzibar presidents Amani Abeid Karume and Dr Ali Mohamed Shein.

ACT-Wazalendo was represented by party chairman Othman Masoud Othman and former chairman Juma Duni Haji.

The progress report from the talks was also discussed and approved by the CCM Central Committee on June 29, 2026, chaired by CCM chairperson and President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Meanwhile, ACT-Wazalendo chairman Othman Masoud Othman said the talks had reached an advanced stage and urged members and the public to await official communication.

‘Your matters are in good shape, and we are at the final stages. Since you have trusted us, we assure you that we will defend your rights,’ he said.

ACT-Wazalendo Vice Chairman for Zanzibar Ismail Jussa Ladhu said the party welcomed progress made in the dialogue and was awaiting a formal statement from CCM to guide the next steps.

‘We are waiting for a statement from CCM so that the next steps can follow. We are grateful for the progress made,’ he said.

He said the party’s National Steering Committee, which met on June 30, approved the progress of the talks and mandated Mr Othman and Mr Duni to complete the remaining stages.

‘The next step is implementation, including issuing a joint statement to inform the public,’ he said.

Two people have died on the spot, and 12 others sustained injuries after a lorry carrying gravel collided with a minibus van at Kikafu Bridge area in Mnadani Ward, Hai District, Kilimanjaro Region.

Acting Kilimanjaro Fire and Rescue Regional Commander, Mr Jeremiah Mkomagi, confirmed the incident, saying it occurred on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 8:35 pm.

According to Commander Mkomagi, the crash was caused by brake failure on the lorry, which lost control before colliding with the minibus van and pinning it along the roadside.

‘Yesterday at around 8 pm, an accident occurred at the Kikafu area where a lorry carrying gravel veered off the road and hit a minibus van passenger vehicle, pinning it along the roadside,’ he said.

‘As a result of the impact, the minibus van also hit two other vehicles, leading to the deaths of two people and injuries to 12 others,’ he added.

He said fire and rescue officers, together with members of the public, arrived at the scene shortly after the accident and managed to rescue victims who were trapped inside the minibus van before rushing them to Hai District Hospital for treatment.

Commander Mkomagi said the two deceased, both women, have not yet been identified.

Their bodies are preserved at Hai District Hospital, while the 12 injured are receiving treatment at the same facility.

He added that no property was salvaged from the scene, with four vehicles sustaining damage in the crash.

‘I urge drivers to continue taking precautions when using the roads and observe traffic safety regulations to prevent avoidable accidents,’ he said.

Zanzibar’s Second Vice President, Mr Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, has cautioned ministers against confining themselves to offices and paperwork, insisting they must instead go into the field to listen to and address citizens’ concerns.

Mr Abdulla made the remarks on Sunday, July 5, 2026, during an ongoing tour inspecting various development projects, including Terminal 2 at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, the Mangapwani oil offloading facility at the integrated port, and road infrastructure works.

‘I have already issued instructions, and as the government chief executive, I do not want to see file-based ministers. I want them to go to the field and listen to the grievances facing citizens,’ he said.

He added that leaders who engage directly with citizens are better placed to understand challenges and provide solutions, unlike those who rely solely on office reports.

‘If you wait for reports in the office, you can be misled. Our leaders have already spoken, and my directive is that we go to the field,’ he said.

However, he commended the Ministry of Works and Transport for what he described as strong performance in supervising major development projects.

Speaking on the construction of Terminal 2 and the commercial centre at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, Mr Abdulla said the area is strategically important and, once completed, will contribute significantly to economic transformation and tourism growth.

‘This is a very important area in the upcoming AFCON games, and it will serve as a key gateway to support our success in the tournament because one of the main entry points will be the airport,’ he said.

He added that improved infrastructure would boost economic growth by increasing employment opportunities and enhancing service delivery across sectors.

Minister for Works and Transport, Dr Khalid Mohamed Salum, said Terminal 2 will have the capacity to handle 1.4 million passengers annually, while Terminal 3 will accommodate 1.6 million passengers per year.

‘Once these facilities are completed, the airport will handle 3.6 million passengers annually. Currently, we handle about 2.6 million passengers, so our capacity has increased,’ he said.

Inspecting the Mangapwani oil offloading facility, Mr Abdulla said there was a need to ensure local companies are given opportunities to participate in major infrastructure investments and tenders.

He said the facility will significantly improve fuel availability in Zanzibar and enhance supply reliability.

He added that, beyond faster fuel delivery, the project could also help reduce fuel prices due to lower logistical costs associated with offloading fuel on the islands.

Zanzibar Ports Corporation (ZPC) director general, Mr Akif Khamis said the government implemented the project in partnership with a local firm, UP Ltd, at a cost of about $15 million.

He said the former Mtoni fuel facility could only handle vessels of up to 2,000 tonnes, which often led to fuel shortages.

He added that ships now arrive directly from Saudi Arabia to deliver fuel to Zanzibar, unlike in the past when supplies depended on ports in Dar es Salaam and Mombasa.

‘Two ships have already arrived. The first came on May 31, 2026, and the second on June 26, 2026. Both vessels from Saudi Arabia carried petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel totalling over 35 million litres,’ he said.

He said the new infrastructure is designed to handle modern operations, including larger vessels carrying up to 100 million litres.

He added that modern equipment has also been installed to accurately measure fuel quantities and volumes.

GF Group has celebrated winning the Best Overall Pavilion award at the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), securing the prestigious accolade for a second consecutive year.

The company marked the achievement with a celebration attended by employees and their families.

Speaking at the event on July 5, 2026 Chief Executive Officer Imran Karmali said the award reflects GF Group’s remarkable journey over the past 19 years, highlighting the company’s commitment to innovation, teamwork and excellence.

“This award is not simply recognition of our pavilion’s appearance; it is a testament to the innovation, dedication and collaboration that have fuelled our growth,” he said.

Mr Karmali noted that GF Group has evolved beyond vehicle sales, expanding into vehicle assembly, manufacturing and the adoption of advanced technologies. He added that the company has also begun introducing products under its own GF brand as part of its drive to strengthen local manufacturing.

“Our ambition is to develop products for African markets that are manufactured in Tanzania and capable of competing internationally,” he said.

Looking ahead, Mr Karmali said the company will continue investing in emerging technologies, including electric vehicles, to remain at the forefront of the rapidly evolving automotive industry.

He also commended employees for their contribution to the achievement and urged them to maintain the highest standards of quality and customer service.

“This success belongs to every member of our team. We will build on this achievement by continuously improving our performance and contributing to the growth of Tanzania’s automotive industry,” he said.

GF Group operates in the automotive and industrial equipment sectors and has significantly expanded its investments in vehicle assembly and manufacturing in Tanzania.

Canada signed off from a groundbreaking World Cup campaign with an emotional message to supporters on Saturday, thanking ?fans for helping transform the country’s football landscape after dream run ended.

Moments after their 3-0 last-16 loss to Morocco, Canada Soccer’s Instagram account posted a heartfelt tribute to supporters, reflecting a tournament ?that featured numerous firsts and captured the imagination of ?the country.

“Every story has an ending. This one just ?doesn’t feel like one right now,” the post began.

“Over ?the last few weeks, we watched an entire country fall in ?love with this team. Streets filled with red. Living rooms became supporter sections. Kids who once dreamed about wearing the crest of their ?ancestral homes discovered a new dream.”

The team, who reached the ?World Cup knockouts for the first time and then sealed victory over ?Africa in the last 32, said the tournament had removed any lingering doubts about the place of the sport in Canada.

“We’ve always believed this was a football country. Now we ?know it is.”

Canada ?also thanked supporters ?who travelled, packed stadiums and followed the team from home.

“History wasn’t just made on the ?pitch. It was made in homes, schools, parks, ?pubs, ?and communities across this country,” the post read. “It was made every time someone chose to believe.”

The message ended on a note ?of ?optimism despite the disappointment of elimination.

“Our ?World Cup journey comes to a close,” it said. “Canada’s football journey is only ?just beginning. See you soon.”

Residents, including business owners and traders operating in shops and markets within Morogoro Municipality, have continued with their daily income-generating activities, with no reported threats to peace and security.

Transport and logistics services at bus terminals have also remained uninterrupted, while police officers continue with routine duties, including patrols in the town centre.

Speaking after a jogging exercise involving citizens, senior officials, and security agencies in the region, Morogoro Regional Police Commander ACP Andrew Kantimbo said peace remains the foundation of economic development, investment, and citizens’ welfare.

Commander Kantimbo urged residents to continue cooperating with security organs in maintaining unity and stability, while assuring them that the police force remains fully prepared to deal with anyone who attempts to disrupt peace.

Popular boxer Karimu Mandonga also took the opportunity to urge Tanzanians to uphold the principle that ‘unity is strength, division is weakness,’ as emphasised by the Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.

Mandonga said that threats which may appear minor, should not be ignored, warning that they can escalate into serious consequences if left unchecked.

He also called on security agencies to remain vigilant and respond early to any signs of insecurity.

Some traders said that although the region is currently calm and stable, they still experience fear and anxiety when recalling the incidents of October 29, 2025, that occurred in Dar es Salaam and other regions.

Police in Mtwara Region, through the Cybercrime Unit, have arrested four suspects accused of involvement in fraud and other cyber offences across 11 regions of the country.

Mtwara Regional Police Commander Issa Suleiman told journalists on Saturday, June 4, 2026, that the suspects had been entering Mtwara at different times, where they allegedly committed fraud targeting financial service providers before relocating to other parts of the country.

The Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) has donated medical equipment to the Neonatal Unit at Iringa Regional Referral Hospital, reaffirming its commitment to community welfare through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.

Receiving the donation, Medical Officer in Charge Dr Alfred Mwakalebela said the hospital continues to care for a growing number of premature babies but still faces critical challenges that require support from the government and development partners.

Private school owners have been urged to reduce their reliance on tuition fees and diversify income sources to remain financially resilient amid an increasingly challenging economic environment at present.

The call was made on Saturday, July 4, 2026, by SSC Group chief executive officer Salum Awadh, who said schools that have developed multiple revenue streams are better positioned to survive financial shocks, expand operations, and improve the quality of education they offer.

Speaking ahead of a specialised training on operating profitable learning institutions scheduled for Thursday, July 9, 2026, in Dar es Salaam, Mr Awadh said school owners must embrace business-oriented strategies if they want their institutions to thrive in today’s dynamic economy.

“Depending solely on school fees is no longer the best option. School owners need to think beyond traditional models and establish alternative sources of income that can support the growth and sustainability of their institutions,” he said.

He noted that private schools should also explore diverse financing options to fund expansion and improve cash flow management.

“Schools need to consider financing mechanisms such as venture capital, capital markets, impact investors, angel investors, private credit and other innovative funding sources to finance their growth and transformation,” he said.

The training will bring together private school owners, investors, board members, finance managers, and school administrators to discuss practical approaches to improving financial sustainability and profitability.

According to him, many private schools continue to face financial difficulties despite increasing demand for quality education, largely because of weak business models, poor cash flow management, and heavy dependence on costly borrowing.

“As an advisory firm, we have conducted assessments in a number of schools and learning institutions and found that many face similar financial and operational challenges. This training is designed to provide practical, tailor-made solutions to address those challenges,” he said.

He said participants are expected to leave with actionable strategies that will enable them to strengthen their financial management, improve profitability, and build resilient institutions capable of sustaining long-term growth.

The programme will cover topics including alternative financing options, profitability diagnosis, financial management, business challenges facing private schools, and case studies of successful education enterprises.

SSC Capital, which operates in three countries, provides advisory services in strategy, corporate finance, capital raising, asset management, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and credit rating.

A fire that broke out at around 1:30am on July 3, 2026, in cosmetics shops located in the Lumumba area of Mwanza City has been successfully contained and extinguished after more than five hours of intensive firefighting operations.

Authorities have indicated that the suspected cause of the blaze is an electrical fault, although a full investigation is still underway.

Speaking at the scene, Mwanza Regional Commissioner Said Mtanda confirmed that no fatalities had been reported by midnight, though significant damage had already been recorded.

He said several shops were destroyed in the incident, alongside one building that was severely affected by the fire.

Mr Mtanda further noted that security was swiftly reinforced from the onset of the incident, with officers from the Tanzania Police Force and the Tanzania People’s Defence Force ensuring that public property remained secure and that no cases of theft were reported.

However, he observed that some residents and traders moved their belongings out of panic, despite assurances that the situation was under control.

‘I received a call from a resident reporting that they had seen fire, and I immediately contacted the fire and rescue services… they responded promptly and managed to prevent the fire from spreading,’ said Mr Mtanda.

He added that emergency services had been strengthened at the scene, including the deployment of ambulances to assist any members of the public who might have suffered shock or blood pressure-related complications as a result of the incident. He also assured that the government would meet affected traders to discuss the next steps for recovery and support.

Nyamagana Member of Parliament John Nzilanyingi said the incident highlighted the urgent need for continued investment in modern firefighting equipment, noting that the situation could have been far worse without the resources currently in place.

He commended the cooperation shown by members of the public, saying some residents actively participated in rescue efforts, including breaking shop doors and assisting in directing water during the operation.

He also urged residents and business owners to adhere strictly to urban planning regulations when constructing buildings, warning that narrow access routes had, in some areas, hindered fire engines from reaching the scene with ease.

A witness, Emmanuel Mushi, described the incident as distressing, noting that the situation could have resulted in greater losses had security teams not acted swiftly, especially as cosmetics such as perfumes were exploding due to the heat.

‘What happened today is heartbreaking… we commend the rescue services and the regional government. They should continue standing with us in such disasters whenever they occur,’ he said.

More than eight fire engines took part in the operation, including those from the Fire and Rescue Force, the Tanzania Police Force, and the Tanzania People’s Defence Force, jointly managing to bring the blaze under control and prevent further destruction.