Category: The Citizen

Moscow. Kremlin said on Wednesday that Russia was also working to strengthen its armed forces when asked about U.

S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s remark that the U.

S. must prepare for war to ensure peace.

“We also prefer to strengthen our armed forces in every possible way, remaining full supporters of peace and remaining open to solving all problems, including the Ukrainian crisis, through diplomatic negotiations and political contacts,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Asked about an Axios interview, opens new tab in which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that Kyiv was prepared to say that it would only seek to regain its territory through diplomatic means in the future, Peskov said there was a pause in the negotiation process.

He said Kyiv, which has accused Moscow of making unreasonable demands tantamount to surrender, appeared to be in no hurry to resume talks. .

Arusha. Four bird species native to Tanzania’s grasslands are in the running for the coveted title of Tanzania Bird of the Year 2026, with voting now open to citizens, the diaspora, tourists and global bird enthusiasts.

The contenders are the Common Ostrich, Red-necked Spurfowl, Kori Bustard and Southern Ground Hornbill. They are competing to succeed the Superb Starling, which currently holds the 2025 title until December.

The campaign, coordinated by Nature Tanzania, is part of an ongoing effort to raise awareness about bird conservation. Marketing Officer Gaudensia Mariki said students from Manyara Ranch Primary, Tumaini Senior Secondary and Edward Lowassa Secondary School have already voted.

“We also conducted a community campaign at the Makuyuni marketplace to familiarise residents with the voting process and to promote appreciation of birds and environmental protection,” Ms Mariki noted. According to Programme Officer Edwin Kamugisha, the voting exercise began on September 7 and will run for four weeks.

The 2026 winner will be officially announced in December after more than 10,000 votes are tallied both online and in person. Each species brings unique ecological value.

The Kori Bustard is celebrated as a heavyweight grassland ambassador, crucial in controlling insects and dispersing seeds. The Common Ostrich, symbolic of Tanzania’s savanna, contributes to ecological balance but faces threats from habitat loss and illegal hunting.

The Red-necked Spurfowl supports both grasslands and farmlands by dispersing seeds and regulating insect populations, though it is vulnerable to overhunting and habitat destruction. The Southern Ground Hornbill, known for its booming calls and slow breeding cycles, plays an important ecological role but is highly endangered.

Outgoing titleholder, the Superb Starling, with its dazzling plumage and social traits, remains a reminder that even familiar species face growing conservation challenges. Nature Tanzania Director Emmanuel Mgimwa said the Bird of the Year campaign, launched in 2023 with the Secretary Bird as the first winner, seeks to inspire citizens to protect “everyday nature” before it is too late.

“We want Tanzanians to understand that even common species are under threat. This year, we encourage everyone to take part and make their voices count, either face to face or online,” he said.

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Liverpool. Prime Minister Keir Starmer appealed directly to working-class voters on Tuesday, calling on Labour’s traditional supporters to reject the “snake oil” peddled by the populist Reform UK party and back his vision of “a Britain built for all”.

In the most passionate defence of his premiership since he won a landslide election in July last year, Starmer called for unity, attacking Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage and his Reform party for only being interested in fomenting division. Under threat from Reform on the right and a nascent leftist party under his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn, Starmer called on voters to be patient with his Labour government, which he said was taking its first steps along the path to “renew Britain”.

And he appealed directly to Britain’s working people, saying he understood their frustrations of being “patronised” by politicians, referring to his late father feeling disrespected for having a manual job rather than a university education – something he pledged to change by promoting technical colleges. Starmer calls for fight for ‘soul’ of Britain “No matter how many people tell me it can’t be done, I believe Britain can come together,” he told his party’s second annual conference in the northern English city of Liverpool since winning power last year.

“We can all see our country faces a choice, a defining choice. Britain stands at a fork in the road.

We can choose decency, or we can choose division. Renewal or decline,” he said in a challenge to increasingly restive lawmakers who question his leadership after falling behind Reform in the polls.

In a nod to the difficulties he has faced in the first year of his premiership with his personal poll ratings the worst for a British leader since at least 1977, Starmer again committed to raising living standards and putting money in voters’ pockets. But he also sought to convince them that Labour is the true patriotic party rather than Reform, with officials handing out Britain’s flags to the audience, who waved them during several standing ovations.

“For me, patriotism is about love and pride, about serving an interest that is more than yourself, a common good,” he said. “And the question I ask seriously of Nigel Farage and Reform is, do they love our country or do they just want to stir the pot of division, because that’s worked in their interests?” He repeated that his government would tackle the high rates of illegal immigration into Britain but would fight racism and those who “say or imply the people cannot be English or British because of the colour of their skin”.

That focus on fighting Farage was welcomed by many in the packed conference hall. “Farage doesn’t care about normal people, and it was important we get that message out,” said Shabaan Saleem, a 21-year-old Labour councillor.

But Farage said the accusations of racism had put its supporters in danger. “To accuse countless millions of being racist is a very, very low blow,” he said.

“It directly threatens the safety of our elected officials and our campaigners.” Starmer faces difficult tax and spending decisions Starmer faces some difficult decisions.

After saying that last year’s tax rises – the biggest in more than 30 years – were a one-off in terms of scale, the government might be forced to again raise tens of billions of pounds in taxes to cover a forecast fiscal shortfall. Finance minister Rachel Reeves used her speech at conference to warn those in the party who want her to ease her fiscal rules to spend more on the nation’s ailing economy that they were “wrong, dangerously so”, keeping the door open to tax rises.

And Starmer warned the party that it might face uncomfortable choices. “It is a test.

A fight for the soul of our country, every bit as big as rebuilding Britain after the war, and we must all rise to this challenge,” Starmer said. “And yet we need to be clear that our path, the path of renewal, it’s long, it’s difficult, it requires decisions that are not cost-free or easy.

Decisions – that will not always be comfortable for our party.” .

Dar es Salaam. Presidential candidate Doyo Hassan Doyo of the National League for Democracy (NLD) has identified five major challenges in Geita Region that he says he will address if elected in the October 29 General Election.

Speaking during his campaign tour in Sengerema District at Zamani Bus Terminal and Buseresere Ward yesterday, Mr Doyo said poor roads and high transport costs remain the region’s biggest problems. He also highlighted shortages of medicines and medical equipment in health centres, limited access to clean water, and farmers’ struggles to sell their produce in profitable markets.

“If citizens grant me their mandate, I will ensure farmers can sell their produce in markets that offer fair prices,” Mr Doyo said. “Currently, many are forced to sell in exploitative markets that perpetuate poverty.

If you trust me and vote on October 29, I will ensure farmers receive fair and motivating prices for all their crops.” Mr Doyo criticised the ruling party, CCM, for fixing prices that he says prevent farmers from earning fair returns, describing such policies as a way to keep citizens in poverty.

He also raised broader infrastructure and social service challenges, noting that despite the country’s rich mineral resources, including gold, diamonds, and Tanzanite, many citizens still lack access to clean water, health services, and quality roads. On transport, Mr Doyo said operators face high running costs due to poor roads and excessive taxes, limiting business growth.

“These problems have persisted for decades. Citizens are again asked to trust promises that were never fulfilled.

Tanzanians, choose NLD for real development,” he said. Campaign Manager Pogora Ibrahim Pogora urged voters to support Mr Doyo, noting that he had studied the challenges before seeking office.

“It is time for citizens to elect Mr Doyo, a leader committed to addressing the issues he has already researched,” Pogora said. He added that the NLD manifesto focuses on three principles: patriotism, justice, and development–values Mr Doyo promises to uphold if elected.

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Some topics are too important to ignore, and money is one of them. Yet in many homes, it is often left unspoken, even though it fuels misunderstandings in families, friendships, and romantic relationships.

Simply put, money is a sensitive subject. However, it is one we must discuss.

Today, we’re looking at it through Morgan Housel’s perspective in his book The Psychology of Money. Housel centres his book on how human beings behave with money, shaped by the lives they’ve lived and the beliefs they carry.

In the opening chapter, No One is Crazy, he explains that people often make unusual choices with money, but that doesn’t make them irrational. What feels reckless to one person might feel perfectly reasonable to another.

Our lived experiences shape the way we see money. As Housel puts it, “The person who grew up in poverty thinks about risks and rewards in ways that the child of a wealthy banker cannot fathom if he tried.

” It reminded me that when I don’t understand someone’s financial choices, it may be less about logic and more about the story behind their life. Do you believe in luck? Or are you among those who think success comes only from hard work? I believe in luck.

Much because of luck, or grace, if you will. Money is no different.

Luck plays a significant role. Housel puts it beautifully: luck and risk are siblings.

Every outcome in life is guided by forces beyond our effort alone. When it comes to money, you need both the grace of luck and the courage to take risks.

Housel illustrates this through the story of Bill Gates. As a teenager, Gates attended one of the few high schools with a computer lab.

There, he met his friend and future cofounder, Paul Allen. Luck opened that door, but so did their willingness to dream big and take risks.

From that combination, Microsoft was born. Gates himself admits, “If there had been no Lakeside, there would be no Microsoft.

” One of the lessons that stood out for me is around the idea of “never enough”. Housel shows how dangerous it can be to keep chasing more without ever defining what enough looks like.

There will always be someone richer, smarter, or more successful, and if we measure our happiness against that, we will always feel lacking. For me, it comes down to contentment.

To be happy, you have to learn to appreciate what you already have. The next big thing, whether it’s a promotion, a new car, or even more money, won’t necessarily make you happier if you haven’t found peace with what’s in front of you.

Having enough means refraining from comparing yourself with others. “The point is that the ceiling of social comparison is so high that virtually no one will ever hit it.

Which means it’s a battle that can never be won, or the only way to win is to accept that you might have enough, even if it’s less than those around you.” Housel argues that the highest form of wealth is not more money but the ability to control your time.

To wake up and decide how you will spend your day, that is real richness. When I think about it, the moments I treasure most are not tied to how much I had in my account but to how free I felt with my time.

Choosing to spend a slow morning with a book, or taking a walk just because I wanted to. Housel reminds us that saving is not just about buying something in the future; it is about preparing for the uncertainty of tomorrow.

Life can change unexpectedly, and having savings gives you the freedom to face those changes without losing control of your time. For example, much of Warren Buffett’s wealth came not only from smart investments but also from the fact that he started early.

By saving and investing at a young age, time worked in his favour, allowing compounding to do its magic. “His skill is investing, but his secret is time.

And that’s how compounding works,” he writes. The Psychology of Money is a book about how to earn and keep money.

It explores behaviour and mindset around money. As you reach the last page, you will see the need to pay attention to your progress, because progress happens too slowly to notice, but setbacks happen too quickly to ignore.

As you plan for your future, remember that planning is important, but the most crucial part of every plan is preparing for it not going according to plan. This book is for anyone seeking to expand their knowledge of personal finance management.

Jane Shussa is a digital communication specialist with a love for books, coffee, nature, and travel. She can be reached at [email protected].

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By Martha Chacha Dar es Salaam. Uganda’s Common Man’s Party (CMP) presidential candidate, Mubarak Munyagwa, has pledged to abolish Kiswahili as the national language and replace it with French in schools and public institutions.

Speaking at a campaign rally, Mr Munyagwa said the proposal was aimed at deepening Uganda’s ties with Francophone countries across Africa. “We shall ban Kiswahili as a national language.

What we need instead is French,” he declared. “French has a far wider reach.

Burundi speaks French, Congo speaks French, Rwanda speaks French, Congo-Brazzaville, Gabon, the Central African Republic, all speak French. We do not need Kiswahili; what we need is English and French.

” His remarks come as President Yoweri Museveni’s administration actively promotes Kiswahili to strengthen integration within the East African Community (EAC). Uganda declared Kiswahili a national language in 2022, and it has since been rolled out in schools nationwide.

Kiswahili carries unique significance not only for Uganda but also for the region and the wider continent. It remains the most widely spoken African language, serving as a bridge across Kenya, Tanzania, the DRC, Burundi, Rwanda and beyond.

Recognised by the African Union as a working language, Kiswahili has become a symbol of unity, cultural exchange, trade and political cooperation. In 2017, Rwanda made a decision to designate Kiswahili as one of the official languages of the country, alongside Kinyarwanda, English and French The recognition of Kiswahili is part of the commitments entered in 2007 in the East African Community, an organization founded by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania and China’s Fujian Province have taken a significant step towards strengthening cultural and heritage ties following the signing of a new partnership during a Fujian tourism promotion event held yesterday in Dar es Salaam.

The agreement, signed between the National Museum of Tanzania and the Fujian Museum of China, seeks to deepen collaboration in research, preservation and tourism promotion. National Museum of Tanzania director general Noel Lwoga described the partnership as a milestone for cultural diplomacy.

“Through joint research, preservation efforts and tourism promotion, we aim to create meaningful opportunities that benefit both our peoples and deepen our shared understanding,” Dr Lwoga said. The collaboration will cover joint scientific research on cultural heritage, exchange of museum collections to enrich exhibitions, preservation of tangible and intangible heritage and promotion of cultural tourism.

Dr Lwoga said the partnership builds on a recent visit to a cultural and tourism promotion event in Fujian by National Museum of Tanzania researcher Wilbard Lema. Chinese ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian highlighted the enduring friendship between the two nations, forged by previous generations and strengthened today.

“Thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, China-Tanzania relations have maintained a high level of development. Political trust has deepened, economic cooperation has yielded fruitful results and cultural ties have flourished,” she said.

Ms Chen described Fujian as a province of natural beauty and cultural richness, known for landmarks such as Mount Wuyi and Gulangyu Island. “Tourism serves as an important bridge connecting our peoples,” she said, adding that improved travel opportunities would allow more Tanzanians to experience Fujian’s culture, jasmine tea and the traditional melodies of Nanyin music.

The ambassador also underscored Fujian’s economic role, noting that many enterprises from the province are “going global” and sharing development opportunities with African partners. “Within the framework of FOCAC and the Belt and Road Initiative, Fujian can serve as a new bridge for cultural and economic ties.

” Ms Chen expressed hope that the partnership would strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between China and Tanzania in the years ahead. .

Mwanga. A fire of unknown origin has razed a dormitory at Asharose Migiro Girls’ Secondary School in Makuyuni hamlet, Mwanga District, Kilimanjaro Region, leaving 46 students in shock.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of September 29, 2025, destroyed property including 354 beds and mattresses, 32 wardrobes, and 32 shoe racks. Kilimanjaro Regional Fire and Rescue Commander, Jeremiah Mkomagi, confirmed the incident, saying no lives were lost.

“The cause of the fire is yet to be established. A thorough investigation is under way.

There were no injuries, but 46 students experienced shock and were rushed to Mwilange Health Centre for treatment,” he said. Mr Mkomagi said that the Fire and Rescue Service continues to educate the public on fire prevention and safety measures.

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Mbeya. Police in Mbeya have confirmed that two suspects were fatally shot during an attempted arrest in Chunya District and that a third suspect later died after allegedly jumping from a police vehicle, in connection with the murder of 21-year-old Mzumbe University student Shyrose Mabula.

The victim, a second-year law student, was reported missing on September 14, 2025 and her charred body was discovered on September 16, 2025 in the Nane Nane area of Isyesye Ward, Mbeya City. Regional Police Commander Benjamin Kuzaga said preliminary inquiries indicate the perpetrators intended to abduct Ms Mabula for ransom and, when that failed, killed her, poured herbicide, strangled her with a rope and set the body alight in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence.

Commander Kuzaga told The Citizen’s sister paper, Mwananchi on Monday that police arrested Marwa John (25), a resident of Uzunguni A, on September 24, 2025. Marwa is said to have confessed and identified Edward Kayuni. Mwantembele, described by police as a security guard, later cooperated and guided officers to locations in Chunya District where the other suspects were believed to be hiding.

According to the commander, on September 27, officers travelled to Chalangwa Village, Chunya District, after Mr Mwantembele led them to a rendezvous point where Mr Kayuni was believed to be hiding. When officers moved to arrest Mr Kayuni he drew a knife and threatened the team.

He was then shot in the leg. “Warning shots were fired but the suspect resisted and was subsequently shot in the leg,” Commander Kuzaga said.

During that fracas Mwantembele also attempted to flee despite warnings and several shots being fired into the air; he was subsequently shot in the leg and the chest. Both men were rushed to Chunya District Hospital but died while receiving treatment, Commander Kuzaga said.

After killing Shyrose it was alleged that Marwa chopped off her right-hand finger and took it to a witchdoctor who was alleged concealing items believed to be linked to the killing. The police ordered Marwa to take them to the witchdoctor.

But on the way he, allegedly, jumped from the police vehicle. Inquiries into the exact circumstances of his death are continuing.

In searches carried out by investigators, police said they recovered two handcuffs (locally known as pingu), two forged Tanzania People’s Defence Force identity cards, mobile phones containing images alleged to be linked to criminal activity and the victim’s undergarments, which, police say, were reportedly taken to a traditional healer for ritual purposes. Commander Kuzaga characterised the case as one motivated by financial gain.

“Our preliminary investigations show the suspects intended to obtain money from the victim’s family through abduction and, when that failed, they killed her to conceal evidence,” he said. Family reaction Reacting to the arrests and the subsequent deaths of the suspects, Dr Mabula Mahande, the victim’s father, praised the police for their professionalism and the assistance given to the family throughout the inquiry.

“I commend our police for fulfilling their duties. I request that they be equipped with modern tools because criminals change their methods every day; with better communication equipment they will be more effective,” he said, urging residents to help expose criminals living in their communities.

The Regional Police issued a public appeal against pursuing wealth through criminal means. “The police call on citizens to abandon the desire to obtain money and property by unlawful means.

Crime does not pay and the long arm of the law will reach those responsible wherever they are,” Commander Kuzaga said. Investigations into the circumstances of Ms Mabula’s death remain ongoing and police have appealed to anyone with information to come forward and assist in the inquiry.

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Dar es Salaam. As the government opens doors to investors across various sectors, deliberate efforts are needed to ensure Tanzanians benefit not only from financial inflows and technology transfer but also from opportunities to acquire practical skills.

Barrick Mining Corporation, one of the country’s largest investors in the mining sector, has placed education and skills development at the centre of its operations. The company operates in partnership with the government through Twiga Minerals Corporation.

Each year, Barrick’s Bulyanhulu and North Mara mines host students from local universities, offering them exposure to different fields. The company also runs a one-year internship for post-secondary and university graduates, providing mentorship and, in some cases, direct employment.

In addition, a two-year graduate programme trains young professionals in mining and related sectors, with participants either absorbed into Barrick or pursuing careers elsewhere. To support neighbouring communities, the firm operates a first-entry scheme for unskilled youths from villages around its mines.

Participants receive training in mining-related roles, equipping them to secure jobs or apply their skills in other industries. Barrick has also been sponsoring college symposiums through AIESEC, a global youth platform.

Experts from the company mentor students, helping them to prepare for the future, explore career opportunities and develop leadership potential. Speaking during the release of Barrick’s 2024 sustainable strategy implementation report, the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mark Bristow, said education remains a top priority in its investment strategy.

“Barrick continues to prioritise education and will strengthen its investment in the sector to ensure Tanzanians access better learning opportunities,” he said during his recent visit to the country. Interns interviewed by The Citizen praised the mentorship provided during their training and noted the company’s commitment to environmental protection, workplace safety and community development projects in education, health and infrastructure.

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