Category: The Citizen

Chadema chairman Tundu Lissu has lodged a preliminary objection at the Court of Appeal, challenging the State’s attempt to review a High Court ruling that barred prosecutors from introducing additional evidence in his treason case.

Lissu argues that the Republic’s application lacks legal basis because it seeks to challenge a decision that is neither appealable nor subject to review.

A group of Tanzanian startup is transforming how innovators, schools and entrepreneurs access manufacturing technology by locally producing 3D printers and converting plastic waste into valuable products, reducing dependence on imported equipment.

Swahili D Maker founded by Florence Sakaya and her co-founder after research conducted at the 59th Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT), says the initiative is making digital manufacturing more affordable while expanding access to innovation across the country.

The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has raised its benchmark Central Bank Rate (CBR) by 0.5 percentage points to 6.25 percent for the third quarter ending September 2026, citing mounting inflationary pressures linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The central bank said rising global energy, fertiliser and transport costs had increased risks to inflation, although it remains confident that Tanzania’s economy will continue expanding at above six percent.

The screening of ‘We Are Hadza’ at the ZIFF Main Venue, located behind Mizingani Hotel in Stone Town, unfolded in a mood that felt both ceremonial and quietly intimate.

As evening settled over the coastal city, audiences gradually filled the open-air theatre space, creating a gathering that brought together filmmakers, festival-goers, and members of the Hadza community who had travelled from northern Tanzania for the film’s African premiere.

There was a subtle but undeniable shift in the atmosphere when the Hadza guests arrived.

Their presence did not sit at the margins of curiosity but at the centre of attention, reshaping the emotional rhythm of the room.

Conversations softened almost instinctively, and what had been a lively festival environment gave way to a shared sense of anticipation.

It was less about watching a screening and more about witnessing a moment that already felt significant before the film began.

When the lights dimmed, the sounds of Zanzibar night, distant movement, sea air and fragments of conversation blended into the opening frames of We Are Hadza.

The film did not announce itself with force but settled into the space gently, unfolding with a patience that invited attention rather than demanded it.

Across the audience, reactions were restrained yet deeply present. There were soft moments of laughter, quiet murmurs of recognition, and extended silences where the imagery seemed to linger longer than the screen itself.

At the end of the screening, applause rose steadily rather than explosively, carrying more the weight of acknowledgement than performance.

It felt like a collective pause, as though the audience had not only watched a film but also spent time in the presence of a lived reality.

For Mama Africa, one of the festival attendees, the film carried meaning far beyond its cinematic form, particularly in how it portrayed the Hadza community’s agency in defining its own boundaries.

She observed that what stood out was their clarity and directness in addressing the outside world.

‘What I appreciated most is how direct they are. The Hadza clearly express themselves and even warn against exploitation.

They are very aware of their land and how it should be protected. They are not silent in their story; they are in control of how they want to be seen,’ shares Mama Africa.

Her remarks underscored a central thread in the film, a community that is not positioned as passive subjects of documentation but as active narrators of their own reality.

Filmlover Saima Noor also reflects on the screening, drawing attention to the film’s portrayal of cultural continuity within a rapidly changing world.

She notes the balance between modern exposure and the preservation of identity.

‘I liked how honest and free they are in the documentary,” she explains.

Further adds, “What stood out for me is that even those who are educated still hold on to their culture.

There is a young boy who speaks English and Kiswahili, but he still communicates in his local language. That balance really touched me.’

Her observation highlights one of the film’s quiet strengths, the coexistence of education, multilingualism and deep-rooted tradition without one displacing the other.

One of Tanzania’s Indigenous communities is still actively preserving its traditional way of life.

The We Are Hadza documentary offers audiences a glimpse into a world shaped by hunting and gathering practices, deep ecological knowledge and cultural continuity.

Their lives are presented not as distant anthropology but as a lived present, unfolding with its own rhythm and logic.

That presence has now been formally recognised. We Are Hadza, directed by Hannah Otsuka and co-produced between Tanzania and the United States through Meleka Foundation, has received the Chairperson’s Award at the 2026 Zanzibar International Film Festival, one of the festival’s highest honours for cinematic and cultural contribution.

The film made its African premiere at this year’s edition of ZIFF after being selected for the official programme, standing out in a lineup that continues to elevate documentary storytelling from across the continent.

The Chairperson’s Award is reserved for works that extend beyond conventional competition categories, recognising films that demonstrate not only strong storytelling but also cultural relevance and social impact.

In this case, the recognition places We Are Hadza within a broader conversation about how Indigenous narratives are documented, who tells them, and how collaboration reshapes authorship in contemporary African cinema.

At its core, an 83-minute documentary that follows the traditions, resilience and everyday realities of the Hadza people, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer communities in East Africa.

Rather than relying on external narration or distant observation, the film is shaped through long-term engagement with Hadza communities around Lake Eyasi, allowing stories to emerge through participation rather than extraction.

According to the production team, the intention was to shift storytelling closer to the community itself, allowing lived experience to guide the narrative rather than external interpretation.

A representative from the production summed up this approach during the festival, saying:

‘This film is not just about the Hadza, it is made with the Hadza. That distinction is what matters most to us.’

Early audience responses at ZIFF have described the film as deeply human and immersive, with one viewer reflecting that it felt less like watching a documentary and more like being gently invited into a living world.

Others noted that it resists framing the Hadza as a disappearing culture, instead presenting them as a people fully present in their own reality, grounded and self-defined.

At the same time, the film enters a wider critical space common to ethnographic storytelling, where questions often arise around representation, perspective and the delicate balance between intimacy and romanticisation.

Within this context, We Are Hadza is being received as both a collaborative milestone and a work that will continue to generate discussion as it moves beyond its festival debut.

One fan reacting to the film’s teaser ahead of the ZIFF screening shares an emotional message celebrating both the Hadza community and the filmmaker.

The viewer writes, ‘Three cheers for the Hadza! I love the Hadza. What an uplifting trailer for your movie. Congratulations, well done. May they live long and happy lives with full bellies of meat every day.’

What remains most striking from the ZIFF screening is not only the film itself but also the environment in which it was experienced.

A community on screen watching itself is reflected through cinema, and an audience witnesses that exchange in real time.

It is this layering of presence, story and authorship that gives We Are Hadza its weight and perhaps explains why, in Stone Town that evening, the applause felt less like a conclusion and more like recognition.

The Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) has launched a breast reconstruction programme aimed at restoring the confidence and quality of life of women who have lost their breasts due to cancer and other medical conditions.

The initiative follows hospital records showing that during the 2023/24 alone, about 200 women underwent mastectomy procedures, in which one or both breasts were surgically removed, mainly due to breast cancer.

The Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) has introduced smart home technology that enables customers to monitor and control household electrical appliances remotely using mobile phones, in a move aimed at reducing electricity bills, improving safety and promoting efficient energy use.

The innovation is among technologies being showcased at the ongoing 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), where the utility is demonstrating digital solutions designed to give consumers greater control over electricity use in their homes.

Another human rights catastrophe is unfolding in Sudan around the besieged city of al-Obeid, the United Nations human rights chief said on Friday, warning of a pattern of atrocities and urging the world to act.

Al-Obeid is the capital of North Kordofan state, a focus of recent fighting in a war between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid ?Support Forces (RSF) that began more than three years ago and has caused a vast humanitarian crisis.

UN High ?Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said civilians had been subjected to siege-like conditions for ?18 months, with critical shortages of clean water in al-Obeid and relentless drone strikes.

During a debate at ?the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Turk told delegates his office had documented patterns of summary executions, abductions, ?torture and sexual violence along the routes taken by displaced people across the Kordofan region.

He urged the international community not to allow a repeat of the widespread atrocities that took place in al-Fashir in North Darfur last year.

“The signs from al-Obeid are clear and ?unmistakable: Another human rights catastrophe is unfolding in Sudan, this time in the capital of the strategic state ?of North Kordofan,” Turk said.

Civilians killed by drones

The session was called by Britain, whose envoy previously warned that up to ,000 civilians ?were at risk of large-scale atrocities as the RSF reportedly massed forces around al-Obeid, one of Sudan’s largest cities, and a place where people displaced from other conflict areas have sought shelter.

As in other conflicts, the war in Sudan has become increasingly dominated by drone strikes, which often cause civilian casualties.

At least 45 civilians were killed ?and 41 injured in ?15 drone strikes in al-Obeid ?and surrounding areas between June 6 and 28, according to the UN human rights office.

Human rights groups have documented alleged war crimes by both sides in the war, ?and the RSF has been accused of repeated atrocities and ethnic violence, including in ?its stronghold of ?Darfur in western Sudan.

In al-Fashir, at least 6,000 people were killed in just three days when the RSF captured the besieged and famine-struck city in late October, according to the UN human rights office.

The office found the RSF ?and allied ?militia committed war crimes and crimes against humanity, including mass killings, ?summary executions, sexual violence, and torture.

The foreign minister in Sudan’s army-aligned government, Mohieldin Salim Ahmed Ibrahim, told the council that the international community ?should exert concrete pressure to stop the flow of advanced military equipment and weapons to the RSF.

East African Community (EAC) partner states have moved a step closer towards creating a unified regional digital market after experts approved a harmonised framework for trusted cross-border data flows and stronger protection of citizens’ personal information.

If endorsed by EAC ministers and partner states, the framework could significantly transform digital services across the region by enabling banks, mobile money operators, hospitals, universities, logistics firms, e-commerce platforms and technology companies to exchange data securely across borders.

Four Tanzanians have won all-expenses-paid trips to Mexico to watch a FIFA World Cup match through Mixx’s promotion dubbed Kila Muamala ni Bao la Ushindi, as the digital financial services provider says the campaign has encouraged greater use of digital payments across the country.

The winners are Sumaiya Khamis from Zanzibar, Deogratius Haule, Edwin Kambo and John Mzee. They will attend the World Cup match between Mexico and England scheduled for Monday, July 6, 2026.

The winners, drawn from different parts of the country, including Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Arusha, received their travel tickets during a ceremony held in Dar es Salaam before departing for Mexico on Friday, July 3, 2026.

Speaking at the event, Mixx Chief Executive Officer Angelica Pesha said the campaign had demonstrated that digital financial services offer more than just a convenient way to make payments, but also create opportunities for users.

“Every transaction has value. It makes everyday life easier, enhances the security of financial transactions and supports business growth.

Today, it has also created an opportunity for some Tanzanians to travel to Mexico and experience the FIFA World Cup. That is the message behind our ‘Every Transaction is a Winning Goal’ campaign,” she said.

Pesha said more than 60 customers have benefited from the promotion so far, winning cash prizes, Hisense electronic appliances and the chance to attend the FIFA World Cup in Mexico.

One of the winners, John Mzee, said he never imagined that using Mixx for his everyday transactions would enable him to fulfil his dream of watching the World Cup live.

“I am grateful to Mixx for this unique opportunity. I never thought my routine transactions could take me to Mexico. This experience has shown me that every transaction truly has the potential to change someone’s life,” he said.

Pesha said the campaign is ongoing, with weekly winners continuing to receive cash prizes of Sh1 million, while one grand prize winner will walk away with Sh50 million.

She encouraged more Tanzanians to use Mixx for sending and receiving money, paying bills and making everyday payments, saying every transaction contributes to expanding digital financial services and advancing financial inclusion in the country.

The Police Force has called for closer collaboration among the police, members of the the public and private security companies in efforts to curb crime and maintain peace in the country.

The call was made by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Ulrich Matei during a special event organised by SGA Tanzania to bid farewell to the company’s retirees and recognise employees who have served the company for more than 20 years through a programme dubbed Club 20.

The colourful event was held at Hekima Gardens in Dar es Salaam and was attended by representatives from the Police Force, the Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (Tucta), SGA’s top management, staff members and other invited guests.

Speaking at the event, DCP Matei noted that the private sector has an important role to play in maintaining security and public order. He also called on retirees to serve as role models during retirement and assist, where possible, in community policing initiatives.

The DCP further commended SGA for prioritising staff welfare and leading by example, noting that many private companies do not fully comply with directives on training, vetting, supervision and remuneration. He urged other security companies to emulate SGA’s practices and congratulated the retirees for their dedicated service, as well as employees who had served the company for more than 20 years for their exemplary commitment.

“With over 95 employees having worked for more than 20 years at SGA, it is something worth celebrating,” said the DCP.

He also called on all private security companies to improve efficiency and invest more in technology, training and compliance with the law, while observing human rights standards in order to minimise complaints during service delivery.

The DCP reaffirmed the Police Force’s commitment to continued collaboration with SGA Security, as has been the case over the years.

Speaking on behalf of SGA Tanzania, the company’s Head of Finance, Mr Jonathan Geleta, thanked the Police Force for the cooperation it has extended to private security companies.

“SGA will continue to adhere to all guidelines and regulations provided by the Police Force in order to ensure efficiency in delivering our services to the community,” he said.

He congratulated the retirees for their distinguished service to the company and urged them to serve as ambassadors of peace and uphold good morals as they begin a new chapter of their lives within their communities.

SGA Security was the first private security company to operate in Tanzania, having been established 42 years ago. The company currently employs more than 5,000 Tanzanians through its nationwide network of branches.

The company also offers advanced security solutions, including the transportation of high-value goods and cash, guarding services, emergency response and the installation and maintenance of electronic security systems. SGA also maintains several ISO certifications and has won numerous awards in Tanzania and across the region for the quality of its services.