Category: The Citizen

Zanzibar. Family often shapes the path of generations, guiding children towards professions or roles reminiscent of their parents.

Lawyers raise lawyers, doctors raise doctors, and politicians raise politicians. Such has been the case for Mfaume Khamis Hassan, whose political ambitions are deeply rooted in his family’s legacy.

Mr Mfaume, now a contender for Zanzibar’s presidency in the 2025 General Election, hails from a family long involved in politics. Both his late father, Khamis Hassan Kombo, and mother, Miza Silima Khamis, were members of the Afro-Shirazi Party (ASP), which led the Zanzibar Revolution on January 12, 1964. Although they were not present in Zanzibar during the Revolution, they actively engaged in movements that toppled the Sultan’s regime, paving the way for the People’s Republic of Zanzibar before it united with the Republic of Tanganyika to form Tanzania.

Political engagement also influenced Mr Mfaume’s elder brother, Ali Khamis Hassan, a committed member of the Civic United Front (CUF), who worked on party mobilisation. Growing up in this environment planted the seeds for Mr Mfaume’s eventual political career.

Through him, the family’s activism evolved into leadership ambition, culminating in his bid for Zanzibar’s highest office: President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council. Early life and education Mr Mfaume was born on June 16, 1967 at Mnazi Mmoja Referral Hospital, Zanzibar.

He is the seventh child in his family. His education began at Kisiwandui Primary School and continued at Forodhani Primary School.

He later attended Haile Selassie Secondary School in Unguja, Zanzibar, completing his secondary education before embarking on military training. He joined Zanzibar’s Special Anti-Smuggling Unit known in Kiswahili as Kikosi Maalumu cha Kuzuia Magendo (KMKM) under a 15-year contract, serving from 1985 until his voluntary retirement in 2000. Political journey After leaving the military, Mr Mfaume pursued competitive politics rather than follow his parents’ path as loyal party supporters.

In 2002, he joined the National League for Democracy (NLD), quickly rising within the party ranks. Within six months, he was appointed Deputy Secretary-General for mainland Tanzania and later confirmed as Vice-Chairman in Zanzibar.

Following the death of NLD founder Dr Emmanuel Makaidi on October 15, 2015, Mr Mfaume assumed national leadership of the party. The 2025 General Election marks his second bid for Zanzibar’s presidency, having also contested in 2020. He has twice sought parliamentary office for Kiwajuni constituency in 2010 and 2015. Life outside politics Away from the political arena, Mr Mfaume is a farmer and livestock keeper, with experience in fishing and small-scale business.

He is married to three wives and has four children. His presidential campaign focuses on service to the people of Zanzibar, prioritising development, peace, and security.

Key areas include improved healthcare, better education, youth employment, and the elimination of Zanzibar’s marginalisation. Youth employment and social development Mr Mfaume places particular emphasis on youth employment, arguing that work prevents young people from falling prey to crime, substance abuse, and other social vices.

“If a young person has meaningful work, they have direction and income,” he says. “Leaving them idle is equivalent to endangering the nation.

” He promises that under his leadership, every young person in Zanzibar will have access to productive opportunities that generate income, while the government benefits from taxes collected from their economic activity. “This is achievable if Zanzibaris have faith in our vision,” he adds.

Mr Mfaume draws inspiration from Zanzibar’s first President, Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume, who mobilised youth into constructive activities to contribute to national development while steering them away from social harm. He intends to emulate this model, ensuring the islands’ youth are fully engaged in advancing Zanzibar’s progress.

Appeal for peace and unity As Zanzibar approaches the 2025 election, Mfaume urges citizens to maintain peace and unity. He calls on them to vote in large numbers and to resist being influenced by demonstrations intended to disrupt the islands’ stability.

“As a soldier, I understand the consequences when peace is disturbed,” he says. His message is clear: leadership is about harnessing the islands’ potential, particularly the energy and talent of young people, while safeguarding peace, development, and the nation’s future.

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Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Russian forces had captured almost 5,000 square km (1,930 square miles) of land in Ukraine in 2025 and that Moscow retained complete strategic initiative on the battlefield.

Russia’s 2025 gains would amount to nearly 1 percent of Ukraine’s land area, and the country controls nearly 20 percent in total. Putin, addressing a meeting with Russian top military commanders on his 73rd birthday, said Ukrainian forces were retreating in all sectors of the front.

He said Kyiv was trying to strike deep into Russian territory, but it would not help it to change the situation in the more than 3 1/2-year-old war. “At this time, the Russian armed forces fully hold the strategic initiative,” Putin told the meeting in northwestern Russia near Russia’s second-largest city of St.

Petersburg, according to a Kremlin transcript. “This year, we have liberated nearly 5,000 square km of territory – 4,900 – and 212 localities.

” Ukrainian forces, he said, “are retreating throughout the line of combat contact, despite attempts at fierce resistance.” Russia’s Defence Ministry on Tuesday reported the capture of two more villages along the front, which Ukraine’s top commander says now extends over 1,250 km (775 miles).

Ukraine’s military in August dismissed Russia’s recent offensives as a failure, with Moscow’s forces failing to capture a single major Ukrainian city this year. Ukrainian accounts say Kyiv’s troops have made gains in the Donetsk region, particularly around Dobropillia, a town near the key logistics hub of Pokrovsk.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has also said Ukrainian forces have regained ground in the border Sumy region, where Russia has established a foothold. Russian Army General Valery Gerasimov, chief of the General Staff of Russia’s armed forces, told the meeting of top commanders that Russian forces were “advancing in practically all directions.

” Ukrainian forces, he said, were focused on slowing the Russian advance. Gerasimov, overall commander of Russia’s war effort, said the heaviest fighting was gripping Pokrovsk and areas towards Dnipropetrovsk.

Moscow’s troops were moving on the key cities of Siversk and Kostyantynivka in the main theatre of the Donetsk region. Gerasimov said they were clearing Ukrainian forces from the city of Kupiansk, under Russian attack for months in Ukraine’s northeast, and were moving forward in Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions further south.

They were also progressing in setting up buffer zones in Sumy and Kharkiv regions in the north. In his remarks to the meeting, Putin said Russia’s objectives remained the same as when he launched its “special military operation” in February 2022, saying it was aimed at “demilitarising and denazifying” its smaller neighbour.

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Siha. A Civic United Front (CUF) parliamentary candidate for Siha Constituency in Kilimanjaro Region, Mr Daudi Ntuyehabi, has been killed by residents after being accused of stabbing another man during a dispute.

The incident occurred on the night of October 7, 2025, in Kilingi Village, Siha District, according to Kilimanjaro Regional Police Commander Simon Maigwa. Commander Maigwa said violence erupted after a quarrel involving Mr Ntuyehabi and another young man, Mr Abdul Issah Mohamed, over a financial disagreement while drinking at a local grocery and liquor shop.

During the altercation, Mr Ntuyehabi allegedly stabbed Mr Mohamed in the abdomen, causing his intestines to protrude. Mr Mohamed is currently receiving treatment.

Following the attack, eight individuals have been arrested for taking the law into their own hands and assaulting the candidate, resulting in his death. Those in custody include Hamadi Mohamed, Alphonce Kinyaha, Rizik Amedeus, Frank Lutindi, Shedrack Emanuel, Jeremia Mnkondo, Zainab Elisha, and Issah Mohamed.

Commander Maigwa emphasised that police have escalated investigations into the killing and its circumstances. “The incident occurred around 7:30 a.

m. on October 7, 2025, in Kilingi Sanya Juu Village after the deceased stabbed Mr Abdul Issah Mohamed in the abdomen,” he said.

He explained the alleged stabbing followed an attempt by Mr Mohamed to mediate a disagreement between Mr Ntuyehabi and another man while they were drinking, during which a dispute over money arose. Furthermore, Commander Maigwa condemned the practice of taking the law into one’s own hands, warning that such acts often bring serious consequences for communities.

“The Kilimanjaro Regional Police Force calls on the public to refrain from vigilante actions, as they often cause grave harm, as in this case,” he said. Police are urging anyone with further information about the incident to come forward to assist investigations .

Unguja. The debate over early voting has taken centre stage in Zanzibar’s political landscape as the October 29, 2025 General Election draws closer, with political parties divided on whether the process strengthens or undermines electoral integrity.

This year’s polls will see voters elect the President of Zanzibar, Members of the House of Representatives, Members of Parliament, and councillors. According to the Zanzibar Election Act of 2018, the Isles will hold voting over two days on October 28 and 29, with the first day set aside for early voting.

The law stipulates that the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) will conduct early voting a day before the main election to enable those directly involved in managing the polls, including election officials and security officers, to cast their votes before undertaking official duties. However, while ZEC maintains that early voting is clearly defined in law, the arrangement has divided opinion among political parties, with some hailing it as a practical solution and others denouncing it as a potential avenue for electoral malpractice.

ACTWazalendo opposes early voting The opposition ACTWazalendo party has been one of the most vocal critics of early voting, arguing that the arrangement could be used to manipulate results. Before the campaign season began, ACTWazalendo leaders had strongly objected to the idea and called for amendments to the electoral regulations to abolish the provision.

The party had warned ZEC against proceeding with early voting, insisting it could compromise transparency. However, as ZEC stood firm that it was simply implementing existing law, the party later softened its position, saying it would not boycott the election but would continue to express its dissatisfaction.

Party chairman and presidential candidate, Othman Masoud, has frequently criticised the concept during his campaign rallies, insisting that Zanzibar’s small size does not warrant the need for early voting. “Early voting makes little sense in a small island like ours,” Mr Masoud told supporters at one of his rallies.

“But if the government insists on going ahead, we will be there to accompany those participating and ensure fairness.” He emphasised that the party’s goal was not confrontation, but vigilance to ensure that the process was free from irregularities.

CCM defends legality of early voting The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has dismissed ACTWazalendo’s claims, maintaining that early voting is legally sanctioned and clearly outlined in the Election Act passed by the Zanzibar House of Representatives. The party has cautioned against any efforts by unauthorised individuals to interfere with the process on October 28, warning that such actions could be seen as an attempt to disrupt peace and order.

Speaking during a rally at Kidimni Bumbwini in North Unguja, CCM presidential candidate and Zanzibar President, Dr Hussein Mwinyi, reiterated the party’s position that early voting is lawful and should be respected. “I have begun hearing that some people are planning to escort early voters on that day,” said Dr Mwinyi.

“That is a sign of provocation and a threat to peace. The law is clear about who is entitled to vote early.

If anyone asks you to leave your homes that day, let them go alone.” He urged political parties to focus on peaceful campaigning and to respect the electoral laws enacted by the country’s institutions.

ZEC clarifies legal basis ZEC’s Director of Elections, Thabit Idarous Faina, reaffirmed that the Commission was acting strictly within the law and had already issued regulations governing early voting. “The Zanzibar Electoral Commission Act clearly provides for early voting to be held a day before the general election.

The Commission has issued the necessary regulations to ensure the process is conducted transparently and smoothly,” he said. Mr Faina added that ZEC’s preparations were progressing well and that stakeholders had been fully briefed on how the early voting exercise would be conducted.

Other parties weigh in The debate over early voting is not new. In previous election cycles, Agricultural Alliance for Farmers Party (AAFP) chairman, Said Soud Said, had even taken the matter to court, challenging the legality of a two-day voting process.

However, he has since changed his stance, saying the law is clear and that ZEC is merely implementing it. “I have since dropped that position after realising that there is no need for confrontation.

The law provides for early voting, and we must respect it. Those opposing it should understand that they are effectively defying the law,” Mr Soud said.

He added that any effort to remove early voting would require a formal legislative amendment through the House of Representatives, not political pressure. Similarly, National Reconstruction Alliance (NRA) presidential candidate, Khamis Faki Mgau, has backed the process, saying that early voting is legitimate and helps facilitate participation among election workers and security officials.

“There is nothing wrong with early voting because it is conducted according to the law. Those who vote early are simply fulfilling their duty,” he said.

ADATADEA presidential candidate, Juma Ali Khatib, echoed similar sentiments, noting that early voting contributes to orderly election management and that opposing it could be driven by “hidden political motives.” He said: “The law allows it, so we should focus on ensuring that it is done fairly and transparently instead of politicising it.

” As the election approaches, the issue continues to dominate political discussions in Zanzibar. Analysts believe the debate reflects broader tensions over electoral trust and governance on the Isles — themes that have shaped Zanzibar’s political history for decades.

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Independent Tanzanian-Ethiopian-Kenyan artiste Turunesh is celebrating a major milestone after her project “Nesha’s Cypher” made it onto the Grammy ballot, marking a rare recognition for an alternative and experimental musician from East Africa. Sharing the news on Instagram, the Canada-based artiste expressed deep gratitude for being part of this year’s Recording Academy consideration, highlighting the importance of representation for the region’s underground and alternative music scene.

“It’s not every day that an independent, experimental artiste from Tanzania/Ethiopia/Kenya is on the Grammy ballot,” Turunesh wrote. “Grateful to be representing the alt and underground scene in East Africa and Canada.

” Nesha’s Cypher is described as a “sonic and visual labour of love,” blending genres, cultures, and sounds to create a project rooted in collaboration and community. “So many hands and hearts came together to push boundaries in the studio and on set to create something truly unique.

For them I’m so grateful,” she added, thanking Recording Academy voting members “for making this consideration happen and for championing the new wave of music rising from the East.” The record, executive produced and written by Turunesh, features a global team of collaborators including producers Chrybuu, Timlyre, Zaiah Zoundz, Erostayo and Txpski, alongside live instrumentation from Aanderson guitarist, Pacohamusic and others.

Turunesh, who continues to blur genre lines between RandB, Afro-fusion, and experimental soul, credited her creative team, from producers to stylists for bringing Nesha’s Cypher to life, describing it as “a record that pushes boundaries both musically and visually.” The recognition underscores the growing influence of East African alternative artistes on the global stage and highlights Turunesh’s commitment to telling authentic stories through sound, visuals, and collaboration.

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Tanzanian music superstar Diamond Platnumz continues to make international waves as his collaboration with American RandB icon Ciara, the single ‘Low’ has been listed for Grammy consideration by the Recording Academy. The recognition marks yet another global milestone for the Wasafi Classic Baby (WCB) founder, who has consistently pushed the boundaries of African pop music on the world stage.

Released earlier this year, ‘Low’ blends Ciara’s signature RandB sound with Diamond Platnumz’s Afro-fusion energy, creating a smooth, danceable track that celebrates love and rhythm. The song was part of Ciara’s Cici’s Prayer EP, which showcased diverse global influences and high-profile collaborations.

While the nomination phase is still underway, being under Grammy consideration is a significant achievement, highlighting Diamond’s growing footprint in the global music industry and his continued crossover appeal. This milestone follows Diamond’s previous international accolades and collaborations with artists like Alicia Keys, Rick Ross, and Ne-Yo, positioning him as one of Africa’s most recognized musical exports.

Fans and fellow artistes have taken to social media to celebrate the achievement, calling it another proud moment for East African music on the world stage. “From Tandale to the Grammys,” one fan wrote.

“Diamond keeps proving that Bongo Flava can go global.” With ‘Low’ now in the Grammy conversation, Diamond Platnumz cements his reputation as one of Africa’s most influential hitmakers and a driving force in bringing East African sounds to global audiences .

Mwanza. Former CCM Secretary-General, Dr Bashiru Ally, has assured Tanzanians that the ruling party’s presidential candidate, Samia Suluhu Hassan, possesses the experience and resilience to steer the nation safely through challenges.

Speaking at Nyamagana Grounds in Mwanza on 8 October 2025, Dr Bashiru said President Hassan has faced significant trials and demonstrated her ability to overcome them. He urged citizens to place full confidence in her leadership ahead of the upcoming polls.

“Some people say that young people will destroy their country. I don’t understand them.

Tanzanian youth cannot break their own nation,” he declared, as the crowd erupted in cheers. Dr Bashiru said that national unity, peace and stability must always be protected.

He reminded voters that Tanzania remained steadfast even during the sudden passing of the late President John Magufuli, when Samia assumed the nation’s leadership. “If our country has remained united, if CCM has stayed strong, and if peace and security have prevailed during a time of sudden change, then it is clear we are safe under her guidance,” he said.

He dismissed voices attempting to stir division and unrest. “These are distractions being orchestrated by a few.

Let us not entertain anything that risks shaking the foundations of our peace. Samia is a treasure of experience in leading during tough times.

I have no doubt that the same Tanzanians who prayed for her and stood with her will now vote for her to continue guiding this country forward.” Addressing the crowd, he added: “We must not lose focus.

We must not encourage anything that takes us off track from nation-building. Samia is asking for your trust because she has been tested, and she has prevailed.

With her, Tanzania will remain safe.” Meanwhile, Arusha Urban parliamentary candidate Paul Makonda called on Tanzanians, particularly the youth, to support President Hassan and shield her from unwarranted attacks.

He recalled how a group of detractors had previously insulted the late President Magufuli, and are now targeting President Hassan despite her achievements. “My brothers and sisters, when my late brother John Magufuli was president, there was a group that insulted him day and night.

He has since passed on, and now the same group insults Samia. But where are you, Tanzanians, to defend her? Where are you, energetic youth, to stand with her?” he asked.

Makonda challenged critics operating from abroad who spread negativity on social media. “Most of them don’t even live here.

Yesterday, they started attacking me online. But I tell them, leave Samia to lead this nation.

If you want a fight, come and face Makonda. I am ready,” he said, drawing laughter and applause.

He stressed a rallying call ahead of the 29 October election: “On that day, I ask you all to go out and vote for Samia. Let us give her the mandate to continue building our nation.

” The Nyamagana rally ended in jubilant cheers, with supporters chanting Samia’s name and pledging loyalty to CCM’s campaign. .

Beijing. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te is “prostituting” himself to foreigners to try and win their favour but his schemes are doomed to fail, China’s government said on Wednesday after he gave an interview lauding U.

S. President Donald Trump.

China, which views democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory, has a special dislike of Lai, saying he is a “separatist” and rebuffing his repeated offers of talks. Lai says only Taiwan’s people can decide their future.

In an interview released this week with a conservative U.S.

radio show and podcast, Lai said Trump should get the Nobel Peace Prize if he could convince Chinese President Xi Jinping to abandon use of force against Taiwan. Trump and Xi are expected to meet this month at a regional summit in South Korea.

Responding to the interview, where Lai also talked about China’s military threats and increased defence spending, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said Lai was “spouting nonsense”, showing his true nature as a manufacturer of crises and destroyer of peace. Since taking office last year, Lai has been “rampantly propagating separatist fallacies”, it said.

Using unusually strong wording, the statement added: “He has engaged in unprincipled foreign pandering and bottomless selling out of Taiwan, squandering the flesh and blood of the people, prostituting himself and throwing in his lot with foreign forces”. There was no immediate response from Taiwan’s government.

The Chinese statement said efforts to seek independence through relying on foreign forces were doomed to fail. “Lai Ching-te and the ‘Taiwan independence’ forces are but ants shaking a tree: they will ultimately be swept into the dustbin of history,” it added.

The statement also comes just two days before Lai gives his key national day speech on Friday. China, which has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, staged a day of war games around the island last year shortly after that same event in what it said was a warning to “separatist acts”.

Lai says that the Republic of China – Taiwan’s formal name – and the People’s Republic of China are “not subordinate to each other”. The Republic of China government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong’s communists.

No peace treaty has ever been signed and neither government officially recognises the other to this day. .

Dar es Salaam. Vodacom Tanzania has unveiled its newest branch at the recently opened East Africa Commercial and Logistics Centre (EACLC) in Ubungo, featuring a dedicated service desk designed to cater for customers with disabilities.

Speaking during the launch, Vodacom Tanzania Chief Executive, Officer Philip Besiimire, said the new branch reflects the company’s continued commitment to inclusion as it marks 25 years of operations in the country. “As we commemorate 25 years of connecting and empowering our customers, we are proud to reinforce our inclusion agenda through the expansion of our customer support footprint and the launch of another service desk for people with disabilities,” said Mr Besiimire.

Vodacom’s Consumer Business Unit Director, Ms Brigita Shirima, highlighted that the company’s inclusion efforts are evident through a range of initiatives designed to accommodate customers with diverse needs. “From dedicated sign language interpreters and WhatsApp video call support for deaf customers, priority handling for registered blind customers, to wheelchair-accessible ramps and now accessible service tables designed for customers using wheelchairs these efforts reflect our commitment to ensuring that every customer is served with respect, care, and convenience,” she said.

Head of Customer Experience and Digital Care, Ms Belinda Wera, said the company has lined up several activities to celebrate the week, including recognising customers, partners across the M-Pesa ecosystem, and staff members. “This week we will be recognising and celebrating not just our customers but also our partners and teams that work tirelessly to serve them day and night.

Recognising that we do not exist in isolation, we will also engage in community activities as a way of thanking Tanzanians for their continued support over the years,” said Ms Wera. Through digital platforms such as VodaTube and its digital care channels, the company continues to promote digital literacy and financial education, empowering customers to make informed choices and fully benefit from mobile technology.

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Dar es Salaam. JKT Queens players have dominated the national women’s football team, Twiga Stars, squad that is preparing for two crucial qualification matches for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) against Ethiopia later this month.

The heavy representation reflects JKT’s growing influence in women’s football following their impressive performances in domestic competitions. Out of the 25 players named by head coach Bakari Shime, 12 are from JKT Tanzania, the highest contribution from any single club.

They are followed by Simba Queens, who have three players called up to the national side. The balance of the squad showcases a mix of both home-based and foreign-based stars who bring a blend of youth, experience, and international exposure to the team.

The squad will be captained by Opa Clement, who plays for Eibar in Spain’s top women’s league. Her leadership and experience are expected to be key as Twiga Stars aim to secure qualification for the continental showpiece.

The team also features several rising stars from the national U-20 side, Tanzanite Queens, who recently eliminated Angola in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. Their inclusion marks a significant step in integrating young talent into the senior setup, ensuring continuity and long-term development for Tanzanian women’s football.

Midfielder Diana Lucas, who has been in outstanding form and currently plays professionally in Turkey for Trabzonspor, retains her spot in the team. She will be joined by Mexico-based duo Enekia Kasonga and Julitha Singano of FC Juarez, both of whom add valuable international experience and creativity to the squad.

Other foreign-based players include Hasnath Ubamba of Al Masry in Egypt and Noela Luhala, who plays for Asa Tel Aviv in Israel. He 25-player squad also features local stars such as Najat Abbas, Asha Mrisho, Donisia Misnja, Lidya Maximilian, Ester Maseke, Fumukazi Ally, Christer Bahera, Janeth Pangamwene, Elizabeth Chenge, Stumai Abdallah, Jamila Rajab, and Winifrida Gerald from JKT Tanzania.

From Simba Queens, the selected players are Asha Ramadhan, Fatuma Issa, and Aisha Mnunka. Others in the team include Maimuna Kaimu from Yanga Princess, Nusrat Jaffar from Alliance Girls, and Suzan Adam from Tausi Queens.

Twiga Stars will host Ethiopia on October 22, 2025, in the first leg of the WAFCON qualifiers before traveling to Addis Ababa for the return leg on October 28, 2025. The aggregate winner over the two matches will earn a spot in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals, which will be held in Morocco next year and feature 16 of the continent’s best women’s national teams. .