Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. A growing culture of smartphone obsession is slowly reshaping how Tanzanians experience weddings, birthday parties and family gatherings, with experts warning that people are increasingly attending celebrations without truly being present.

Across the country, it has become nearly impossible to attend a social event without seeing a sea of raised phones, guests recording every dance, every speech and every movement, often for instant uploading to Instagram, TikTok or WhatsApp Stories. What should be intimate, shared moments are now filtered through screens, transforming guests into camera operators instead of participants.

Hosts, families and event planners say that guests rarely spend time enjoying the atmosphere, bonding with loved ones or even congratulating the couple or birthday celebrant. Instead, most spend a large portion of the ceremony capturing videos or rehearsing the perfect angle for photos.

Sociologists and psychologists warn that while smartphones were meant to help preserve memories, they are increasingly replacing memory, disconnecting people from the very moments they are trying to treasure. A sociologist from the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr Margaret Rugambwa says the behaviour reflects a shift in how society interacts with important moments.

She argues that celebrations, which were once spaces for bonding and emotional connection, are slowly becoming ‘content creation sites.’ “People no longer attend weddings or birthday parties to share joy with family.

Many now attend to create online content, to show they were there. This changes the essence of the event.

Guests may be physically present, but psychologically they are absent,” Dr Rugambwa says. According to her, the pressure to post instantly is driven by modern digital socialisation, where individuals feel validated through likes, views and comments rather than genuine human interaction.

Another sociologist from St Augustine University of Tanzania, Mr Alfani Mduge, notes that society has normalised performing for the camera. He explains that weddings have become accidental film sets because almost everyone believes they have an obligation to document the event.

“Smartphones have turned guests into unofficial photographers. People film every step the bride takes, but they rarely sit down to enjoy the ceremony.

It creates a strange environment where everyone is busy creating memories they never actually live,” he says. Mr Mduge warns that such behaviour slowly erodes the cultural significance of family gatherings, which were traditionally moments of togetherness, storytelling and shared emotion.

Ms Linah Kabula, also from SAUT, points out that the phenomenon is particularly damaging for hosts, who often feel disconnected from their guests. “Couples and families invest emotionally and financially to bring people together.

But on the day of the celebration, most guests are not actually with them, they are behind screens. This can make the hosts feel isolated on their big day,” she explains.

She adds that the obsession with filming everything can create a sense of artificiality, where performances replace natural interactions. Even emotional moments such as congratulatory hugs, blessings or heartfelt speeches are often missed.

Psychologists, on the other hand, say the behaviour reflects deeper mental and emotional shifts. A clinical psychologist from Bugando Medical Centre, Dr Kelvin Kiberiti says the smartphone fixation at events is partly driven by a fear of missing out, commonly known as FOMO.

He says people attend celebrations with the pressure to prove that they are “also living life”. “Many guests are recording not because they want to remember the event, but because they want others to see that they attended.

This leads to a form of social anxiety where the phone becomes a shield. People hide behind their cameras because they are unsure how to interact naturally,” he says.

Dr Kiberiti warns that such practices weaken emotional intelligence, particularly among younger generations who are growing up experiencing life through screens rather than through real human connection. A psychologist from Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ms Esther Lema argues that the act of over-recording actually prevents the brain from storing meaningful memories.

She notes that when individuals rely on their phones to capture moments, the brain shifts responsibility to the device and stops processing the experience fully. “When you view everything through a screen, your memory weakens.

This is why many people cannot recall details of the event afterwards, even though they have multiple videos of it. The person was not mentally present,” she says.

Ms Lema adds that this behaviour can also make celebrations feel emotionally hollow, as guests fail to connect with the mood, ambiance and shared joy. Another psychologist, Ms Pauline Kayombo, highlights that smartphone use at events is now deeply tied to self-presentation.

She says the pressure to appear fun, stylish and socially active pushes people into recording constantly. “People are curating a version of themselves.

Weddings and parties become stages for this performance,” she says. “But the tragedy is that these people rarely internalise the happiness of the moment.

Instead, they are preoccupied with whether their video will look good online.” Ms Kayombo notes that excessive filming affects mental well-being by increasing stress levels.

Guests often spend more time editing clips on the spot, worrying about lighting, replaying shots and comparing their content with that of others. “As a result, they leave the event with content but without emotional satisfaction.

Dr Rugambwa, the sociologist, says Tanzania risks raising a generation that equates memories with digital content rather than lived experience. “If we don’t address this behaviour, future ceremonies will be more about production than emotion.

We are losing the communal spirit that has always defined African gatherings.” Psychologist Ms Lema emphasises the need for families to reclaim the intimacy of celebrations.

“Encouraging guests to put phones away during crucial moments, like vows, prayers or speeches, can restore the human connection. The memory created by direct eye contact and shared laughter will always outlast a video clip.

” Experts recommend simple interventions such as designated photography zones, hiring professional videographers so guests don’t feel the need to record, or setting clear expectations at the start of the event. For now, though, Tanzanian celebrations continue to be filled with guests who are present in body but absent in experience, documenting life without living it.

.

Songwe. Police in Songwe Region are holding Obadia Mpenzu (22), a resident of Majimoto Hamlet in Nanyala Village, Mbozi District, on suspicion of raping and injuring his 80-year-old grandmother.

Songwe Regional Police Commander Augustino Senga confirmed the arrest of the suspect. Speaking to The Citizen, Nanyala Village Chairman Maneno Mwambunga said the incident occurred on the night of December 8, 2025. He said the suspect allegedly committed the violent act after arriving at his grandmother’s home at around 10:00 pm on December 8, while her husband was away at a local bar.

Mwambunga added that the suspect fled to an unknown location immediately after the incident. He said village leaders launched a search operation that continued until about 11:00 am on December 9, 2025, when the suspect was arrested while hiding in a forested area.

“The suspect was found hiding in the bush in a weak condition and was vomiting. It is alleged that he had taken poison in an attempt to end his life after regretting his actions,” Mwambunga said.

.

Nairobi. Tanzania has outlined a set of expectations at the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), saying the outcomes of this year’s meeting will directly influence the country’s environmental priorities.

Tanzania expectations range from protecting coral reefs and deep-sea ecosystems to securing recognition for Mount Kilimanjaro’s melting ice and advancing responsible use of artificial intelligence. Speaking with The Citizen on the sidelines of the ongoing environmental talks in Nairobi, Tanzania’s Presidential Adviser and Climate Change Envoy, Dr Richard Muyungi, who also chairs the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), said the country is engaging actively because key resolutions under negotiation “touch Tanzania’s interests directly and will shape our environmental policy landscape.

” One of Tanzania’s biggest expectations is clear global guidance on how countries can exploit deep-sea resources responsibly. Dr Muyungi said Tanzania is particularly following the proposed resolution on the active protection of deep-sea ecosystems, as states increasingly explore the seabed for critical minerals.

“We need clarity on how to sustainably extract resources and how the global community intends to protect deep-sea biodiversity,” he said. He added that Tanzania expects UNEA-7 to strengthen cooperation with bodies such as the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and reinforce compliance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Tanzania also expects UNEA-7 to send a strong message on accelerating climate action to save coral reefs, a priority for the country’s tourism and fisheries industries. “We have one of the biggest coral reef systems in the region.

Bleaching has become a major issue, and this affects tourism and coastal communities,” Dr Muyungi said. He said Tanzania hopes the resolution will unlock new tools, research collaborations and financing to bolster the resilience of coral reefs along the country’s 1,400-km coastline.

Another key expectation is that UNEA-7 will adopt language acknowledging mountain glaciers, after Tanzania proposed their inclusion in the resolution on the cryosphere. “Kilimanjaro’s melting ice is a major climate warning for Africa.

We expect this to be reflected in the final decisions,” Dr Muyungi noted. The government believes this will help draw greater global focus–and potentially funding–to the long-term protection of the Kibo ice cap.

Tanzania expects clearer guidance on sustainable resource use, especially under the resolution on Mother Earth-centric action. For a natural-resource-dependent economy like Tanzania’s, Dr Muyungi said it hopes UNEA-7 will strengthen the global push for Strategic Environmental Assessments, compensation mechanisms and more sustainable land-use planning.

“Environmental degradation is inevitable when your economy relies on natural resources. Our expectation is to get clarity on how to balance development with nature,” he said.

Tanzania is also looking to UNEA-7 for international best practices on the environmental sustainability of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, an emerging topic with little existing regulation. While AI offers huge opportunities for climate monitoring, early warning systems and environmental data analysis, Dr Muyungi said Tanzania expects guidance on energy use, digital pollution, and capacity building.

The country’s expectations are shaped by its recent role as host of the 2025 UNFCCC AI for Climate Action Forum, which positioned Tanzania as an early African champion of AI governance. Tanzania expects UNEA-7 to elevate the role of children and youth in environmental governance, a topic the government has prioritised.

“We hope youth participation will be strengthened and integrated more systematically,” he said, noting Tanzania will soon lead the AU Youth Climate Change Centre. The country also wants this agenda reflected in its new Ministry of Youth.

On the resolution promoting sustainable solutions through sport, Tanzania hopes to learn from global experience on how public figures and athletes can help shift public attitudes toward conservation. “This is an area we haven’t used much, and UNEA-7 gives us a chance to explore it,” Dr Muyungi said.

Although UNEA-7 resolutions are not legally binding, they have a history of influencing national policies, donor priorities and future agreements. Dr Muyungi said Tanzania expects the meeting to set global directions that will guide domestic environmental decisions, unlock partnerships and technical capacity, strengthen Africa’s negotiating voice, and ensure Tanzanian priorities–especially coastal protection, climate resilience and sustainable technology–are reflected in global frameworks.

“Tanzania wants to leave UNEA-7 with clear global signals on how to manage our natural resources, protect our ecosystems, and align with emerging environmental technologies,” he said. UNEA-7 is expected to deliberate on 15 draft resolutions and two draft decisions and this year’s session is also expected to produce a ministerial declaration and approve UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy (20262029), setting out the global environmental agenda for the next four years.

.

Dar es Salaam. In 2025, young Tanzanians launch tech start-ups, process digital payments, and travel across the world for trade missions, and legally buy and sell gold.

Forty years ago, these would have been near impossibilities. As Tanzania marks 64 years of independence, the country’s economic story reads like an arc of transformation, one that a few could have predicted during the early years after 1961. What is ordinary today, such as buying stocks on a mobile phone, operating private banks, running transport companies, exporting crops freely, or owning multiple rental properties, was once restricted, heavily regulated, or outright illegal.

The shift from a state-controlled economy to a vibrant private-sector-led marketplace reflects both the resilience of Tanzanians and the profound policy reforms that unfolded across decades. It is a story of dismantling old systems, building new ones, and learning–sometimes through painful lessons–that enterprise thrives best when the environment allows it.

When Tanzania adopted the Arusha Declaration in February 1967, the country committed to Ujamaa socialism: a philosophy of collective ownership and self-reliance. This was soon translated into law, beginning with the National Bank of Commerce (Establishment and Vesting of Assets and Liabilities) Act, 1967, which nationalised all private commercial banks.

The 1970s and early 1980s brought additional constraints as the state deepened its hold over the economy. Imports were subject to strict regulation, lengthy licensing, and severe foreign exchange controls.

Businesses needed approval to access scarce foreign currency, which made even sourcing raw materials a bureaucratic ordeal. Housing and private property faced similar restrictions.

The Acquisition of Buildings Act, 1971, empowered the state to seize “excess” privately owned buildings. The idea of owning several rental houses–or renting at market rates–cut against the grain of Ujamaa ideology.

Public transport was also nationalised. There were no private long-distance bus operators until the market began opening in 1983. Broadcasting was similarly restricted under the Tanzania Broadcasting Services Act, 1976, which placed television and radio exclusively under state monopoly.

Owning a private TV station or even a satellite dish was illegal. Every day business operations required a government-issued license through the 1972 Business Licensing Act, which specified exactly what business one could run and where.

Trading staple crops like maize, rice, and cashew across regions was restricted through crop marketing boards. Doing so privately risked being accused of “economic sabotage”–a serious offence at the time.

Gold ownership was tightly regulated. It was only after the 1979 Mining Act that small-scale miners began receiving legal recognition.

And financial markets? They did not exist. A stock exchange was unimaginable; capital markets were absent.

Turn toward liberalisation By the late 1980s, it had become clear that rigid controls were suppressing growth and innovation. Macroeconomic instability, fueled by global oil shocks, droughts, and inefficient state enterprises, compelled policymakers to reassess their approach.

In 1988, the Nyirabu Commission was established to examine the challenges facing the financial sector. Its recommendations triggered a wave of transformative reforms.

The Banking and Financial Institutions Act (BFIA) of 1991 opened the door for private banks, both local and foreign, ending decades of state monopoly and marking the rebirth of financial pluralism in Tanzania. This Act laid the foundation for everything from modern banking services to today’s mobile financial innovations.

The Capital Markets and Securities Act of 1994 set the stage for securities trading. The Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) was incorporated in 1996 and became operational in 1998. Today, it hosts 28 listed companies–22 Tanzanian and six cross-listed–allowing ordinary citizens to invest, save, and build wealth through equity markets.

Broadcasting liberalisation followed, with the Broadcasting Services Act of 1993, ending the state monopoly and ushering in an era of private TV and digital media. Bit by bit, restrictions on property ownership, agriculture trade, mining, and entrepreneurship loosened.

By the early 2000s, Tanzania had firmly embraced a mixed economy, with the private sector increasingly treated as a partner–not an adversary. Private sector boom One of the most visible outcomes of liberalisation has been the explosion of entrepreneurship across all sectors.

Today, Tanzanian traders fly daily to China, Dubai, and Turkey in search of goods. A young business class is emerging, driven by mobile banking, digital payments, and a fast-expanding logistics ecosystem.

This transformation, however, is not merely anecdotal. It reflects bigger structural changes that have repositioned the private sector at the centre of national growth.

Chief executive officer of the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA), Mr Oscar Kisanga, says by 2025, operating environment for businesses has improved significantly, noting that the country’s regulatory and administrative systems are now more predictable and more coordinated than ever before According to him, government agencies, especially the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA)–have adopted digital systems that now communicate seamlessly, cutting bureaucracy and making compliance easier. “Systems are now compatible.

This is a major shift. It reduces delays and increases transparency,” he says.

Cross-border trade has also become significantly easier, supported by bilateral agreements, regional integration frameworks, and simplified customs procedures. “Today, a trader can move goods across borders far more efficiently than before,” Kisanga notes.

He observes a powerful rise in women and youth entrepreneurs: “When you board a plane, it’s full of Tanzanians, especially youth and women travelling to China, Dubai, and Turkey. They are awake.

They are active. They are driving commerce.

” Mr Kisanga says the tourism boom has had a “huge multiplier effect,” stimulating hotels, tour operators, transport companies, restaurants, and suppliers across the value chain. Agribusiness is expanding, supported by technology and improved market access.

Manufacturing is growing, including small and medium industries. Mining has opened up through new refineries and the formalisation of artisanal miners.

He emphasises that policy reforms increasingly favour private-sector development, local content participation, and the inclusion of domestic firms in strategic national projects. “With Vision 2050 putting the private sector at the centre of Tanzania’s long-term growth, the outlook is strong,” he says.

Tanzania National Business Council (TNBC), executive secretary, Dr Godwill Wanga, underscores the strengthening of structured dialogue between government and business. “The shift in mindset has been significant.

Government recognises the private sector not as an observer but as a key driver of national development,” he says. He notes that this recognition runs from district offices to the national level.

Vision 2050 places the private sector at the heart of Tanzania’s future, promoting innovation, industrialisation, and employment creation. Dr Wanga says the government increasingly invites private firms into major public projects, while focusing on essential services–an approach that mirrors global best practices.

He also highlights the rise in policy research: “Studies now inform reforms. When laws or regulations change, they are often based on evidence from these studies.

” Above all, he notes, political will has been crucial. Dr Wanga says; “Facilitation has improved.

Coordination has improved. There is clarity.

” Tanzania’s journey from state dominance to a mixed, private-sector-led economy has unlocked possibilities that once seemed distant. The private sector now employs millions, drives innovation, builds industries, and shapes Tanzania’s presence in regional and global markets.

.

Dar es Salaam. The rise of Tanzania’s U17 national football team the Serengeti Boys stands as one of the most dramatic transformations in African youth football.

Their historic breakthrough in 2017 when they qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations Afcon finals for the first time did not come through predictable sporting pathways. Instead it was shaped by a remarkable and controversial case involving Congo Brazzaville and allegations of age cheating.

What began as a dispute turned into a turning point that reshaped the future of youth football in Tanzania? Tanzania had initially been eliminated by Congo Brazzaville in the regional Cecafa qualifiers. However strong suspicions soon emerged regarding the true ages of several Congolese players.

The Tanzania Football Federation TFF then under president Jamal Malinzi filed a formal appeal to Caf arguing that Congo had fielded over aged players contrary to competition rules for youth tournaments. Among the questionable players was Langa who was reportedly born on April 24 2000 and was already playing senior football for Etoile de Talas.

TFF noted irregularities pointing out that he wore jersey number 10 against Namibia but changed to number 5 against Tanzania in what was believed to be an attempt to avoid recognition. Namibia also issued a similar complaint supporting Tanzania’s claim.

Caf opened an investigation and instructed Congo Brazzaville to submit official documents to defend their case. Congo failed to provide the required proof within the allotted time which significantly strengthened Tanzania’s appeal.

Eventually CAF ruled that Congo had indeed used ineligible players and awarded Tanzania a slot in the 2017 Afcon finals in Gabon. Although the qualification emerged from administrative grounds this moment became a powerful catalyst.

It ignited belief encouraged planning and marked the beginning of a new direction for the Serengeti Boys. 8 Serengeti Boys celebrate after winning the Cecafa-Caf Afcon qualifiers in Ethiopia.

2017: A debut full of lessons The tournament in Gabon marked Tanzania’s first appearance in the history of the U17 Afcon. The young squad entered the competition with hunger and pride competing with some of the continent’s most established youth programs.

Despite exiting in the group stage the experience was invaluable. Tanzania learned firsthand the intensity pace and physicality of elite African youth football.

This debut laid the foundation for better scouting improved coaching and more deliberate investment in youth structures. 2019: Returning as hosts under new leadership The 2019 Afcon edition brought a second historic moment as Tanzania qualified automatically as hosts.

This tournament also marked the beginning of a new administrative era under Wallace Karia who had taken over as TFF president. Under Karia’s leadership youth football began experiencing major reforms.

Karia who is also a Caf executive committee member and former Cecafa president introduced better organisational structures emphasised integrity strengthened talent development and increased Tanzania’s participation in youth competitions. Hosting the tournament uplifted the game significantly.

Playing at home boosted confidence and generated nationwide support. Although the team again exited in the group stage their performances were more organised and competitive.

Youth academies across the country also benefited from increased visibility funding and improved technical programs. This period marked a major shift from participation to long term development.

2021: Qualification on Merit in Morocco The 2021 edition in Morocco marked the third Afcon appearance for the Serengeti Boys and this time it came purely from sporting merit. Tanzania excelled in the Cecafa qualifiers showcasing improved tactical awareness and maturity.

The team demonstrated defensive discipline better game management and a growing ability to compete physically with top African sides. They did not progress past the group stage but the campaign confirmed that Tanzania was no longer relying on luck or administrative rulings.

The Serengeti Boys had matured into a consistent competitor. 2025: Fourth appearance and continued growth Tanzania’s momentum continued as the team secured a fourth appearance at the 2025 Afcon finals once again held in Morocco.

By this time the country’s football ecosystem had improved significantly due to strengthened governance expanded youth academies and stable leadership under Wallace Karia. The 2025 squad showed cohesion confidence and resilience.

Although they did not advance beyond the group stage the consistency of qualifying reflected the positive impact of long term investment and structured development strategies implemented by both TFF and government stakeholders. 2026: Fifth appearance and rising expectations Securing qualification for the 2026 Afcon completed a remarkable run of five appearances in nine years.

This achievement placed Tanzania among the most consistent youth football nations in the Cecafa region and signaled a new era of ambition. Expectations for the 2026 edition are higher than ever.

Fans and analysts believe the Serengeti Boys now have the experience and stability to finally progress past the group stage and challenge for continental honours. Leadership and government support driving the success A significant factor behind this transformation has been strong leadership within TFF and unwavering support from the government.

Under Wallace Karia Tanzania has benefited from improved organisation financial accountability enhanced talent identification and stronger relations with regional and continental football bodies. His roles as a Caf executive committee member and former Cecafa president have elevated Tanzania’s visibility and influence in continental football matters.

The Tanzanian government has also played a major role in supporting youth programs upgrading sports infrastructure and prioritizing football development in national policies. This support has helped the country achieve major milestones and position itself among the tough and competitive football nations in Africa.

The road ahead With five Afcon appearances by 2026 the Serengeti Boys symbolise the evolution of Tanzanian football. What began with the Congo Brazzaville saga in 2017 opened a door that has since been kept wide through discipline planning and investment.

The next challenge is clear. Tanzania must transform frequent qualifications into deeper tournament runs and ultimately secure a place at the FIFA U17 World Cup.

With strong leadership consistent government backing and a growing pool of young talent Tanzania’s future in youth football looks brighter than ever. .

Nairobi. Tanzania has called for a more diversified and accessible climate-financing architecture, urging stronger collaboration between philanthropy, governments and multilateral agencies to address Africa’s chronic funding gaps.

Speaking during a high-level panel on “Philanthropy and UNEP: Driving Collective Action for a Healthy, Prosperous and Resilient Planet” at UNEA-7 in Nairobi, Tanzania’s Presidential Adviser on Climate Change, Dr Richard Muyungi, said philanthropic capital can play an increasingly catalytic role in unlocking the resources African countries need to meet their climate goals. “This partnership is already happening in Tanzania,” he said.

“We have worked with philanthropic organisations to advance clean cooking, expand access to energy and support community-level climate projects. Philanthropy fills critical gaps where traditional financing has been slow or inaccessible.

” Dr Muyungi noted that Africa continues to receive a disproportionately small share of private climate finance — just 4 per cent globally — despite being among the regions most affected by climate change. “This is why philanthropy matters,” he said.

“We need first movers and risk-takers who can unlock opportunities that commercial or institutional investors may hesitate to pursue. A systematic approach — where philanthropy works together with government, the private sector and climate funds — can make a significant difference.

” He emphasised that UNEP has a strategic role in facilitating access to climate finance by strengthening countries’ technical capabilities, guiding proposal development and helping governments meet the stringent requirements of climate funds. Africa faces persistent challenges in accessing major global climate-financing mechanisms.

Dr Muyungi cited several funds — including the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Adaptation Fund, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Loss and Damage Fund and the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Fund — which hold substantial resources but remain difficult for many African states to access. “Accessing these funds has been a challenge for Tanzania and the wider continent,” he said.

“This is where philanthropy can come in — not to replace these mechanisms, but to support readiness, build capacity and help countries meet the complex technical thresholds required for approval.” He added that in Tanzania, philanthropic partnerships are increasingly taking shape at community level, driving small-scale climate solutions.

These initiatives serve as proof-of-concept pilots that can later attract larger investment. He called for more structured partnerships between philanthropic foundations, African governments, UNEP and the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), which he chairs.

On the sidelines of UNEA-7, Dr Muyungi also held bilateral meetings with senior officials from the African Union Commission and the UNFCCC. Discussions focused on securing a unified African voice in climate negotiations, increasing Tanzania’s representation in key climate institutions through appointments and secondments, strengthening national and regional capacity-building efforts, and aligning African countries around shared climate priorities ahead of COP30. He said these engagements are essential to ensure that Tanzania not only benefits from global climate processes but also contributes meaningfully to shaping them.

As UNEA-7 enters its third day, Tanzania’s message remains clear: addressing climate change in Africa requires more diversified financing, stronger institutional readiness and deeper partnerships across both traditional and non-traditional actors. UNEA-7 continues this week in Nairobi, with negotiations expected to shape global environmental priorities for 20252026. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s 64th Independence anniversary on December 9, 2025 unfolded unlike any other in recent history.

What is traditionally a day of celebration, patriotic parades, and family gatherings instead became a day marked by empty streets, shuttered shops, unusually quiet bus terminals and heightened security presence from Dar es Salaam to the Lake Zone and southern highlands. The abrupt shift stemmed from unrest that followed the October 29 General Election, whose aftermath left deep emotional and psychological scars on communities across the country.

Combined with anonymous online calls for nationwide, nonstop demonstrations coinciding with Independence Day, the atmosphere leading up to December 9 was charged with anxiety, rumours and worstcase fears. By December 8, the government had suspended all official celebrations and issued a firm directive urging citizens to remain indoors unless facing an emergency.

The Minister for Home Affairs, George Simbachawene, went further, warning that any attempts to take to the streets would not be treated as demonstrations but as “an attempted coup”, attracting forceful intervention from security agencies. Yet, when the day arrived, the feared chaos never materialised.

Instead, the nation slipped into an uneasy calm. A quiet capital under survaillance In the administrative capital of Dodoma, silence seemed to envelop major streets from early morning.

Morogoro Road– normally choked with commuter traffic–was almost empty, save for a stream of motorcycles cutting through the stillness. Some traders at Sabasaba and Majengo markets opened their stalls, but foot traffic remained far below normal.

Security forces maintained a visible presence. At the Nzuguni junction, a police vehicle packed with officers sat in place for hours.

Near the Prime Minister’s residence, another patrol remained parked at the roadside. Access roads around Parliament were closed, and soldiers from the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) were stationed along key junctions, including Nyerere Square and the Airport area.

Despite the heightened security, business was calm and traders went about their work without interference–yet it was clear the city was on alert. The commercial capital experienced a similar atmosphere.

Dar es Salaam–customarily vibrant even on public holidays–was subdued, with traffic flowing lightly and shops in areas such as Kariakoo, Buguruni and Mwenge opening cautiously or not at all. Residents reported seeing patrol vehicles moving across key locations, especially in the city centre and on major highways.

Police and TPDF personnel were stationed at strategic intersections; however, there were no confrontations or crowds requiring dispersal. “It was calm, yes–but a tense kind of calm,” said one resident in Mabibo.

“People stayed indoors because they feared the unknown. After October 29, no one wants a repeat of that experience.

” Mwanza: A clip confusion and a rebuttal In Mwanza, Tanzania’s second-largest city, the day passed without any notable disturbances despite a viral video clip circulating online purporting to show demonstrations. Regional Commissioner Said Mtanda moved quickly to debunk the footage, describing it as misleading and outdated.

“The clip being circulated was recorded on October 31, a few days after the election results were announced. It is not from today,” Mtanda clarified, assuring residents that the city was peaceful.

He cautioned the public against falling victim to “propaganda in such sensitive periods,” urging Mwanza residents to continue with their activities without fear. In Musoma, Mara Region, streets that ordinarily hum with movement were deserted by midday.

Shops were closed, public transport was dormant, and boda boda stands lay empty. Even the main bus terminal– usually bustling with traders ferrying supplies to rural areas–was still.

Station chairman Freddy Festo said business had dropped sharply because the supply chain relies on open shops. Residents echoed similar sentiments.

“What happened on October 29 changed the way people think about safety,” said Selemani Mashauri, who closed his shop early after failing to receive a single customer. “People stayed at home today because fear still lingers.

” A butcher Joash Tikina expressed hope that normalcy would gradually return as the day progressed: “By mid-morning it was very quiet–too quiet. We have never seen Independence Day like this.

” Mbeya: A city slowing down Mbeya City, still recovering from its share of tensions after the October polls, saw an unusual slowdown. In Soweto, several shops remained closed.

The once-vibrant market was still, contrasting sharply with the long queues and frantic shopping witnessed the previous day as residents stocked up on essentials–some commodities even selling at inflated prices due to increased demand. Residents openly linked the behaviour to fears over the anticipated demonstrations and lingering trauma from the election aftermath.

“What we saw on October 29 taught many a lesson. People were preparing early, just in case,” said trader Suleiman Hashim.

In Kibaha, Coast Region, commercial streets lay quiet, with most shops closed and daladala services halted. The absence of buses forced commuters to rely on boda boda operators–who seized the opportunity to hike fares.

“I normally pay Sh1,000 to reach town. Today it was Sh1,500,” said commuter Lucy Mkande.

“But what can we do? There is no alternative.” Mobile money agents also remained closed, leaving residents unable to access cash for basic household needs.

In Morogoro, the pattern was similar–light traffic, closed shops, and a noticeable security presence. Police patrols were reportedly seen at key junctions, though no incidents were recorded.

Like elsewhere, residents largely stayed indoors. The Police Force speaks National Police spokesperson David Misime later confirmed that the country remained secure throughout the day.

“By midday of December 9, the security situation across the country was calm,” he said, emphasising that security forces continued to protect people and property. Quiet under pervasive fear What happened on October 29 changed the way people think about safety.

People stayed at home today because fear still lingers MASHAURI | SHOP OWNER He dismissed circulating images suggesting demonstrations in some regions as “false and lifted from past events.” “We urge Tanzanians to ignore such images.

Their intention is to deceive the public into believing demonstrations are taking place,” he said. He reminded citizens that the planned nationwide, open-ended demonstrations were outlawed from December 5 for failing to meet statutory requirements.

To better understand the significance of the day, two experts weighed in. A political analyst, Dr Moses Ngalya, attributed the nationwide calm to public caution shaped by the October 29 events.

“What you saw on December 9 was not compliance but fear– fear rooted in recent political trauma,” he said. “People stayed indoors not because they were told, but because they did not want to be caught in a situation reminiscent of the post-election disturbances.

” He argued that the government’s strong messaging, particularly framing any demonstrations as an attempted coup, had a chilling effect. “When the state labels a protest an attempted coup, it heightens anxiety.

Citizens naturally withdraw.” A Security and governance specialist, Manoa George said the day reflected a silent standoff between uncertainty and restraint.

“The public was anxious, the government was prepared, and online narratives added fuel,” he said. “But the absence of demonstra demonstrations should not be mistaken for stability.

It shows a nation that is still healing.” He emphasised that emotional fear–especially among youth and urban populations–was amplified by rumours and the lived experience of October 29. “Silence can sometimes be louder than chaos.

What happened today is evidence of widespread anxiety.” A pardon and a calming tone While the country navigated tension, President Samia Suluhu Hassan issued an annual Independence Day pardon, releasing 1,036 prisoners or reducing their sentences.

The announcement, made by the Home Affairs Minister, came as a reminder of continuity amid disruption and, to some, an effort to lower national temperature. Ultimately, Tanzania’s Independence Day passed without the demonstrations many had feared.

But the silence that enveloped the cities tells a bigger story: of a nation still processing political shock, a population cautiously watching events unfold, and a government determined to assert control. The calm was real–but so was the fear behind it.

Whether this marks a turning point toward political reconciliation or a deepening of quiet tension remains to be seen. .

Dodoma. The Tanzania Police Force has assured the public that national security remains stable following intensified overnight security operations conducted in coordination with other defence and security agencies.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 the police said that as earlier pledged at 12:00 am on December 9, 2025 security agencies had successfully reinforced nationwide security measures through the night and into the morning of December 10, 2025 resulting in a calm and orderly start to the day across the country. Police revealed that individuals mobilising so-called “peaceful and indefinite” demonstrations had developed at least 13 criminal tactics through online chat groups and other digital platforms, including plans to sabotage the country’s economic and social activities by forcing a nationwide shutdown.

Authorities said they had closely monitored these groups from Tuesday, December 9, 2025 after organisers failed to execute their intended protests and instead encouraged participants to take to the streets on Wednesday, December 10, despite such actions being unlawful under the 1977 Constitution and the Police and Auxiliary Police Act. The police reiterated that the planned “indefinite peaceful demonstrations” were formally banned on December 5, 2025 having failed to meet the legal and constitutional requirements governing public assemblies.

“The public is assured that, in cooperation with other security organs, we will continue to safeguard national security, and protect the lives and property of citizens, so that people may carry on with their daily activities as normal,” the police said. The force warned that any individual who defies the law with the intention of disrupting public order or paralysing economic and social life would be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law.

Citizens have been urged to continue with their normal activities and comply with all lawful directives issued by security authorities in their respective areas. Police said the measures are aimed at ensuring the continued safety of the nation and the protection of peace-loving Tanzanians at all times.

.

Dar es Salaam. As Tanzania charts its path toward becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2050, economists say the journey ahead will demand the same resolve that carried the nation through its defining economic eras, from independence and socialist transformation to liberalisation, stabilisation, and the growth momentum witnessed today.

This year, Tanzania marks 64 years since the independence of Tanganyika, a milestone that invites reflection on how successive Presidents shaped the economy and gradually transformed the country into an aspiring upper-middle-income nation under Vision 2050. When Tanganyika gained independence in 1961 under President Julius Nyerere, the economy was small, agrarian and heavily dependent on raw exports. GDP stood at less than $1.5 billion, with over 80 percent of Tanzanians engaged in subsistence farming.

Nyerere’s socialist policies, including the Arusha Declaration and villagisation, expanded access to education, health and social cohesion. However, these reforms limited private-sector expansion.

By the early 1980s, GDP had grown to around $45 billion–roughly 56 percent of today’s $83 billion economy. A turning point came under President Ali Hassan Mwinyi, who assumed office in 1985. Faced with severe economic deterioration, his administration embraced liberalisation, opening markets, encouraging private investment and implementing macroeconomic reforms that revived key sectors.

By the time he left office, GDP had risen to about $12.5 billion, equivalent to roughly 15 percent of today’s economic size. Yet these reforms came after a steep economic decline that began towards the end of Nyerere’s tenure, prompting difficult engagements with the Bretton Woods Institutions.

In his memoir Mzee Rukhsa: Safari ya Maisha Yangu, Mwinyi explains that negotiations with the IMF and World Bank began under Nyerere and were only formalised during his administration. “Contrary to what others think, I am not the one who initiated negotiations between the government and the IMF and the World Bank.

Negotiations started during the reign of Father of the Nation, Julius Nyerere,” he wrote. By the time Mwinyi took office, the economy was reeling from multiple shocks.

Foreign exchange earnings had fallen by $100 million following a dip in coffee exports. The 1979 war to oust Idi Amin cost Tanzania $500 million, and a further $100 million was spent supporting Uganda’s new administration.

Floods that same year added another $100 million to the economic burden, followed by a drought with a similar financial toll. The drought escalated into widespread power shortages, forcing Tanesco to order major industrial consumers to suspend production for an entire month in November 1980, inflicting further economic damage.

Rising global fuel prices compounded the crisis, consuming an additional $150 million of the country’s limited foreign reserves. In total, Mwinyi estimates that Tanzania lost around $1.5 billion between 1977 and 1981. “Whichever the situation, we had no option but to engage the IMF,” he wrote.

The IMF’s conditions included a 25 percent devaluation of the shilling in exchange for financial support. Despite Nyerere’s reluctance, mounting hardship left the country little choice.

Economic reforms deepened during the administration of President Benjamin William Mkapa, who led the country from 1995 to 2005. Drawing from his international networks, Mkapa personally lobbied global leaders to support Tanzania’s economic revival. In his autobiography My Life, My Purpose: A Tanzanian President Remembers, Mkapa recounts a direct conversation with US President Bill Clinton during the UN General Assembly in 1999. He questioned why Tanzania had met all IMF and World Bank requirements but was still blocked–by the US–from receiving debt relief under the Paris Club framework.

Clinton assured him the matter would be resolved. Mkapa delivered the message to Nyerere, who was receiving treatment in London at the time, informing him that the US had finally agreed to support Tanzania’s debt relief efforts.

In 2001, Tanzania secured a $3 billion debt cancellation, reducing its external debt by 54 percent and significantly cutting interest payments. Improved fiscal management, strengthened revenue collection and restored international confidence helped revive the economy.

Revenue collection for the 2005/06 financial year reached Sh2.125 trillion. Mkapa left office with the country’s foreign reserves covering 5.

3 months of imports and inflation contained at single digits. Economic growth quickened as reforms took hold.

By the early 2000s, GDP had surpassed $10 billion–an increase of 12 percent driven by privatisation, financial-sector reforms and debt relief. Under President Jakaya Kikwete, the economy underwent further transformation.

Massive investments in infrastructure, telecom modernisation and expansion of the financial sector boosted GDP to over $28 billion by 2015–around 34 percent of today’s output. President John Magufuli accelerated industrialisation, tightened revenue collection and pushed large-scale infrastructure projects, driving GDP to $66 billion by 2020–nearly 80 percent of the current $83 billion economy.

Today, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, GDP has reached $83 billion, marking decades of cumulative policy choices, investments and economic recalibration. Economists note that GDP growth is a cumulative process shaped by long-term investments, demographic trends, structural reforms, resource development and external shocks.

Each administration–from Nyerere to Samia–has added distinct building blocks, including infrastructure, regulatory systems, market reforms and governance improvements. Achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2050, they warn, will require sustaining an average annual growth rate of at least 10 percent.

Such growth demands improvements in productivity, industrial output, value addition, and continued investment in energy, transport, and human capital. Speaking to The Citizen, Bank of Tanzania Governor Emmanuel Tutuba said Tanzania’s 64-year journey carries significant achievements driven by deliberate economic strategies.

“The economy has expanded to more than $83 billion, surpassing many countries globally–thanks to the deliberate strategies implemented over the decades,” he said. He cited infrastructure development–roads, railways, ports and energy–as a central pillar of growth.

Inflation remained stable at 3.3 percent last year, compared to a global average of 4.

7 percent, demonstrating resilience built over decades of reforms. Looking ahead to Vision 2050, Mr Tutuba said the central bank is implementing strategies aimed at building an inclusive economy that benefits all Tanzanians.

“We have developed various strategies, including financial literacy programmes, to help citizens lift themselves out of poverty.” He added that the financial sector is expanding its range of products to address existing challenges, strengthen access to credit and support productive investment.

Independent economist Oscar Mkude said the $1 trillion goal, while ambitious, is not unattainable. However, he noted that maintaining 10 percent annual growth for 25 consecutive years would exceed Tanzania’s historical peak of 7.

68 percent achieved in 2011 under President Kikwete. “Most of the world’s fastest-growing economies rarely sustain more than 78 percent growth over extended periods,” he said.

“This makes Tanzania’s target challenging, but not impossible.” To realise this vision, he said, Tanzania must pursue long-term strategies focused on raising productivity, maintaining moderate population growth, expanding value-added manufacturing, increasing exports, and continuing infrastructure development in transport, energy and logistics.

Mr Mkude emphasised that careful planning, detailed data analysis and strong policy simulations will be critical in transforming the $1 trillion ambition into a reality. .

London. British novelist Sophie Kinsella, the author of the bestselling Shopaholic series of books, has died aged 55 following illness, a statement posted to her Instagram account said on Wednesday.

Kinsella, whose real name was Madeleine Wickham, sold over 50 million books worldwide, including a popular series following the life of a fictional shopping-addicted woman in London. Some of the Shopaholic books were later adapted into a movie.

The author was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a form of aggressive brain cancer, in 2022. “She died peacefully, with her final days filled with her true loves: family and music and warmth and Christmas and joy,” Wednesday’s statement said. “Despite her illness, which she bore with unimaginable courage, Sophie counted herself truly blessed – to have such wonderful family and friends, and to have had the extraordinary success of her writing career.

” .