Category: The Citizen

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to meet with British, French and German leaders in London on Monday, rallying allies for support as the United States increases pressure on Kyiv to agree to a proposed peace deal with Russia. France’s President Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who are travelling to London for the meeting, voiced their support for Zelenskiy as concerns grow that the U.

S. could force Kyiv to accept terms that favour Russia.

“We are starting a new diplomatic week right now there will be consultations with European leaders,” Zelenskiy told Ukrainians in a video address on Sunday evening, recorded as he was travelling in a train. “First and foremost, security issues, support for our resilience, and support packages for our defence.

First and foremost, air defence and long-term funding for Ukraine. Of course, we will discuss a shared vision and common positions in the negotiations.

” Ukraine is going through one of the most difficult stages in the nearly four-year war. Russian troops are slowly grinding forward in the east, and Ukrainian cities and towns are plunged into darkness for hours due to intensified Russian strikes on the energy grid and other infrastructure.

Washington proposed a ceasefire plan last month that endorsed many of Russia’s wartime demands. Kyiv’s European allies have since backed Ukraine in seeking to improve the terms.

U.S.

President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner brought a revised plan to Moscow last week, then held several days of further talks with Ukrainian officials in Miami, which ended on Saturday with no breakthrough. Zelenskiy called the discussions constructive but not easy.

Trump said on Sunday he was “disappointed” with Zelenskiy, who Trump said hadn’t read the latest proposed peace deal backed by the U.S.

Zelenskiy’s top negotiator Rustem Umerov said he would brief Zelenskiy about his team’s dialogue with U.S.

officials and receive all documents related to the peace plan. “The primary task of the Ukrainian team was to obtain from the American side full information about their conversation in Moscow and all drafts of current proposals to discuss them in detail with Ukraine’s President,” Umerov said.

U.S.

officials said they are in the final stage of reaching an agreement. But there has so far been little sign that either Ukraine or Russia is willing to sign the framework deal drawn up by Trump’s negotiating team.

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Dar es Salaam. Air Tanzania will commence passenger flights between Dar es Salaam and Cape Town on December 11, marking a major expansion of the national carrier’s regional network ahead of the festive peak season.

The new connection links one of Africa’s fastest-growing tourism hubs with one of its most popular leisure and business destinations. The launch coincides with Cape Town’s high summer travel period, traditionally a time of increased traffic from both regional and long-haul markets.

According to the airline, Air Tanzania will operate two flights weekly on a triangular route. Aircraft departing from Dar es Salaam will make a scheduled stop in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, before continuing to Cape Town.

The return journey will be nonstop to Dar es Salaam. The service will be operated using the Airbus A220-300, the flagship of Air Tanzania’s modern fleet, noted for its fuel efficiency and enhanced onboard comfort.

The route aims to serve both tourists and business travellers, improving connectivity between Southern and East Africa and unlocking broader travel networks. Passengers flying from Cape Town will be able to connect through Dar es Salaam to key regional and international destinations, including Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, Lagos and Guangzhou, where the airline operates long-haul services.

Travel sector analysts say the expansion underscores Air Tanzania’s continued investment in connecting strategic African destinations, supporting tourism, trade and corporate mobility. The Cape Town service is the latest addition to Air Tanzania’s growing regional network, as the airline positions itself to capitalise on seasonal demand and strengthen its presence on competitive AfricaAfrica routes.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s march toward a potentially historic Africa Cup of Nations campaign has entered a decisive and energised phase after the Taifa Stars officially settled into their residential camp in Egypt today.

With the 2025 Afcon finals fast approaching in Morocco, the atmosphere around the national team carries a renewed sense of urgency, competition and ambition. Under interim head coach Miguel Gamondi, preparations have shifted into high gear, supported by a large provisional squad and uplifting returns that have injected fresh belief into the camp.

The headline arrival is captain Mbwana Samatta. His return to the squad could not be timelier.

The Le Havre AC striker, who missed several recent assignments, brings more than international experience. His presence offers emotional lift, composure and leadership at a moment when Tanzania is gearing up for its fourth Afcon appearance and facing one of its toughest groups in history.

In such a demanding environment, Gamondi’s decision to lean on established leadership is a clear strategic statement. Equally encouraging is the reinstatement of Simba SC forward Kibu Dennis.

His comeback boosts the attacking setup and gives Gamondi added flexibility in transition play, an area he has emphasized throughout preparations. The squad reflects a carefully crafted balance between domestic reliability, overseas maturity and youthful hunger.

It also highlights the depth of Gamondi’s scouting, with players drawn from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Tanzanian Premier League. The Taifa Stars will battle Nigeria and Tunisia, both former African champions, along with regional rivals Uganda.

In such a demanding environment, Gamondi’s decision to lean on established leadership is a clear strategic statement .

Jakarta. Indonesia’s Sumatra island will require 51.82 trillion rupiah ($3.11 billion) in reconstruction and recovery funds following a series of deadly floods, senior government officials said.

The death toll from the cyclone-induced floods and landslides reached 950 as of Monday, with 274 people still missing, according to official data. The storms also killed about 200 people in southern Thailand and Malaysia.

Suharyanto, head of Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency, said that the recovery funds needed across the three provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra may still increase as the agency continues to calculate how much damage has been done. Among the three provinces affected, Aceh needs the most funds, amounting to a total of 25.41 trillion rupiah, Suharyanto said at a cabinet meeting led by President Prabowo Subianto in Aceh province late on Sunday.

North Sumatra and West Sumatra will require 12.88 trillion and 13.52 trillion rupiah respectively, he added. The reconstruction process will soon begin in some areas in North Sumatra and West Sumatra, which have recovered relatively well, he said.

“So, areas that are already in better condition can start the reconstruction process. We will relocate people living in evacuation centres to temporary houses,” Suharyanto said without providing a timeline.

The temporary houses are 40 square-metre plywood structures built by the government for people affected by natural disasters. “In the next phase, they will be relocated into permanent houses, built by the housing ministry,” he added.

Responding to the initial estimated recovery cost, Prabowo said his calculations were “similar”, without elaborating whether he will approve the spending or not. “The point is we have the capacity and we will do it meticulously and do our best to manage it,” Prabowo said.

Prabowo also said that conditions in some areas remained serious, with rice fields, dams and a large number of houses especially affected. “The local leaders reported that there are quite a number of houses that we must help rebuild,” he said.

“In some places, there are still challenges,” he said, adding that the distribution of medication and clothes to the residents must also become a priority. .

Johannesburg. At least 11 people were killed on Saturday including a three year old boy, after gunshots were fired at an illegal bar in the South African city of Pretoria, police said, adding that a manhunt was launched for three suspects who were not identified.

Another 14 people were wounded during the incident in the Saulsville township, they said in a statement. Police didn’t say whether the shooting occurred inside or outside the illegal bar, known locally as a ‘shebeen.

‘ “Three minors are among those deceased, which include 3- and 12-year-old boys (and a) 16-year-old female,” the South African Police Service said. South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world, averaging about 60 a day.

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Dar es Salaam. Chief government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa has assured that Tanzania can implement its national budget without relying on foreign assistance, even if such aid does not materialise.

Speaking on Saturday, December, 6 2025 during a special interview with Star TV, Mr Msigwa addressed national issues, including debates on self-reliance after statements from some foreign governments withholding support. He said Tanzania’s national budget for 2025/26 stands at Sh56.49 trillion, of which S0.47 trillion is expected from domestic revenue, Sh1.07 trillion from foreign grants, and Sh14.95 trillion from domestic and external loans.

“It is true we value assistance and cooperation, but it does not mean we cannot operate without it,” he said. Mr Msigwa clarified that borrowed funds are still national resources, not aid.

His remarks come amid warnings from European countries and the United States about potential reductions in support. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has previously called for domestic preparedness, urging government institutions to tighten belts and continue implementing plans even if aid is unavailable.

“Where aid funds are lacking, you must arrange alternative sources to fill the gap,” Mr Msigwa said. Vigilance against campaigns undermining Tanzania Mr Msigwa also warned Tanzanians to remain alert to efforts aimed at tarnishing the country using rights-based arguments.

He said some critics oppose tourists and investors instead of addressing grievances. “They used the argument of rights but are now discouraging visitors and investors–exactly what they intended,” he said.

He noted that Tanzania is undergoing major developments, including the oil and gas sector, investments in Bagamoyo and Dar es Salaam ports, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), and electricity projects, which attract attention from adversaries. Mr Msigwa stressed that media outlets must protect national interests, operate professionally, and provide the government an opportunity to respond.

He warned against publishing articles that rely solely on activist opinions, describing such practices as part of strategies to undermine the country. He also called on religious leaders to promote justice, peace, and unity, rather than division or incitement.

“If you hear a religious leader preaching hate, you must ask whether they have forgotten God’s command,” he said, noting that the law does not tolerate incitement. Since the October 29, 2025 unrest, religious leaders have urged the government to restore order and foster national reconciliation.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s digital entertainment scene burst into celebration on Saturday night after TikTok sensation Fanuel Masamaki, popularly known as Zerobrainero, won the TikTok Video of the Year award at the TikTok Awards for Sub-Saharan Africa.

The colourful ceremony, held on December 6 in Johannesburg, brought together some of the continent’s most influential online creators. Yet it was the charismatic Tanzanian who once again captured Africa’s attention.

The award marks the second major milestone in his rising career, coming just a year after he clinched the Sport Creator of the Year title. With the 2025 victory, Zerobrainero further solidifies his position among Tanzania’s leading digital trailblazers, demonstrating how consistency and creativity can propel local talent onto global platforms.

Moments after receiving the award, he expressed heartfelt excitement and acknowledged the demanding nature of content creation. “It’s my second award.

Last year I won Best Sport Creator of the Year, and today I’m Content of the Year, so I am so happy,” he said. His remarks reflected the dedication of a creator who recognises the increasing expectations of audiences and the constant need to innovate.

Even as he celebrated, Zerobrainero was already focused on what comes next. “I wish to win more and more.

I’m too creative; my fans want to see another form,” he added, signalling his determination to keep evolving. Tanzania’s presence at the awards extended beyond a single category.

Culinary influencer George Tumaini, widely known as George’s Kitchen, also attended the ceremony. Although he did not secure the Food Creator of the Year award, his messages of gratitude and optimism resonated with his followers.

Through his social media platforms, he thanked fans for their support. “Please don’t give up.

We have won in another way. Let’s pray for Zerobrainero,” he wrote, in a note that underscored the unity among Tanzanian creators.

His words proved timely, as Zerobrainero later clinched his win. The Food Creator of the Year category was ultimately won by South African creator Malumfoodie, adding to an evening that highlighted the region’s diverse digital storytelling talents.

Nigeria dominated several headline categories, with Raajatu Muhammed Ibrahim taking home Content Creator of the Year, while another Nigerian influencer secured the Content Education award. Nigerian music star Shallipopi was also crowned Artist of the Year, reinforcing the country’s current influence on African pop culture.

The night featured high-energy performances, turning the awards into a full entertainment spectacle. Afro-fusion artist Ciza thrilled the audience with a performance anchored by his viral hit Isaka (6 am), while South African RandB singer Thabsie captivated attendees with her smooth vocals and commanding stage presence.

By the end of the ceremony, Tanzania had secured a meaningful triumph. Zerobrainero’s win not only celebrated personal achievement but also signalled the expanding creativity, potential and visibility of Tanzanian content creators across the continent.

His victory stands as evidence that when nurtured with resilience and originality, local talent can shine among Africa’s very best. .

Cotonou/Porto-Novo. A group of soldiers have appeared on Benin’s state-run television, announcing the dissolution of the government in what appears to be a military coup.

In a televised statement broadcast on Sunday, the soldiers declared the overthrow of President Patrice Talon, who has been in power since 2016, and announced the suspension of political and constitutional institutions. The soldiers claimed to be acting in the interest of national stability, accusing the civilian authorities of mismanaging the country and undermining democratic principles.

They announced the formation of a military-led transition body, though no clear timeline was given for the restoration of civilian rule. The whereabouts of President Talon remained unclear, deepening uncertainty across the country.

More to follow..

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flex max-w-full flex-col growDar es Salaam. Defending champions Young Africans (Yanga) maintained their unbeaten run in the Mainland Premier League after securing a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Coastal Union at the Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma today, December 7, 2025.The decisive moment came in the 87th minute when Zimbabwean striker Prince Dube rose to head home a well-delivered cross from Kenyan midfielder Duke Abuya, sealing the victory for the Jangwani giants.

The goal continued Dube’s fine scoring form and further strengthened Yanga’s push toward the top of the standings.The winning strike stemmed from a brilliantly coordinated move that showcased Yanga’s growing fluency in attack.

Lassine Kouma initiated the play with a precise pass to Pacome Zouzoua, who immediately released Abuya on the right flank.Abuya lifted the ball perfectly into the box, finding Dube in a dangerous position, and the forward guided his header into the far corner with confidence.

It was a moment that underlined Dube’s rising influence and the growing trust placed in him by the technical bench.The goal also extended Dube’s scoring streak, coming just three days after he netted in Yanga’s 2-0 win against Fountain Gate on December 4 at the KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam.

His timely form has arrived when the club is eager to reassert its dominance and stay within touching distance of the league summit.The latest victory lifts Yanga to 16 points, moving them from third to second place and pushing Pamba Jiji down the standings.

They now trail league leaders JKT Tanzania by just one point, although the army side has played 10 matches compared to Yanga’s six–giving the champions a significant advantage with four matches in hand.Yanga remain unbeaten this season, having recorded five wins and one draw in their six league fixtures.

They are one of only two sides yet to suffer defeat, the other being Azam FC.The match also marked Yanga’s fourth consecutive league victory under Portuguese head coach Pedro Gonaalves, who has revitalised the squad since taking charge.

cross all competitions, Gonaalves has now overseen six matches, winning five and drawing one, including a win and a draw in the CAF Champions League.With the Mainland Premier League now set to pause for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Yanga head into the break in strong form, buoyed by confidence, consistency, and the exceptional scoring run of Prince Dube, whose goals continue to push the champions ever closer to the top spot.

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Dar es Salaam. Dar City (men) and Fox Divas (women) have been crowned champions of the Tanzania National Basketball League (betPawa NBL), whose finals concluded on Saturday at the Chinangali grounds in Dodoma.

Dar City clinched the title after outclassing Kisasa Heroes 8051, while Fox Divas dismantled Vijana Queens 6557. This marks the second consecutive season that both Dar City and Fox Divas have won the betPawa NBL titles. According to competition records, both Dar City and Fox Divas earned substantial rewards through betPawa’s Locker Room Bonus (LRB) system, with each team collecting Sh20.1 million for winning all their matches.

Other teams receiving significant LRB payouts included Dodoma Spurs and JKT in the men’s category, each earning Sh15.6 million, while Kisasa Heroes and Vijana Queens collected Sh13.4 million each. In the women’s category, JKT Stars and DB Lioness received Sh11.2 million apiece.

The bonuses were paid directly to players and coaches through their mobile phones, aimed at rewarding effort and performance after each win. In addition to LRB earnings, Dar City and Fox Divas were each awarded TSh2.5 million by betPawa as the overall champions.

Runners-up received Sh1.5 million, and teams finishing third were awarded Sh500,000. Dodoma’s Bright Queens won the Fair Play Award in the women’s division, while Manyara claimed the same honour among the men. In individual awards, Fox Divas’ Evelyne Nakilingi was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP), receiving Sh500, 000. For the men, the MVP award went to Romis Bujeje of Kisasa Heroes.

Fox Divas’ Ekone Brenda won the Top Scorer award, while Best Defender went to Taudensia Katumbi of DB Lioness. The Best Rookie award was claimed by Pendo Laizer of Orkeeswa.

Fox Divas head coach Bariki Kilimba won the Best Coach award in the women’s category. In the men’s category, Dar City’s Cheikh Dialo won the Top Scorer award, Best Defender went to Mathew Mmasi, while the Best Rookie award was claimed by Feisar Mlanzi of Pamoja.

The Best Coach award went to Mohamed Mbwana of Dar City. All individual award winners received Sh300, 000. Beyond the regular prizes, players and coaches also benefited from betPawa’s Locker Room Bonus (LRB), earning Sh140, 000 each after every win.

During the closing ceremony, Minister of Minerals Anthony Mavunde congratulated the champions and all participating teams for delivering a highly competitive tournament. “On behalf of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, I congratulate our main sponsors’ betPawa.

Through the Locker Room Bonus system, they have made this competition highly competitive,” said Mavunde. He also thanked Azam TV for ensuring that fans across the country followed the games with international broadcast quality.

Meanwhile, betPawa’s East Africa Marketing Coordinator, Nassoro Mungaya, thanked Minister Mavunde and the government for supporting sports development and attracting sponsors like betPawa. Mungaya noted that betPawa has continued to be a close partner of Tanzanian basketball, investing TSh317 million in the NBL this season.

“A major highlight of our sponsorship is the Locker Room Bonus (LRB), a unique system that pays players Sh140, 000 instantly after every win. We have witnessed how LRB has boosted players’ morale, increased competition, and raised excitement from the group stages to the playoffs.

We are proud that this investment has borne fruit, with improved performance and players feeling valued,” said Mungaya. He added that the brand also contributed Sh13 million toward prizes and various awards.

“This shows how betPawa has elevated basketball. Our investment goes beyond the league, it is an investment in youth, talent, and the future of sports in Tanzania,” he said.

Mungaya added that Tanzania has a proud history of basketball talent, and betPawa is committed to supporting the sport long-term through innovation, motivation, and prioritizing player welfare. .