Category: The Citizen

Zanzibar. Tanzania’s CAF Champions League representatives, Young Africans (Yanga), made a confident start to their Group B campaign after securing a hard-fought 10 victory over Moroccan giants AS FAR at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar today, November 22, 2025. The win gives the Jangwani outfit early momentum in their quest to reach the quarterfinals, while also marking the first continental triumph under new Portuguese head coach Pedro Gonaalves, who replaced French tactician Romain Folz.

The decisive moment arrived in the 59th minute when Zimbabwean striker Prince Dube latched onto a brilliant defence-splitting pass from midfielder Mudathir Yahaya. Dube’s composed finish not only sealed the points but also marked his first goal of the season in all competitions.

The strike triggered wild celebrations among Yanga fans, who filled the stadium with noise and colour, sensing this result could set the tone for the club’s ambitions in this campaign. Yanga began the match at a blistering pace, dominating possession and carving out several clear scoring opportunities in the first half.

Pacome Zouzoua came close to giving the home side an early lead, only to miss a golden chance in the second minute. Four minutes later, winger Maxi Nzengeli rose highest to connect with a cross, but his powerful header was denied by AS FAR goalkeeper Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti, who produced a fine reflex save.

The pressure continued to mount on the visitors as Dube fired straight at Tagnaouti when well placed, while Ibrahim Hamad alias Bacca who shot narrowly wide moments later. Maxi Nzengeli had another opportunity when he connected with an excellent delivery from right-back Israel Mwenda, but once again Tagnaouti stood firm, pushing the header away.

Despite Yanga’s dominance, AS FAR appeared content to sit deep and absorb pressure, rarely threatening Djigui Diarra’s goal during the opening half. Gonaalves made his first tactical adjustment at halftime, bringing on Edmund John for Celestin Ecua.

The change injected fresh energy into midfield and helped Yanga maintain their attacking rhythm, eventually leading to Dube’s breakthrough goal. The strike jolted AS FAR into action as the Moroccan side began pushing forward with greater urgency.

Their best opportunity came just two minutes after the restart when Youssef El Fahli’s header forced Diarra into a brilliant save. The Malian shot-stopper was called into action again in the 76th minute, reacting sharply to preserve Yanga’s narrow lead.

Sensing the need for renewed energy up front and to protect the advantage, Gonaalves introduced Andy Boyeli for Dube and Moussa Bala Conte for Maxi Nzengeli in the 82nd minute. The substitutions helped Yanga maintain balance and composure in the closing stages as they closed out a vital win.

With this victory, Yanga have sent a strong message to their Group B rivals and taken an important first step toward their quarterfinal ambitions. .

By New Vision Reporter Africa’s story in 2026 will not just be written by governments and corporations — it will be shaped by those who give. Across the continent, a new generation of philanthropic institutions is transforming charity into empowerment, funding into inclusion, and kindness into policy.

From billion-dollar global giants to emerging homegrown forces, here are the 10 foundations to watch in Africa in 2026 — each redefining what modern giving looks like. 1.

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation — Science with Scale The Gates Foundation remains one of Africa’s most powerful partners in global health and development. Its continued investment in vaccine access, malaria eradication, and women’s health across sub-Saharan Africa keeps it at the forefront of transformative philanthropy.

In 2026, expect deeper collaborations with local African health ministries and education initiatives across the continent. 2.

Maser Foundation — The New Face of Modern Philanthropy Maser Foundation, founded in 2025 by visionary entrepreneur and author Prateek Suri CEO of Maser Group, has rapidly become a driving force for change across Africa. Rooted in the belief of “Capital with Conscience,” the foundation focuses on education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development, creating meaningful impact in local communities.

As it enters a new phase of growth, 2026 will see Maser Foundation forging deeper collaborations with African governments to strengthen national programs in women-led entrepreneurship, child welfare, and social development. Under Suri’s inspiring leadership, the foundation embodies a new era of purposeful philanthropy–where compassion, vision, and partnership unite to shape a brighter future for the continent.

3. Mo Ibrahim Foundation — Leadership as a Legacy Few foundations have influenced African governance as profoundly as Mo Ibrahim’s.

Through its Governance Index and Fellowship Program, it continues to champion ethical leadership, accountability, and transparency across African nations. In 2026, expect a renewed push toward nurturing the next generation of African policy visionaries.

4. Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation — Homegrown Hope Based in Nigeria but active across the continent, ACT Foundation has become a powerhouse for youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and environmental innovation.

Its grant programs empower small organizations tackling big problems, and its storytelling-driven campaigns are attracting a younger donor base eager to make a difference. 5.

Tony Elumelu Foundation — The Entrepreneur’s Engine With its $100 million commitment to funding African entrepreneurs, the Tony Elumelu Foundation continues to be one of the continent’s most influential private-sector impact engines. Its entrepreneurship program has supported over 15,000 start-ups and is expected to expand further in 2026 — making it one of Africa’s most scalable empowerment models.

6. Higherlife Foundation — Educating a Continent Founded in Zimbabwe, Higherlife Foundation focuses on education and youth development.

Backed by the Masiyiwa family, it provides scholarships, digital learning hubs, and leadership opportunities for African youth — with plans to scale its programs into East and Central Africa. 7.

Sterling One Foundation — Corporate Purpose, Continental Reach This Nigerian foundation blends corporate strategy with social innovation. With projects in gender equality, climate action, and education, it’s one of the fastest-growing philanthropic brands to watch.

Its partnerships with African creatives and innovators make its impact both practical and visible. 8.

African Philanthropy Forum — The Connector The APF doesn’t just fund — it unites. Acting as a continental platform for philanthropists and foundations, it builds networks, trains organizations, and amplifies local giving.

Expect it to be a key player in standardizing impact reporting and promoting African-led giving models in 2026. 9. Donors for Africa Foundation — The Empowerment Architect This dynamic platform works to strengthen Africa’s nonprofit ecosystem by training leaders and improving sustainability models.

Its partnerships with governments and private institutions make it a backbone of capacity-building and social innovation across the continent. 10. Open Society Foundations (Africa Region) — Defending Democracy Long known for championing justice, governance, and human rights, the Open Society Foundations remain vital in protecting civic space across Africa.

As the continent faces new challenges in governance and equality, OSF’s presence remains both bold and necessary. Africa’s golden era of giving 2026 marks the rise of Philanthropy 3.

0 — where purpose is measured not in dollars, but in dignity. The Maser Foundation brings glamour to giving; the Gates Foundation brings science to service; and African-born initiatives like ACT, Sterling One, and Higherlife bring authenticity to action.

Together, they’re not just funding projects — they’re funding the future. .

Dar es Salaam. The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has issued a renewed call for heightened public vigilance as it intensifies its campaign against counterfeit currency, reminding citizens that those convicted of producing or circulating fake notes face some of the nation’s most severe penalties — including life imprisonment.

Addressing journalists on November 21, 2025 during a workshop in Dodoma, senior central bank official Mr Atufigwegwe Mwakabalula warned that counterfeiters are rapidly advancing their techniques, making it increasingly important for the public to distinguish genuine banknotes from forged ones. Mr Mwakabalula detailed a range of embedded security features, beginning with the watermark bearing the portrait of the late Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere.

He noted that Tanzanian banknotes also feature an impeccable see-through register — a design in which partial images printed on both sides align perfectly when held up to the light. “Latent images appear when the note is tilted, and tactile markings at the corners enable visually impaired users to identify denominations,” he explained.

Additional safeguards include Spark colour-shifting ink and an embedded security thread, both of which become more visible when the note is raised against the light. Some elements — such as hidden fibres and denomination indicators — are detectable only under ultraviolet light, further complicating efforts by counterfeiters.

“These are intentional layers of protection,” he emphasised. The gravity of the central bank’s warning is reinforced by the law: under the Penal Code, offences involving the production, possession, or circulation of counterfeit currency fall under forgery and counterfeiting crimes, carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Authorities consider such crimes a direct assault on economic stability, undermining trust in the financial system and distorting commercial transactions. Mr Mwakabalula urged the public to scrutinise banknotes carefully, especially during rapid cash exchanges typical of markets, transport hubs, and late-night business operations — settings where fake notes most commonly circulate.

He further encouraged citizens to report any suspected counterfeit currency to financial institutions or the police, stressing that “an informed citizen is the strongest safeguard”. The Bank of Tanzania maintains that safeguarding the integrity of the national currency is a shared duty — one that relies equally on advanced security features and the vigilance of the public .

Dodoma. The Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal by Tanga Cement PLC, affirming an earlier decision that barred the company from relying on documents that were never submitted to the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) during the objection stage of a tax dispute.

In a judgment delivered last week, a panel of three justices — Judges R. J.

Kerefu, G. J.

Mdemu and L. A.

Mansoor — upheld the findings of the Tax Revenue Appeals Tribunal (TRAT), which ruled that the Tax Revenue Appeals Board (TRAB) erred in admitting a set of documents marked as Exhibit A-6. The documents had been used by Tanga Cement to challenge TRA’s Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) assessment for 20162018. TRA had in June 2020 issued a PAYE certificate demanding over Sh181 million. Tanga Cement objected to the assessment, arguing that TRA had wrongly treated housing benefits, failed to deduct employees’ pension contributions, and miscalculated late payment interest.

TRA rejected the objection, prompting the company to appeal to TRAB. TRAB partly ruled in favour of Tanga Cement after admitting the disputed documents — mainly email correspondence and payroll reports — as evidence.

TRA challenged the decision before the TRAT, arguing that the documents had never been submitted as required under Section 51(5) and (6) of the Tax Administration Act (TAA). The TRAT agreed, holding that TRAB violated procedural rules by admitting evidence that was not furnished to the Commissioner General during the objection process.

In its final ruling, the Court of Appeal fully backed the TRAT’s position. Documents must be filed at the objection stage The Court emphasised that tax law strictly requires taxpayers to submit all documents they intend to rely on when lodging an objection with the Commissioner General.

Failure to do so bars them from later introducing new evidence at the appellate stages unless they first obtain leave from TRAB — something Tanga Cement did not do. The justices described Section 51(5) and (6) of the TAA as “crystal clear,” stating that a taxpayer must comply at the earliest stage because “a tax dispute begins when the taxpayer objects to a tax decision.

” The Court further rejected Tanga Cement’s argument that the documents were provided during TRA’s audit and therefore should be admissible. The Justices held that documents exchanged during an audit cannot replace the mandatory requirement to attach evidence at the objection stage.

A review of TRA’s final objection determination also showed no reference to the documents, disproving the company’s claim that the Commissioner General had relied on them. With these findings, the Court concluded that TRAB had acted outside the law by admitting the documents, and upheld the TRAT ruling that nullified the earlier relief granted to Tanga Cement.

The appeal was dismissed in its entirety, with costs awarded to TRA. .

Dar es Salaam. Young Africans (Yanga) striker Clement Mzize has etched his name into African football history after becoming the first Tanzanian to win the CAF African Goal of the Year Award since the category was introduced in 2001. The 21-year-old forward was crowned on Wednesday night in Morocco, triumphing over a competitive list of 12 nominees shortlisted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Mzize earned the recognition for his sensational long-range equalizer against DR Congo giants TP Mazembe during a CAF Champions League clash at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in January 2025. With Yanga trailing, Mzize unleashed a ferocious 30-yard strike that rocketed past the goalkeeper, igniting electric celebrations inside the stadium. The goal shifted the momentum of the match, eventually helping Yanga secure a memorable 31 victory.

The spectacular effort also earned him the CAF Player of the Week award for that round of fixtures. The shortlist featured some of the continent’s brightest talents, including Abdellah Ouazane (Morocco), Anas Roshdy (Egypt), Asharaf Tapsoba (Burkina Faso), Barbra Banda (Zambia), Calvin Fely (Madagascar), and Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco).

Others in contention were Ibrahim Adel (Egypt), Jean-Claude Girumugisha, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo (South Africa), Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco), Refiloe Jane (South Africa), and Soufiane Bayazid (Algeria). Despite the strong field, Mzize’s strike stood out for its technique, power, timing, and the magnitude of the moment.

Mzize expressed deep gratitude and pride, dedicating the honour not only to Young Africans but to the entire nation. “I am very happy and proud to win this award.

It is for all Tanzanians,” he said. “I thank my teammates, the Yanga management, our fans, and our members.

Their support pushed me to this level. This award has inspired me to work harder in my career so that one day I can become one of the greatest players on the continent.

” Mzize’s triumph adds to Tanzania’s growing footprint in African football. He becomes the second player from the Tanzania Mainland Premier League to claim the award after Senegalese winger Pape Ousmane Sakho, who won it in 2022 while playing for Simba.

According to historical records, the first Tanzanian to win a CAF award was Mbwana Samatta, who clinched the African Inter-Club Player of the Year (based in Africa) award during his time with TP Mazembe. In 2016, the East Africa region also celebrated Uganda’s goalkeeper Denis Onyango, who won the African Player of the Year (based in Africa) award with Mamelodi Sundowns.

The gala night also witnessed other East African successes. Somalia’s Omar Abdulkadir Artan was named Referee of the Year, while Uganda’s Shamirah Nabadda won the women’s category in the same field.

Their achievements, together with Mzize’s, gave the Cecafa region an impressive three awards on the prestigious night. CAF also used the ceremony to recognise African leaders who contributed significantly to the development of football on the continent.

Among those honoured was Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, celebrated for her outstanding contribution to the sport. Kenyan President William Ruto and Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni were also acknowledged for their leadership roles as their nations co-hosted the highly successful African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Mzize’s triumph marks not only a personal milestone but also a proud moment for Tanzania, reinforcing the country’s growing influence in African football. .

Dar es Salaam. Efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle are increasingly disrupted by conflicting advice circulating on social media, with medical experts warning that the confusing content is influencing decisions that directly affect people’s wellbeing.

From diet trends to exercise routines, users are confronted with sharply contradictory messages. Some influencers claim breakfast is harmful, while others insist it is essential.

Certain accounts warn that running damages the joints, particularly for people who are overweight, while others argue that walking alone does not provide sufficient fitness benefits. For many social media users, the confusion has already had real-life consequences.

Rehema, a mother of two, attempted a 30-day no-carb challenge she found on TikTok but later fainted at work. “I thought it would help me slim down quickly.

I never knew extreme diets could be dangerous,” she said. She told The Citizen that her doctor later informed her the diet was unsuitable for her body type.

Others report that the pressure of comparing themselves to influencers is affecting their mental wellbeing. Joseph Mwaijande, a university student, said constant exposure to perfect bodies and routines can be emotionally draining.

“You see perfect bodies and perfect routines every day. It makes you feel like you’re doing everything wrong, even when you’re trying,” he said.

Health professionals say this wave of mixed information is no longer harmless entertainment. It is shaping how people eat, exercise, and evaluate their bodies.

Nutritionist Jumanne Mushi told The Citizen that more patients are now following routines suggested by online personalities rather than consulting qualified experts. “Most viral videos compress complicated scientific facts into catchy one-liners, creating misleading impressions,” he said.

He added that whether someone should skip breakfast depends on individual needs, lifestyle and medical conditions, yet online trends present it as a universal rule. Mr Mushi also noted that many people misunderstand why some individuals gain weight more easily than others.

“Some people burn calories faster because of genetics, age, muscle mass or hormones. Two people can eat the same meal and respond very differently.

It’s biology, not failure,” he explained. Fitness trainers report a similar trend.

Gym instructor Hamadi Nassorro said debates comparing running and walking often ignore crucial factors such as age, injuries and personal goals. “Both forms of exercise have benefits, but online content rarely includes the details people need to make informed decisions,” he said.

Mr Nassorro added that fitness content often hides the reality behind influencer physiques. “Many influencers train for hours or use supplements they never disclose.

The public sees results, not the process,” he explained. He said this creates unrealistic expectations that leave people discouraged.

“When someone doesn’t get the same results in one month, they think they have failed. It’s unfair pressure,” he said.

On the other hand, Dr Magnus Msango told The Citizen that extreme diet challenges circulating online are a growing concern. “We are treating cases of dizziness, fatigue and nutrient deficiencies caused by diet plans people copy from influencers,” he said.

He added that before attempting a trending diet, individuals should speak to a nutritionist or their doctor to ensure it is safe. Health specialists caution that while social media can offer useful tips, relying on unverified content increases the risk of harmful decisions.

They urge users to seek professional guidance before adopting strict diets or intense workout plans. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s tourism and aviation sectors have received yet another major lift after Brussels Airlines announced it will introduce direct flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) beginning June 3, 2026–adding to a string of global carriers expanding or resuming services to the country.

The Star Alliance member will operate two weekly flights between Brussels and Kilimanjaro, further opening the northern safari circuit to European travellers. The new service increases Brussels Airlines’ sub-Saharan African destinations to 18 and becomes its fifth route in East Africa, after Entebbe, Kigali, Bujumbura and Nairobi.

According to the airline’s schedule, flights will depart Brussels every Wednesday and Saturday. The return leg will connect Kilimanjaro to Brussels via Nairobi.

Norther tourism circuit boost Kilimanjaro remains one of Africa’s most sought-after destinations, offering access not only to Mount Kilimanjaro — the continent’s highest peak — but also to world-famous attractions such as Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. “Tanzania is a top destination for safaris, and we’re proud to contribute to the local economy by connecting Kilimanjaro to Brussels and beyond,” said Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO of Brussels Airlines, in a statement.

The announcement comes at a time when Tanzania is experiencing a renewed surge in international air connectivity, particularly to Zanzibar and the northern tourism circuit. KLM has confirmed the return of its direct flights to Zanzibar, driven by strong demand from European leisure travellers.

Etihad Airways is also set to resume its Zanzibar operations in 2026, restoring an important link to the Gulf region. Meanwhile, South Africa’s Airlink is preparing to restart its Zanzibar flights in 2026, re-establishing a key connection to the southern African market.

Analysts say the flurry of announcements signals strong confidence in Tanzania’s tourism recovery, supported by improved airport facilities, government reforms to attract investment, and rising global recognition of the country’s tourism offerings. Tanzania targets new tourism records The country is edging closer to new tourism milestones.

In 2024, Tanzania recorded over 1.8 million tourist arrivals, with Zanzibar surpassing 700,000 visitors for the first time.

The Northern Circuit–comprising Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Serengeti, Tarangire and Ngorongoro–continues to draw the highest numbers, particularly from Europe. Industry stakeholders say Brussels Airlines’ entry is expected to boost arrivals from Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia–markets that traditionally favour safari tourism.

Brussels Airlines also announced a series of adjustments to its Summer 2026 network. The airline will boost long-haul capacity to Freetown, increasing flights from five to six per week.

It will also expand its short- and medium-haul operations across key European markets, adding more frequencies to Spain, Portugal, Denmark, the Czech Republic and Hungary as part of its wider strategy to meet growing travel demand. .

Poker tournaments have existed for almost as long as the game itself: it’s not a stretch to go from single games to wanting to figure out who the absolute best player is by creating multiple stages and knockout rounds.

However, in the past, these tournaments existed only as local affairs: you could play against those at your nearby casino, and unless you were travelling for rare national tournaments, you’d be pretty limited in terms of your opponents.

The internet, of course, changed all that. There are now over 5 billion internet users, and this technology has revolutionised a fundamental aspect of the game: who you could test your skills against. Suddenly, it wasn’t just the poker enthusiasts in your local town or region. It was anybody, anywhere, across the globe. Let’s look at the effects of that.

Far More Opponent Opportunities

The most obvious and perhaps impactful effect of staging poker tournaments on an international platform? Opponents become almost limitless. When you play poker tournaments online nowadays, you can be matched against anyone, anywhere.

Most casinos will have stipulations about who can join and criteria to make sure the tournaments are actually fun for all comers, but in many cases, you could theoretically be matched against somebody from any country on the planet.

That has massively increased the enjoyment levels and the challenge for a lot of the best casual poker players. Almost overnight, limitations on who you could test your skills against were eradicated.

The best players in Tanzania could match against the best players in the USA or India or France or Egypt. You could see how your strategies measured up against others, and look at how cultural differences affect things like betting approach, game etiquette, bluffing tactics, and more.

Instead of being limited to a handful of individuals, poker has bloomed, giving you infinite variety and the opportunity to learn from a wealth of approaches and techniques.

Even for the savviest, most skilled poker players, that’s enormously satisfying, taking this game to a whole new level of complexity. And for those new to the game, the ability to absorb lessons from such a variety of different players is infinitely valuable.

Of course, the internet has provided such benefits in many ways that extend beyond tournaments. For newcomers to the game (and even more experienced players), the number of informative videos and “how-to” guides available is staggering.

For example, you can, in just a few minutes, eliminate some of the commonest poker mistakes from your repertoire, just by learning about what you might be doing wrong.

You can also watch expert players take on this game, observing what moves they make and how they approach different situations. This kind of learning by osmosis approach is super effective and has really only become available in the age of the internet.

Availability Of Tournaments

Again, in the past, tournaments would have been immensely limited, even if you were prepared to travel a bit. Unless you happened to live in a region known for poker or have the funds to head to Las Vegas on a regular basis, poker tournaments were likely to be few and far in between. Today, even the most rural players can tap into poker tournaments at almost any time of the day or night.

The internet has created accessibility in unprecedented ways, and poker tournaments are no exception to that. The international dynamic means that now, you can find tournaments being played even at unsociable hours in your own country, simply by joining one that’s occurring in another part of the world.

You can find all different levels of skill, buy-in, and game variety. The options are almost infinite, which has made this pastime far more available to people than it ever could have been before the internet.

And with faster and stronger connections becoming the norm across the world, that’s only going to become more common. Although many parts of the planet still lack access to the internet, mobile network coverage has expanded to 92% of the world, and with the preference for mobile gaming also rising, this indicates a widespread ability to tap into this kind of game from almost anywhere. As internet access continues to improve, this is only going to get better.

A huge element of this that could potentially be overlooked is the cultural learning that such tournaments could offer. By providing an informal, relaxed space with a shared activity, national and international poker tournaments have the potential to create better links between communities and countries, creating more cultural reference points and goodwill.

Of course, poker tournaments represent only one aspect of the benefits that can be gleaned from this kind of international activity, but poker is a game that enjoys international recognition and glamour, and it stands to reason that these kinds of tournaments are only likely to grow as more and more people seek to test their skills against those from far-flung places.

When Arusha finally exhaled after days of post-election unrest, the first place to pulse back to life was the Maasai Market, the city’s colourful crossroads of culture, craft, and commerce. After a tense week of closures, empty streets, and anxious waiting, artisans returned to their stalls with a mix of gratitude and guarded hope.

The market, once silenced by the chaos, was slowly reclaiming its familiar rhythm. Vibrant fabrics fluttered in the morning breeze, carved wooden animals caught the sunlight, and strings of beads swung gently like tiny bells announcing life’s return.

By the time I visited, the sun lit up the rows of handcrafted wares as if they were being seen for the first time. Vendors greeted me with tired smiles, the kind worn by people who have survived uncertainty and chosen to begin again.

The air was rich with the mingling scents of fresh wood polish, roasted maize, and the faint aroma of spices from nearby food stalls. “I lost almost a week of business,” shares Joshua Michael, a bead artist and father of three.

“When the city is unsettled, we are the first to feel it. But opening today feels like breathing again.

” Behind him, bright strings of red, blue, and yellow beadwork swayed softly in the breeze. He adds that by day three of the lockdown they resumed work but barely any customers visited.

“People are cautious, understandably. But even a small crowd today feels like a victory.

” Further in, Mama Lolkoki, who has been working at the market for over a decade, sat polishing a wooden giraffe with deliberate care. Her hands moved skillfully, the kind of motion that only comes from years of practice and pride in her craft.

She explains, “During the unrest, we stayed home and prayed. Hii kazi ndiyo maisha yetu.

When the market closes, our homes suffer. But we always return.

This place is our heartbeat.” The vendors weren’t the only ones relieved by the reopening.

A small trickle of visitors, both local and foreign, wandered through the aisles, tentative at first, then visibly comforted by the market’s revived energy. Children clutched their parents’ hands as they stared wide-eyed at colourful shukas and hand-painted canvases, while tourists snapped photos, documenting a market that felt alive again.

“I was nervous coming out today, honestly,” says Maria Stuart, a traveller and volunteer from Spain visiting Tanzania for the first time. “But seeing everyone back, seeing the colours, the smiles, it feels safe again.

It feels hopeful.” She eventually bought a hand-painted canvas of Kilimanjaro, calling it her “first souvenir of resilience.

” Nearby, Maria’s friend Sophia browsed a table of handcrafted jewelry. “I’d heard so much about this market and I fell in love with it the first visit,” she says, adjusting a beaded necklace against her wrist.

Her admiration mirrored that of many first-time visitors who seemed struck not just by the crafts but by the human stories behind them. The artisans responded warmly to the returning visitors, eager not just for business but for the human interaction that fuels the spirit of the marketplace.

“When tourists come, we know Arusha is healing,” shares Mama Hawa, who sells woven baskets. “It means people trust us.

It means life is moving forward.” As the day unfolded, the market revealed itself in layers.

Guests moved slowly between stalls, women braided hair in shaded corners, and children darted past in games that seemed to reclaim normalcy. The smell of freshly fried maize drifted through the aisles, mingling with the faint fragrance of handmade soaps and oils.

One could hear the rhythmic tapping of a wooden drum, played by a local musician, blending with the chatter and laughter, forming a soundtrack of recovery. Vendors shared stories of resilience with anyone willing to listen.

Bibi Loshori, who sells painted gourds, beaded ankle chains, rings and necklaces, recounted how she and her family had spent the unrest in quiet prayer, watching news updates and waiting for a sign that it was safe to return. “We thought of closing permanently,” she admits.

“But the market is life. We cannot let fear take that away.

” Local residents, too, found comfort in returning. “It’s not just about buying or selling,” says Julius Ndongwa, a teacher from the city centre.

“It’s about seeing our community alive. When you walk through these aisles, you feel connected to something bigger than yourself.

” His words resonate in the laughter of children chasing beads and the measured steps of tourists absorbing the spectacle. Arusha’s Maasai Market has always been more than a shopping stop.

It is a living museum of heritage and hustle, a canvas of stories expressed through hands that have learned to create, adapt, and endure. Every carving, every bead, and every painting carries the imprint of countless hours of dedication, family histories, and cultural memory.

The market’s revival after the tension is a vivid reminder that even in uncertain times, creativity and community remain unshaken. In a city that has faced disruption, the market stands as a testament to resilience, hope, and the human instinct to reconnect.

As sunlight faded into the late afternoon, the colours glowed brighter, laughter grew louder, and Arusha’s heartbeat resumed, steady and strong, at the Maasai Market. For visitors and vendors alike, it was a celebration of life’s ability to flourish, even after it has been threatened.

In every bead, basket, and brushstroke, the market whispered a simple truthno matter the chaos outside, life finds a way to return to colour. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian muslim institutions, including the central muslim council, which is popularly known by its Kiswahili acronym as Bakwata, has announced a 17-point plan aimed at restoring peace and stability after deadly violence erupted durung last month’s election.

The plan emphasises reconciliation as the path forward. The plan was unveiled by the emir of the Federation of Islamic Institutions of Tanzania, Sheikh Mussa Kundecha, in a statement to journalists and directors of Islamic institutions at Bakwata’s headquarters in Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam.

Before the announcement, the leaders observed Itikaf prayers at the King Mohammed VI Mosque. Itikaf is a form of worship performed in seclusion at the mosque to seek closeness to God and His forgiveness.

Sheikh Kundecha said the prayers were especially significant following the unrest of October 29, which saw violent demonstrations, that resulted into killings, destruction of infrastructure such as attacks on police posts, government offices, Bus Rapid Transit stations, petrol stations, shops and vehicles. He condemned the incidents, which led to injuries and loss of lives, and said that after reflection during Itikaf, the institutions had resolved to support President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her initiatives, including the establishment of an Independent Commission of Inquiry into the violence.

“We support President Samia’s decision to form an independent commission to investigate the incidents of October 29,” Sheikh Kundecha said. The commission was launched on Thursday and is chaired by retired Chief Justice Mohamed Othman Chande, alongside eight other members, including retired ambassadors.

Sheikh Kundecha said their institutions support the national reconciliation process proposed by the President and are ready to contribute to it. “The foundation of reconciliation must be based on integrity and goodwill, not short-term movements, political pressure, or activism.

We are ready to act as a bridge to unite Tanzanians. We recommend a thorough, impartial investigation to identify those who incited, planned, and coordinated the crimes that occurred,” he said.

He emphasised that reconciliation should not shield the guilty. “Those responsible must be held accountable, the innocent protected, and justice must prevail fairly,” Sheikh Kundecha said, adding that the process must address the root causes of the unrest.

He called on the government to show compassion to those who lost family members, property, or businesses during the unrest. “We commend the government for recognising that some of those arrested were youths who followed the mob without ill intent.

Efforts to identify and return them to their families are steps of justice we support,” he said. Sheikh Kundecha highlighted that all religions in Tanzania oppose crime, hatred, and destruction, and urged spiritual leaders to educate communities and promote forgiveness.

He called on Muslims and all Tanzanians to pursue their rights through established procedures and legal channels. Religious institutions have also been urged to coordinate meetings with leaders of other faiths to help restore peace in the country.

Sheikh Kundecha warned against being provoked by social media posts or other platforms that spread religious, ethnic, regional, or any form of discrimination. He also encouraged young people to stay home on December 9, pray for the nation, and engage in worship to maintain peace.

He urged religious leaders to reject attempts to sow division in society and educate followers about the dangers to national unity and solidarity. “Mufti Abubakar Zubeir advises that we use words that build, unify, and act as a bridge between Muslims and other Tanzanians.

Tanzania is our only country; we must not allow our peace to be tested or manipulated. We, as Islamic institutions, will protect that peace at all costs,” Sheikh Kundecha said.

Bakwata Secretary-General, Sheikh Nuhu Mruma, said the meeting brought together approximately 30 Islamic institutions, including the Tanzania Imams’ Association, and scholars from 19 regions. .