Category: The Citizen

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. .

Dar es Salaam. The government may have lost up to Sh200 million in revenue from the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system by Thursday, November 20, 2025, as authorities race to restore services following extensive vandalism along key corridors during the October 29 unrest.

BRT operations on both the Morogoro Road (Phase One), operated by Usafiri Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit (Udart), and the Kilwa Road (Phase Two), operated by Mofat, were suspended after groups of youth in Dar es Salaam and other parts of the country took to the streets in an attempt to stop the general election. The unrest resulted in the destruction of filling stations, BRT stations, buses, vehicles, police posts, schools, hospitals and court buildings among others.

Although the full extent of the damage, which could run into billions of shillings, is still being assessed, The Citizen understands that Dart previously received more than Sh8 million per day from Udart in infrastructure usage fees. These funds covered the use of dedicated BRT lanes, stations, smart gates and other infrastructure.

The suspension of operations has denied the government this revenue while also straining operators, who continue to face loan repayment obligations and operational expenses. Phase One severely hit Dart Chief Executive, Mr Said Tunda, said the Morogoro Road corridor suffered the most severe destruction, with nearly all stations between Magomeni and Kimara vandalised, except for Morocco station.

On the feeder route from Mbezi Mwisho to Kibaha, all ticketing booths were destroyed and must be reinstalled. “The assessment has been completed along the affected routes, and the extent of the damage is significant.

Exact figures will be announced by higher authorities,” he said. He added that many components required for repairs must be imported, which could delay full restoration.

“If we had all the necessary equipment locally, restoration would take four to six weeks. If procurement processes are required, it will take longer,” he noted.

Dart is now engaging contractors currently working on the Bagamoyo Road and Gongo la Mboto routes to accelerate repairs. Mr Tunda also clarified that the buses burned during the unrest were not in operation at the time due to mechanical problems.

All have since been removed. Once restored, Phase One services will resume with new station gates and a Sh1,000 fare, with passengers required to use Smart Cards.

Phase Two returns — relief for Mbagala commuters Despite ongoing repairs on Phase One, Phase Two operations along the Mbagalacity centre corridor officially resumed today after a directive by Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Mr Albert Chalamila. Commuters welcomed the resumption, saying it will significantly reduce transport costs and ease travel challenges.

A regular user, Mr Isack Mbando, said he used to spend between Sh2,000 and Sh3,000 per trip–and up to Sh6,000 daily–before the introduction of the BRT. “With the BRT charging Sh750 per trip, passengers save more than Sh1,300 per journey, or at least Sh2,600 daily for regular travellers,” he said.

“Before the BRT, I paid around Sh3,000 one way during peak hours. Now I pay Sh700. This is a major relief, especially for workers and traders,” he added.

Another commuter, Ms Subira Omary, commended the resumption but urged the government to reinforce security and protect BRT infrastructure. “We want assurance that such incidents will not happen again.

We depend on this service,” she said. The Mbagala service, launched on 12 October 2025, had operated for only 17 days before it was halted on October 29. It is supported by 250 buses provided by Mofat.

During an inspection earlier this week, Mr Chalamila directed Dart, Tanesco, and institutions under the Regional Administrative Secretary’s Office to ensure all buses were back on the road by 8am today. He added that the government is assessing damage to public and private property and identifying those who suffered losses during the unrest.

He urged Tanzanians to “put aside anger and work together to rebuild the nation”. Other interventions In a move to ease congestion along the Morogoro Road corridor while Phase One remains suspended, the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra) has issued permits for 150 new commuter buses (daladala).

Latra Director General, Habibu Suluo, said the authority had earlier begun a review of BRT fares in 2022–considering an increase to Sh1,000–but deferred the adjustment pending a reliable revenue collection system for Phase One. “For Phase Two, we directed the operator to establish electronic ticketing and ensure transparency in collections before any fare review,” he said.

Latra has now approved a transitional fare of Sh1,000, provided Mofat continues improving service quality and ensuring smooth passenger flow. Meanwhile, Dart reminded all passengers that Smart Cards or the Mwendokasi app are mandatory for cashless payment, warning that commuters without the required platforms will not be allowed to board.

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Ode to those who dare to go after what they believe are their life goals. The world is full of doubters and those seeking permission to go after what they want.

To make a change, one has to be none of those. Unfortunately, women have historically been expected to dim their light, and so has Subira Athuman.

She was told on her face. “They looked at me and said because I am a woman, I can’t be able to change a flat tyre, so I can’t be a tour guide,” she recalled the painful experience.

The very experience she used as fuel to rise to the rank of a tour guide; female safari guides are still a rarity in Tanzania, considering its flourishing tourism industry. With millions of international and domestic female tourists spending their money on vacation and going on safari in the national parks, it is disheartening to know that people of their gender are still facing hurdles in the same sector.

She started her own tour company called ‘Ungana’ and is a proud owner of a safari truck, which she drives herself. Subira confidently said she changes her own flat tyre if the need arises, among other mechanical issues that she can handle without anyone’s help.

“I chose the name Ungana, which means ‘come together, because tourism brings us together,” she explained. Her love for animals goes all the way back to her childhood, when she would take the family’s livestock for grazing in the wilderness.

As the animals were eating grass, her fascination was on the small wild animals that kept running around; she wanted to know what kind of species they were. She looked for books and started studying these animals even before she finished secondary school.

She went on to join a tourism college and prospered in her studies. Excited to have mastered her passion and with certificates to prove it, in 2014, she went to look for employment, but doors were shut on her face.

“They told me they don’t hire women as safari guides,” she said. The painful experience was an eye-opening moment for her, finally seeing what women in the tourism industry are going through.

Regardless of the disappointment, she still worked climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and because she studied French and is certified, she pivoted to doing a safari as a French interpreter. Her linguistic ability provided her with a unique edge over others.

So even though she didn’t get the job she studied for, she said: “I vowed to hire fellow women when I get my own company.” Fate would have it that, one day, as she was taking a tourist on a safari, they started conversing and inadvertently pitched her idea.

The tourist agreed to partner with her, and that’s when the Ungana tour company was created. It’s that kind of tenacity and go-getter attitude that has built her and strengthened her resolve.

What started as disapproval from men who turned her down simply because of her gender created an opportunity for her to start her own safari company. “I have a long way to go, but it’s a good start, and patiently we will get there,” she said.

The perception of female safari guides is improving, attributed to her and other female guides who have shattered all misconceptions of what women can do in the tourism industry. They are feverishly fighting against the notion that women should only be at the restaurants with pretty smiles and serving drinks or at the reception welcoming guests.

“When two or three of us started, we inspired other women to join in, and even some tour companies started hiring women as guides,” she explained. Additionally, some tourists specifically demanded female guides; the request for inclusion was a catalyst for change and an entry point for women into these roles presumably reserved for men.

Now the phones cannot stop ringing; her services are in high demand, not because she is a woman, but because of the service she rendered. The biggest challenge she faced was getting people to trust that she could do a good or even better service than her male counterparts.

That trust was earned by proving herself over and over again. She is a skilled mechanic now.

From chasing oil, checking the engine, or getting the truck started again if it breaks down in the wilderness, she has mastered it all. The tourism industry still has a lot of improvement to do; out of more than 3000 tour guides, very few are women.

It’s not an overstatement to say that women are severely at a disadvantage when it comes to roles like safari guides. For her to have made it, it impressed even her doubters, who watched her proving her worth in the face of adversity.

But Subira has always been strategic, even when she was taking up the French language, when everyone else was wondering why she chose it. But she had observed that French tourists are constant travellers, even during the low season.

When most Western tourists are scarce, you will always find French travellers. She recalls receiving French guests who want to go for a safari, even during the Covid lockdown.

“Statistically, the French are among the most travelled individuals,” she observed. Subira insists on loving from your heart what you are doing as the key to success.

The passion will triumph over any adversity life will bring your way. “One has to study with a purpose, not from seeing how someone else has become rich from that particular profession, when you decide to enrol,” she added.

The tourism industry is not fully adapting to having women as safari guides. The hospitality industry is the slowest to change, she pointed out.

Hotels are yet to fully accept and accommodate female guides. Usually, guides avoid their rooms when they take clients to these luxurious hotels.

These rooms are more for staff accommodation with just basic necessities. But she has, on many occasions, had to share a room with male guides, because there are no rooms for women.

“You have no privacy, and you feel vulnerable,” she complained. She has on many occasions raised her concern, but it has fallen on deaf ears.

“I don’t want to name these establishments, but some of these are big and well-known hotels, and their management has completely refused to accommodate female guides,” she said. On the government and the ministry level, she wishes they would do more to create room for women in tourism.

For guides who speak international languages, they should be used for the promotional videos to entice tourists from these countries. It helps to market our country as a nation of inclusivity to the world that champions women’s empowerment and equality.

It’s time Tanzania markets itself as that. Subura prides herself on being a competent and experienced guide, notwithstanding her gender.

“I love doing this job, and I do it to the best of my ability,” she said. A woman’s elevation is not just for her benefit, but for the whole society.

With the little she has been blessed with, she has on numerous occasions given back to orphanages in her community. “I believe some of the blessings I receive come from their prayers,” she said.

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Mwanza. Barrick Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding national health, safety and environmental regulations, saying this is why it has invested in constructing its Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs) to international standards across its mines.

The company says the facilities, located at North Mara, Bulyanhulu and Buzwagi, which is currently undergoing closure, ensure that neither workers nor surrounding communities are exposed to risks arising from gold-processing waste. Speaking at a tailings-management conference underway in Mwanza, Barrick Buzwagi Mine Closure Manager, Engineer Zonnastraal Mumbi, said the company continues to conduct rigorous monitoring of all TSFs in line with its corporate policy on health, safety and environmental stewardship.

“Barrick has put in place robust plans to ensure that toxic-waste dams do not pose risks to employees or neighbouring communities. We also ensure full compliance with national laws and guidelines on TSF management, while working closely with government institutions responsible for environmental protection, health and workplace safety,” he said.

He added that the company routinely conducts tests on drinking-water wells and surface-water sources around its mining areas to ensure communities remain protected. Mr Mumbi also commended the government for organising regular training sessions and seminars on the management of water and tailings dams.

Opening the seminar, the Director of Water Quality at the Ministry of Water, Heri Chisute, said the Government is committed to ensuring that the construction and operation of tailings dams adhere to high standards in line with the Water Resources Management Act and relevant safety requirements. He said environmental safety and compliance were not only legal obligations, but also moral duties owed to communities that depend on such systems for their wellbeing.

According to the Ministry of Water, Tanzania currently has more than 700 water dams and at least 60 tailings storage facilities. The conference, held under the theme Emergency Preparedness for Managing Risks Associated with Water Dams and Toxic Tailings, has been organised by the Ministry of Water in collaboration with the Tanzania Chamber of Mines (TCM) and City Engineering Company.

It brings together participants from both the private sector and government, including mine operators. .

London. British defence minister John Healey said on Wednesday that “military options” are ready should the Russian spy ship Yantar become a threat after it directed lasers at British pilots sent to monitor it.

Britain’s Royal Navy and Royal Air Force routinely shadow potential threats to national security, and such missions to monitor Russian vessels and submarines have become more frequent since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Healey said directing lasers at RAF pilots was “deeply dangerous” and Britain was poised to react depending on the Yantar’s next move. “We have military options ready should the Yantar change course,” Healey said.

Responding to what it described as “endless accusations”, the Russian embassy in London said: “Our country’s actions do not affect the interests of the United Kingdom and are not aimed at undermining its security. “We are not interested in British underwater communications,” it said, urging “the British side to refrain from destructive steps that exacerbate the crisis phenomena on the European continent.

” The Yantar, designed for intelligence gathering and mapping undersea cables, is currently on the edge of British waters, north of Scotland, Healey said. He added: “This is the first time we’ve had this action from Yantar directed against the British RAF.

We take it extremely seriously.” “I have changed the navy’s rules of engagement so that we can follow more closely, monitor more closely, the activities of the Yantar when it’s in our wider waters.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is a nation long celebrated for its calm temperament, diplomatic influence and reputation as a peace broker in a turbulent region.

Yet the aftermath of the October 29 General Election changed that narrative in a single day. The country witnessed one of its most painful and historic episodes in recent memory, an eruption of violence that left families grieving, communities shaken and a nation divided.

It is against this backdrop that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has established an Independent Commission of Inquiry to investigate the disturbances. This decision, widely welcomed, reflects an acknowledgment from the Head of State that healing cannot begin without truth.

In a rare emotional moment during her address to the 13th Parliament, President Hassan asked MPs to stand for a minute of silence to honour those who lost their lives in the unrest, an act that left many with a sense that their pain had finally been recognised at the highest level. The Commission, chaired by Retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman, brings together eight respected figures in law, diplomacy, security and regional governance.

Its mandate is broad, its symbolism enormous and the expectations placed upon it perhaps unprecedented. Millions of Tanzanians are now looking to this team of eminent personalities to answer the hard questions that have lingered since that fateful day.

Among these are questions about the motives behind the protests, the identity of those who carried out acts of destruction, the number of people killed and the fate of those missing. Families want clarity: How many have been buried? How many remain unaccounted for? Who was responsible for the killings? How many were injured? What was the value of lost property? There are also unresolved claims about the involvement of foreigners.

If such claims hold any truth, from which countries did they come and what brought them into the heart of Tanzanian political tensions? And importantly, where does the Commonwealth mediation mission, led by former Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera, fit in relation to this newly formed commission? These questions matter not because they echo frustration, but because they are essential for the country’s healing. Without accurate, independently verified answers, reconciliation efforts may appear incomplete and trust, a fragile commodity in moments like this, will remain elusive.

The government’s immediate reaction after the violence was cautionary. Authorities urged calm, security forces were deployed to prevent further escalation and the President adopted a conciliatory tone.

President Hassan’s decision to create the commission under the Commissions of Inquiry Act was informed by public outcry and growing calls for transparency. Tanzanians wanted an institution untouched by political influence–one with the credibility to document what happened and why.

The President’s broader intention, analysts say, is to establish a foundation for a nationwide reconciliation process. That process is likely to draw from the commission’s findings and its success will depend on the thoroughness of the inquiry.

The task ahead: independence, courage and truth For the commission to satisfy the nation, experts insist, three elements will be essential: independence, courage and factual accuracy. Political scientist Zahor Kaligirwa said the commission “must go beyond producing a technical report.

It must demonstrate to citizens that justice, not political convenience, is its guiding principle”. He explained that investigations of such nature tend to be difficult because they often involve powerful institutions, emotional communities and competing narratives.

“Yet this is precisely why independence is non-negotiable,” he noted. Equally important is uncovering the truth without fear or favour.

Security expert Halima Mrema argued that, “Tanzanians want honesty. Not selective truth, not half-truths, nothing less than a factual account of what truly transpired.

” According to her, the commission must ensure that every testimony, document and piece of evidence is verified and that those responsible, whether state actors, civilians or external agents are clearly identified. The commission must also consider the humanitarian dimension.

“Families deserve closure,” noted a long-standing advocate of peace and reconciliation, Bishop Emmanuel Nyandaro. “A country cannot heal if some mothers still wake up wondering whether their sons will ever return home.

” He suggested that the commission should recommend a victims’ support framework, including counselling, compensation mechanisms and community-based healing initiatives. Each unresolved question carries weight because it represents not merely curiosity but yearning.

The motive behind the protests will help citizens understand whether the violence was orchestrated, spontaneous, or fuelled by political grievances. Identifying perpetrators will establish accountability.

Determining the true death toll will honour lives lost and prevent future misreporting or denial. Understanding the extent of injuries and property loss is crucial for both economic recovery and justice.

And clarifying the role of alleged foreign actors will help restore confidence in national security. Perhaps the most politically sensitive question is the relationship between the Commonwealth mission and the commission’s work.

Many Tanzanians hope the two will complement each other, offering a fuller picture of the election and its aftermath. As the commission begins its work, the expectations from citizens are extraordinary.

Many hope it will lay the groundwork for a renewed sense of unity. Others see it as the first step towards a formal reconciliation process.

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Dar es Salaam. Secondhand clothing traders across major markets in Dar es Salaam say they are increasingly frustrated by the rising cost coupled with what they describe as a noticeable decline in the quality of imported garments.

The combination, they warn, is squeezing profit margins, unsettling long-established supply chains, and threatening livelihoods in a sector that employs thousands nationwide. The concerns come at a time when the Ministry of Industry and Trade maintains that Tanzania’s secondhand clothing industry remains strong, insisting that the imported items are of high grade.

The government is simultaneously pushing ahead with its cotton-to-clothing strategy, a long-term plan aimed at boosting local textile manufacturing, reducing import dependence, and strengthening value addition. Yet for traders on the ground, the picture looks very different.

Bale prices have risen sharply in recent months. A bale that once cost Sh600,000 can now fetch up to Sh770,000 depending on the supplier and the type of clothing inside.

Despite the higher prices, traders say the quality of clothes inside the bales has dropped significantly. Tanzania imports its secondhand clothes and footwear from multiple regions, including Canada, South Korea, the United States and the United Kingdom.

But traders argue that the high-quality, grade-one items they once relied on have become harder to find. At Mwenge Market, trader Irine Fisoo told The Citizen that she has been sourcing her merchandise from Nairobi for years–traditionally one of East Africa’s most dependable hubs for high-grade secondhand garments.

But she said the market has changed dramatically. “For about three or four years now, it has become very difficult to find good-quality clothes,” she said.

“Most of what we get is average, yet prices keep going up. Sometimes when you open a bale, only a few pieces are good, and the rest are low-grade clothes I cannot sell in my shop.

” She explained that a bale costing Sh1.2 million used to yield at least 70 to 80 percent high-quality clothes. Today, she said, the same amount may produce less than 30 percent of grade-one items–making it increasingly difficult to turn a profit.

“Customers often complain when prices go up, without understanding how hard it has become to get good-quality clothes,” Ms Fisoo added. “I open two to three bales every week but still end up with mostly poor-quality items.

” Speaking to The Citizen yesterday, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Dr Hashil Abdallah said the government is focused on enhancing domestic production and attracting investment in the textile and garment sector. “We are implementing the cotton-to-cloths strategy,” he said.

“Tanzania’s secondhand clothing business is doing well, and the imported clothes are of the highest grade. Secondhand clothes vary in class–some are high-priced, while others are cheaper.

” According to Dr Abdallah, the cotton-to-clothing strategy aims to ensure that all locally produced cotton is turned into finished garments. The strategy also seeks to attract foreign investors such as Tooku and Mazava to set up operations in Tanzania–producing for both domestic use and export markets.

He listed eight operational textile and garment factories currently active in Tanzania, including 21st Century Textile Mills (Morogoro), Sunflag Textiles (Arusha), Mwatex (Mwanza), Namera Textiles Mills (Dar es Salaam), NIDA Textiles (Dar es Salaam), A to Z Textile Mills (Arusha), Manzava Fabrics (Morogoro), and Tanzania Touku Garments (Dar es Salaam). These factories produce khanga, vitenge, T-shirts, cotton fabrics, blankets, yarns, bedsheets, jeans and sportswear.

Meanwhile, traders say volatility in the secondhand market has made business increasingly unpredictable. At Karume Market, shoe trader Khatibu Shaban said he has stopped opening bales altogether after suffering repeated losses.

“I now buy only two or three pairs of shoes a day from those who open bales,” he said. “It’s safer than opening a big shipment and risking losses.

” At Makumbusho, trader Ally Kipendi described the business as a matter of chance. “Sometimes we find good clothes, but other times, weeks go by without getting items customers want,” he said.

“Many shipments go to Nairobi, and the exact reason hasn’t been explained to us. The government could investigate because people buy bales and end up making losses.

” As the debate continues between traders insisting quality is falling and the government maintaining that the system is functioning well, the reality for many market operators is increasingly precarious. .