Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Domestic workers are among the most essential yet least visible members of Tanzanian households; cleaning, cooking, caring for children and supporting the elderly.

However, reports show that behind these tasks lies a quiet struggle marked by low self-esteem, limited legal awareness, abuse and a deeply rooted societal perception that places them at the bottom of the labour chain. Experts say these challenges are both emotional and structural, driven by inadequate regulation, weak enforcement and decades of neglect.

Recent efforts by the government, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Conservation, Hotels, Domestic and Allied Workers’ Union (Chodawu) are, however, helping to spotlight the hidden suffering in the sector. Speaking in Arusha on November 18, Chodawu secretary general Saidi Wamba said self-doubt remains one of the biggest barriers to empowerment.

“Even with official government acknowledgement of their work, a lack of awareness about their rights persists among many domestic workers,” he said. “Some are unaware of the minimum wage, the terms of employment, and what constitutes fair treatment.

” In June, the government announced a revised minimum wage that included domestic workers for the first time in years, but many still do not know what they are legally entitled to. “You must understand that no one will hand you your rights.

You must claim them,” Mr Wamba stressed. “Knowledge is the starting point.

” To bridge these gaps, the ILO, in partnership with the government and Chodawu, selected 25 peer educators from six regions for a week-long training focused on labour laws, contracts, gender-based violence, entrepreneurship and occupational safety. The aim was to build confidence and awareness among workers, enabling them to defend themselves from exploitation and share knowledge with others.

Project Coordinator for the ILO’s domestic workers’ initiative, Chiku Semfuko, said empowering workers from within their communities ensures that information reaches even those who cannot attend formal sessions. “Peer educators become ambassadors who help others understand their rights,” she explained.

While legal awareness is vital, psychologists say emotional wounds often go unnoticed. Clinical psychologist Dr Esther Mlay told The Citizen that many domestic workers come from disadvantaged backgrounds marked by poverty, limited education and earlier experiences of exploitation.

“When a person grows up being told they are ‘less than’, their sense of worth becomes fragile,” she said. “This makes them more likely to accept mistreatment, underpayment and even abuse.

” She added that humiliation, insults and overwork can be as damaging as physical violence. For her, psychological empowerment must be at the centre of any long-term reform.

A sector still undervalued With an estimated two million domestic workers, this is one of the country’s largest informal labour groups, yet it remains among the most undervalued. Many workers still lack written contracts, predictable working hours or clear job descriptions.

Principal of the Tanzania Labour College, Mr Hezron Kaaya, said many remain timid because they do not understand the labour system or how to negotiate their rights. Strengthening workers’ movements, he added, is essential for long-term protection.

Government efforts are also underway. Labour Education Officer at the Prime Minister’s Office and Coordinator of the Domestic Workers’ Desk, Ms Halima Suleiman, said her office is working to formalise the sector and change public attitudes.

“Many households still do not see domestic work as real employment,” she said. “This fuels mistreatment and underpayment.

” Through ILO-supported programmes, the ministry is educating both employers and workers about labour rights and responsibilities. She emphasised that domestic workers must be treated with dignity like any other employees.

Despite these reforms, vulnerabilities persist. Cases of sexual harassment, discrimination and unpaid wages continue to emerge.

Chodawu has called for tighter enforcement of labour laws, mandatory contracts and increased awareness campaigns. Mr Wamba believes the ultimate solution lies in education and confidence.

“Workers must understand abuse, recognise their value and know how to report cases,” he said. Transforming the sector will require sustained public education, enforcement of minimum wage laws and stronger psychosocial support for those facing abuse.

The struggle has been silent for decades, but the voice of domestic workers is beginning to rise. .

Dar es Salaam. Higher education institutions across Tanzania are counting the cost of the disrupted academic calendar, after weeks of political uncertainty linked to the October 29 General Election threw university schedules into disarray.

Administrators say the sudden shifts have unsettled strategic plans, interfered with operational budgets and derailed activities that typically define the close of the academic year. Speaking to The Citizen yesterday, Stella Maris Mtwara University College (STeMMUCo) public relations officer Gosso Mkubwa said the lingering uncertainty forced the institution into hurried reorganisation.

“We have been compelled to postpone or bring forward important events such as graduations, and we have had to reconvene internally to realign our strategies,” he said. He added that even routine academic arrangements required emergency restructuring.

“We have squeezed the April vacation and brought forward the memorandum examinations,” he noted, describing the decisions as both urgent and unavoidable. The Muslim University of Morogoro (MUM) has navigated a similar dilemma.

Student advisor Hassan Mohamed Issa said the disruption has broken an academic rhythm the institution has relied on for years. “We did not expect to receive students of all levels; Diploma, Undergraduate and Postgraduate, at the same time, unlike in previous years,” he said.

Major events such as the MUM Marathon, academic conferences and graduation ceremonies have either been postponed or significantly scaled down. Student leaders have also been forced into crisis management.

MUM student government president Hassan Yuda said several planned activities had to be cancelled altogether. “There were seminars we organised, but we could not conduct them because some of the invited facilitators had allocated their time based on the earlier schedule.

” Beyond institutional restructuring, students themselves continue to struggle with academic uncertainty. A second-year Veterinary Medicine student at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Warda Salmini, said the long stay at home has put many learners at a disadvantage.

“We have been at home for a long time, and the study days will now be fewer, so it’s a challenge to cover everything,” she said. On the economic impact, she added: “Some people stopped their activities expecting to return to campus on November 3.

” The Ministry of Education’s revised calendar, released on November 8, now requires first-year students to report on November 17 for orientation, while continuing students will return on November 24. Officials said the changes were necessitated by the delays and confusion caused by election-day unrest. Education experts warn that the disruptions may have a longer-lasting impact if institutions do not adopt recovery strategies.

A higher education analyst and former lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr Joyce Mwingira, said universities must move swiftly to manage the learning deficit created by the upheaval. “Such disruptions shrink contact hours, affect course progression and cause cognitive gaps among students who rely heavily on structured learning environments,” she noted.

“Universities should introduce academic cushioning mechanisms such as remedial sessions, extended library hours and flexible assessment timelines.” She added that the emotional toll on students–many of whom were preparing for exams–cannot be overlooked.

“These uncertainties heighten anxiety, and without proper support systems, learners may struggle to adapt when classes resume.” Institutions also face financial implications.

Cancellations and delays often mean losses in operational revenue, especially for private universities. An expert in education planning, Dr Kelvin Mhando, said the disruptions could strain institutional budgets already weakened by fluctuating enrolment numbers.

“When calendars shift abruptly, universities incur unforeseen costs–rescheduling logistics, renewing service contracts, and reorganising staff rotas,” he explained. “For private institutions, even a short disruption can destabilise financial projections for an entire year.

” Prof Mhando urged the government and universities to adopt long-term contingency frameworks to avoid similar crises in the future. .

By Katare Mbashiru Dodoma. The ruling party, CCM, has pledged to take firm action against underperformance, negligence, laziness and corruption among ministers and senior government officials.

The party’s Ideology, Publicity and Training Secretary, Kenani Kihongosi, delivered the message in Dodoma during a press briefing, where he criticised the performance of some government leaders. According to Mr Kihongosi, the renewed emphasis signals CCM’s determination to restore discipline and responsibility across leadership ranks.

The press conference came shortly after the swearing-in of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s new cabinet at Chamwino State House, where she underscored the need for responsible and results-oriented leadership. Mr Kihongosi echoed her sentiments, revealing that the party will introduce an assessment mechanism to evaluate how effectively leaders are discharging their duties.

“We will not tolerate leaders who embrace laziness or prioritise personal gains over public service,” he declared. Beyond addressing performance concerns, CCM also expressed strong support for President Hassan’s decision to establish an independent Commission of Inquiry to investigate the violence that occurred on October 29, which resulted in several deaths and injuries.

Mr Kihongosi urged the commission to uphold integrity and patriotism throughout its work, emphasising the importance of justice and accountability following the tragic events. President Hassan established the commission under Section 3 of the Commission of Inquiry Act, Chapter 32, following unrest during and after the October 29 General Election.

A statement released on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, by Chief Secretary Ambassador Dr Moses Kusiluka confirmed that retired Chief Justice Mohammed Chande Othman has been appointed as Chairperson of the commission. The commission will comprise individuals with extensive experience in governance, security, and legal affairs.

They include retired Chief Justice Prof Ibrahimu Khamis Juma, former Chief Secretary Ambassador Ombeni Sefue, and Ambassador Radhia Msuya. Other members appointed are Ambassador Gen Paul Meela, retired Inspector General of Police Said Mwema, Ambassador David Kapya and the former Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Dr Stergomena Tax.

The commission is expected to submit recommendations aimed at strengthening national peace, stability, and public trust in state institutions. .

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. .

Dar es Salaam . President Samia Suluhu Hassan has set out a series of fundamental questions that the newly inaugurated Commission of Inquiry must answer as it begins investigating the October 29 unrest, signalling a deep examination of the political, social and institutional triggers behind the violence.

Launching the three-month probe in Dar es Salaam on November 20, 2025, President Hassan said the disturbances, unprecedented in scale in recent years, had shaken the nation’s confidence. She called the episode “something none of us ever expected to witness,” given Tanzania’s long-standing reputation for peace and stability.

As the commission begins its work under the 2023 Commissions of Inquiry Act, the President laid out the central pillars of the investigation, framing them as essential to uncovering the truth and charting a credible path toward reconciliation. What sparked the crisis? The President’s first and most pressing question is the true origin of the unrest.

“Identify the root causes of the incident the real reason, the real spark, the purpose,” she told the commissioners. Determining whether the crisis was political, economic or coordinated remains a central task.

Why did so many young people take to the streets? President Hassan highlighted the need to understand the motivation and mobilisation of youths who participated in the protests. “What right were these young people demanding? What exactly did they feel they had been denied?” Their grievances–whether genuine or influenced–are expected to form a critical part of the inquiry’s assessment.

Did political rhetoric fuel the violence? The President directed the commission to scrutinise statements by political actors before and during the unrest, including provocative remarks such as “something must burn,” “there will be no peace,” and “the election will not happen.” The commission will investigate whether such rhetoric inflamed tensions or directly contributed to the escalation.

What was the relationship between political parties and the electoral commission? Another key question concerns the dynamics between political parties and the National Electoral Commission. “What was their relationship like at the time, and did it influence the situation?” President Hassan asked, underscoring the need to assess institutional trust and communication.

Did NGOs – local or foreign–play a role? The commission has also been tasked with investigating allegations that some youths were financially induced to join demonstrations. “If money was involved, where did it come from? What role, if any, did our NGOs play?” the President asked.

The inquiry will review the organisational, financial and operational dimensions of the unrest. Could political tensions have been resolved without violence? The President challenged the commission to examine whether alternative, non-violent avenues existed for addressing disputes between government institutions and political parties.

“Even if there were challenges was violence the only option?” she posed. Balancing scepticism and confidence Some opposition leaders have dismissed the inquiry, saying no domestic body can deliver an impartial outcome and calling instead for an international probe involving the UN, AU or EU.

President Hassan acknowledged the mistrust but defended the committee’s capacity. “Our colleagues in the opposition say they have no confidence in any local commission,” she said.

“But I have great confidence in this team–your expertise, your experience.” Scrutinising the state’s response In addition to the causes of the unrest, the commission will review how state institutions–including the police and defence forces–handled the situation.

Retired heads of the armed forces have been included to ensure knowledgeable scrutiny of whether responses were lawful, proportionate and in line with security protocols. Setting the stage for reconciliation President Hassan said the inquiry’s findings would shape the forthcoming Truth and Reconciliation Commission, whose formation she had previously pledged.

“Its recommendations will guide the agenda of the Reconciliation Commission,” she said, expressing confidence that the process will help the nation move forward. “I believe the recommendations of this commission will help us to heal and progress,” she said .

Kigoma. In a move to strengthen post-harvest management and local food systems, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), with support from the Governments of Ireland and Norway, has officially handed over the Kasasa community warehouses to Kasulu District Council.

The project included the full rehabilitation of the Kasasa warehouses, which are designed to serve around 1,500 farmers in Kakonko District, with a total storage capacity of 350 metric tons. The facilities are a major investment aimed at improving food quality, reducing crop losses, and expanding market access for smallholder farmers.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Kakonko District Commissioner Evance Mallasa, joined by district officials and community representatives, said farmers had long stored harvests at home, where exposure to moisture, pests and poor storage conditions undermined quality and made inventory management difficult. “I would like to convey my sincere appreciation to the Governments of Ireland, Norway, and WFP for rehabilitating this warehouse.

Given Kakonko’s heavy rainfall, farmers have struggled to keep produce safe. Now we finally have a secure place to store crops, protect quality, reduce losses, and avoid selling at low prices,” Mr Mallasa said.

WFP Kasulu Sub-Office Head, Mr Saidi Johari, highlighted the importance of maximising donor investments, noting that the handover represents a key step in the agency’s efforts to build rural resilience and promote sustainable agricultural practices. “By improving storage capacity and reducing losses, smallholder farmers are better positioned to safeguard harvests, access profitable markets, and increase household incomes.

Donor support must translate into tangible benefits for the people of Kakonko,” he said. Through the initiative, WFP has rehabilitated and constructed modern, safe storage structures, equipping them with essential aggregation tools.

These upgrades ensure farmers have access to reliable storage that meets national crop quality standards. .

Dar es Salaam. Commuters have expressed relief following the resumption of Phase Two of the Mbagala Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service, saying the restoration of operations will ease daily travel challenges and significantly lower transport costs along the corridor.

The BRT service officially resumed today, November 20, 2025, after a temporary suspension caused by damage to infrastructure during the unrest of October 29, which occurred during the general election. A regular commuter, Mr Isack Mbando, told The Citizen that before the BRT service was introduced, many passengers travelling from Mbagala to the city centre spent between Sh2,000 and Sh3,000 per trip using ordinary buses, or up to Sh6,000 daily for a return journey.

“With the BRT charging Sh750 per trip, passengers now save more than Sh1,300 per journey–amounting to at least Sh2,600 in daily savings for regular travellers,” he said. “Before the BRT, I would spend around Sh3,000 one way during peak hours.

Now I pay only Sh700. This is a big relief, especially for workers and traders. The BRT remains a faster, safer, and more reliable option than conventional buses,” he added.

Mr Mbando noted that the return of services would greatly ease the financial burden for thousands of low and middle-income earners who commute daily between Mbagala and the central business district. Another commuter, Ms Subira Omary, welcomed the resumption but urged authorities to strengthen security measures and protect BRT infrastructure from future disruptions.

“We want assurance that such incidents will not happen again. The government must safeguard these facilities because we depend on them,” she said.

The resumption follows a directive issued by the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamila, instructing the Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit Agency (Dart), Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (Tanesco) and all government institutions under the Regional Administrative Secretary’s Office to ensure that BRT operations resume along the Mbagalacity centre corridor by November 20, 2025. Mr Chalamila issued the order on Tuesday, November 18, during an inspection tour of BRT stations along the Mbagala route, where he assessed infrastructure damaged during the disturbances. “The services on the Mbagala route must resume.

I am directing all responsible government institutions to ensure that by Thursday, 20 November 2025, at 8am or earlier, all buses are back on the road,” he said. He did not indicate when services would resume along the Kimara corridor but assured the public that an announcement would be made soon.

The Mbagala BRT service was launched on 12 October 2025 and operated for just 17 days before being halted on 29 October 2025. According to the Government Chief Spokesperson’s Office, the service was supported by 250 buses provided by Mofat Company. Mr Chalamila said that the government is currently assessing the extent of damage to public and private infrastructure, as well as identifying individuals who suffered injuries or losses during the unrest.

He said the need for Tanzanians to set aside anger and work together to rebuild the nation. In a statement, Dart reminded passengers that they must use Smart Cards or the Mwendokasi app to enable cashless payments, warning that those without the required digital platforms will not be allowed to board the buses.

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Dar es Salaam. Opposition parties in Tanzania have rejected the newly established Commission of Inquiry formed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to investigate the violent events of October 29 and 30, arguing that the body lacks independence and cannot deliver justice to victims.

The commission, comprising eight senior retired officials including former Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman as Chair, was announced on 18 November. Its formation follows President Hassan’s pledge in Parliament on November 14, to investigate the incidents, which claimed lives and resulted in the destruction of both public and private property.

But three opposition parties; Chadema, Civic United Front (CUF) and ACT-Wazalendo, say the commission’s composition presents a conflict of interest. Speaking in the city yesterday, Chadema’s Deputy Chairperson (Mainland), John Heche, insisted the inquiry cannot be impartial when its members are former senior State officials.

“It is impossible for an accused party to investigate itself and expect justice to prevail,” Heche said. “We call upon international bodies, including the United Nations, to press the government to allow an independent international investigation.

” He argued that all appointees have previously worked for the government or have links to the ruling party, which undermines the credibility of the process. “A truly independent commission must have no relationship with the government or the ruling party.

As it stands, this commission is designed to conceal the truth, erase evidence and further harm the victims,” he added. CUF also dismissed the commission, calling for international and regional organisations to intervene.

In a statement issued by CUF’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohamed Ngulangwa, the party said a credible inquiry must include actors from outside Tanzania. “We want an independent body that includes representatives from reputable international human rights and governance institutions, as well as independent civil society organisations,” Ngulangwa said.

“The commission formed by the government lacks the qualities required to conduct an impartial investigation whose results will be trusted by all affected groups.” ACT-Wazalendo joined the criticism, with its Secretary-General, Ado Shaibu, calling the commission “a tool to hide wrongdoing.

” “This is not a genuine process. It is an attempt to protect those involved in the violations,” he said, adding that his party will not participate in any process under the current structure.

The parties argue that only a commission with international participation, such as representatives from the UN, Commonwealth, African Union and global human rights bodies, can guarantee justice and transparency. Meanwhile, some political parties have defended President Hassan’s decision.

The ruling CCM, through its Ideology and Publicity Secretary Kenani Kihongosi, praised the President and urged the commissioners to uphold integrity. The Chairman of the Council of Political Parties, who is also the Chairman of Ada Tadea, Juma Ali Khatibu, said he supports President Hassan’s decision to form the Commission.

“In Tanzania, we know each other well; it is impossible to call in outsiders for every matter. Tanzania is a free and sovereign nation, and we cannot invite foreigners to resolve our internal issues,” he said.

“Ada Tadea has confidence in the appointed members; we support the President. I urge political leaders to abandon capitalism and imperialistic tendencies, to value what is ours and respect our own experts,” he added.

The Secretary-General of NLD, Hassan Doyo, said it is unacceptable for an issue occurring within the country to then require outsiders to come and investigate. “Who has the authority to establish a Commission in someone else’s country? Secondly, I believe that those appointed are capable of fulfilling their duties fairly,” he said.

But despite the diverging views, pressure continues to mount on the government to address concerns over independence and public trust. .