Category: The Citizen

As the Trump-mediated peace deal for eastern Congo wobbles, the European Union is stepping in with a humanitarian approach, negotiating with key players including Uganda’s military a security linchpin in the conflict-plagued North Kivu and Ituri provinces to secure supply routes and the region’s main airport to facilitate the delivery of relief supplies. On Monday, Brussels Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region Johan Borgstam met with Uganda’s military leader Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba to discuss the security and humanitarian situation in the troubled mineral-rich eastern Congo.

At the heart of the meeting, attended by the EU Head of Delegation Jan Sadek, was the discussion of increasing the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) role in Ituri and North Kivu, to improve humanitarian access. The Ugandan army has more than 6,000 troops deployed in the area.

In a statement, the army said Gen Kainerugaba and his guest discussed the role of UPDF’s external operations in the DRC, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic. Borgstam, who previously met with UPDF’s Chief of Land Forces Lt-Gen Kayanja Muhanga and the commanders of Ugandan troops in Congo under the joint Operation Shujaa with Congolese forces since November 2021, believes Kampala is crucial to resolving the situation in eastern Congo.

“I believe that for sustainable solutions that can truly secure peace and stability in the region, it’s incredibly important that Uganda and Burundi are also part of the work towards the solutions,” Borgstam said in Kampala. In August, while reacting to the Rwanda and Congo peace deal signed in Washington DC, and the Doha process, Gen Kainerugaba took to X, expressing Uganda’s significance as one of the major actors in the region in any deal seeking to resolve the crisis in eastern Congo.

“If war breaks out again in Eastern DRC, we will not hesitate for a minute to secure our interests as a country. Not involving the region (i.

e. EAC) in the Doha process was a mistake,” he wrote.

Indeed, last month, the EU special envoy concluded missions to the region’s other actor Burundi, as well as to the antagonists Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Analysts say these efforts highlight Brussels’ move to shed the label its own Parliament cast on the bloc in February, in a strong resolution that condemned the EU’s inaction in the region where the Rwanda-backed M23 were committing serious war crimes.

This is amid global actors pushing their interest in Congo, with the US mediating a peace deal to end the war between the M23 rebel group and the Kinshasa government, in exchange for access to minerals, while China also reportedly monitors how the conflict’s dynamics affect mineral trade. Brussels has since pledged Pound 9 million ($10.43 million) in humanitarian aid to DRC, announced last month by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, to respond to the tragic humanitarian needs in the country.

This brings the total of EU humanitarian assistance to the Great Lakes Region for 2025 to Pound 129 million ($149.50million). This is crucial as a conflict-fuelled humanitarian crisis continues to escalate in eastern Congo, despite a US-brokered peace deal between the DRC and Rwanda on June 27, and a ceasefire truce signed in Doha, Qatar last month, between Kinshasa and the M23 rebels.

Recently, the World Food Programme (WFP) reported a worsening hunger crisis due to the fighting between M23 and Congolese government forces that has seen eastern Congo become the world’s largest crisis for displaced persons. According to WFP, a staggering 5.

2 million people have been displaced, 1.6 million of them just this year.

Amid funding cuts and closed supply routes supplies are dwindling and forcing relief agencies such as Medecins Sans Frontieres and WFP to cut back on programmes as they run out of medical and food assistance. In light of this situation, the EU Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region views the UPDF as a partner that can multitask on its main mission in the DRC hunting down Islamic State-affiliate the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorists to also guarantee humanitarian access.

“I encouraged the UPDF to do what it can to secure humanitarian access, to work closely with the humanitarian actors, and also work with Monusco and to do what they can,” said Borgstam, on his fifth visit to Uganda since his appointment as Great Lakes Region special envoy in September 2024. “It is very important to look at the humanitarian situation also in a military-political perspective,” he added, explaining that funding cuts for humanitarian aid have security and political consequences for all actors when people in refugee and displaced camps have no access to basics. Apparently, Gen Kainerugaba, Lt-Gen Muhanga and the field commanders in Beni, North Kivu, all indicated that securing supply routes and working with humanitarian actors is an integrated part of their mission in Ituri and North Kivu.

“They don’t see engaging with humanitarian partners or others as something that would force them to step back from their military objectives. They are highly professional and understand the negative security impact of a humanitarian situation that gets out of hand,” the EU envoy said.

Borgstam’s visit comes barely a fortnight after French President Emmanuel Macron’s call to reopen Goma Airport, with a pledge of Pound 1.5 billion for humanitarian aid, which the M23 rejected and labelled untimely.

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Washington. The UN Security Council on Monday voted to adopt a U.S.-drafted resolution endorsing President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza and authorizing an international stabilization force for the Palestinian enclave.

Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas agreed last month to the first phase of Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza – a ceasefire in their two-year war and a hostage-release deal – but the UN resolution is seen as vital to legitimizing a transitional governance body and reassuring countries that are considering sending troops to Gaza. The text of the resolution says member states can take part in the Trump-chaired Board of Peace envisioned as a transitional authority that would oversee reconstruction and economic recovery of Gaza.

It also authorizes the international stabilization force, which would ensure a process of demilitarizing Gaza, including by decommissioning weapons and destroying military infrastructure. Hamas, in a statement, reiterated that it will not disarm and argued that its fight against Israel is legitimate resistance, potentially pitting the militant group against the international force authorized by the resolution. U.S Ambassador to United Nations Michael Waltz and other ambassadors vote in favor for a resolution during a meeting of the United Nations Security Council to consider a U.S. proposal for a U.N. mandate to establish an international stabilization force in Gaza, at U.N. headquarters in New York City, U.S., November 17, 2025. “The resolution imposes an international guardianship mechanism on the Gaza Strip, which our people and their factions reject,” Hamas said in its statement, issued after the adoption of the resolution.

Mike Waltz, the U.S.

ambassador to the UN, said the resolution, which includes Trump’s 20-point plan as an annex, “charts a possible pathway for Palestinian self-determination where rockets will give way to olive branches and there is a chance to agree on a political horizon.” “It dismantles Hamas’ grip, it ensures Gaza rises free from terror’s shadow, prosperous and secure,” Waltz told the council ahead of the vote.

Russia, which holds a veto on the Security Council, earlier signaled potential opposition to the resolution but abstained from the vote, allowing the resolution to pass. The UN ambassadors of Russia and China, which also abstained, complained that the resolution does not give the UN a clear role in the future of Gaza.

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Dodoma. The National Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (Nactvet) has called on students who failed to meet the entry requirements for various courses in the 2025/2026 academic year to submit fresh applications before the admission window closes on December 12, 2025. The directive follows the rejection of two percent of applicants to mid-level colleges after they were found ineligible for the programmes they had selected.

Speaking in Dodoma on Monday, November 17, 2025, Nactvet Executive Secretary, Dr Mwajuma Lingwanda, said 108,109 students applied for admission through institutions that admit directly into non-health technical colleges. Of these, 106,022, which is equivalent to 98 percent, were successfully registered, while 2,087 applicants, or two percent, failed to meet the set criteria.

Dr Lingwanda urged all students who were not registered due to a lack of qualifications to reapply for courses that align with their academic backgrounds. “There are cases where students applied for courses they do not qualify for.

For example, some applied to study engineering without having taken the prerequisite subjects. These applicants were rejected, but they are free to reapply to institutions offering programmes that match their previous studies.

They should do this before the registration window closes,” she said. She warned training institutions against admitting students who do not meet the required qualifications, saying those found in breach will face stern legal action.

According to Dr Lingwanda, a total of 49,148 students applied for health and allied sciences programmes, but only 30,553 were selected–representing 80 percent of all applicants. Of those admitted, 20,131 are female (51 percent) and 19,422 are male (49 percent).

She further advised all mid-level colleges to complete the registration of their students before December 12, 2025, and urged admitted students to verify their registration status through Nactvet before beginning classes to avoid complications later. For her part, Nactvet’s Director of Admissions, Examinations and Awards, Dr Marcelina Baitilwake, said several errors continue to occur during the admissions process, particularly where institutions register students on their behalf.

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Arusha. Tanzania’s tourism industry has moved to reassure international visitors that the country remains safe and fully open, despite isolated disturbances that followed the October 29 general election.

The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (Tato), which represents more than 300 private operators, said its own assessments show no security threats to tourists or to the country’s main attractions. “We are satisfied that Tanzania is safe; there’s no fear of a security lapse,” said Tato chairman Wilbard Chambulo.

“We are on the ground, so we are in the best position to tell the truth to our dearest clients. We encourage tourists to come.

The destination is safe.” The statement is reinforced by the Tanzania National Parks (Tanapa), which confirmed that all its 21 national parks remained operational and unaffected by sporadic unrest in several urban centres.

Tanapa Conservation Commissioner Musa Nasoro Kuji said no security incidents involving tourists were reported before, during or after the polls. Visitor numbers surge New data by Tanapa shows international arrivals rose sharply to 48,116 in the first two weeks of November 2025, up from 33,126 in the same period last year, a 45 percent increase.

In October, Tanzania recorded 164,781 international arrivals compared to 157,358 last year, suggesting the disturbances had minimal effect on tourism circuits. Tato’s reassurance follows concerns raised by Germany’s largest online travel magazine, TravelBook, which portrayed Tanzania as unsafe due to violent protests and highlighted various health risks.

Tato said many of the health warnings cited, ranging from diarrhoeal diseases to tick-bite fever, are general tropical travel advisories and not specific to Tanzania. “Millions of visitors travel to Tanzania each year without encountering these issues,” the association said.

“Standard precautions are advisable, but tourists can generally feel reassured that their risk is low.” Safari lodges operate under strict hygiene protocols, anti-malaria tools are widely available, and the risk of schistosomiasis is negligible for typical safari and beach itineraries.

Altitude sickness, Tato added, affects only climbers on Mount Kilimanjaro and is mitigated through proper acclimatisation. Tato argued that TravelBook’s safety tips, such as avoiding demonstrations and keeping valuables secure, are “common-sense guidance applicable worldwide”.

“These tips apply to almost any destination, from New York to Nairobi,” it said. The association reiterated that Tanzania remains a safe and welcoming travel destination with unmatched wildlife, pristine beaches and rich cultural heritage.

“Take standard health precautions, choose reputable operators, and follow basic travel safety guidelines,” Tato advised. “With proper preparation and awareness, tourists can enjoy Tanzania knowing the risks are low and the rewards high.

” Dialogue key after unrest Mr Chambulo said the brief unrest should serve as a reminder of the importance of dialogue between the government and citizens to safeguard stability. “Tourism is extremely sensitive, and we are grateful it remained stable even during that moment of uncertainty,” he said.

“But we should not take this for granted. Dialogue is essential to ensure such incidents do not recur.

” The disturbances, which resulted in deaths and the destruction of infrastructure–including fuel stations, police posts, hotels and guesthouses–were confined to specific urban areas far from tourist circuits. Mr Chambulo cautioned against excessive force in crowd control, arguing that peaceful engagement helps maintain stability.

Tourist hotspots unaffected A post-unrest assessment by Tato found that major tourism sites, airports, hotels, national parks and safari routes were entirely unaffected. Safaris, domestic flights and transfers proceeded without interruption, and no incidents involving tourists were reported at any point.

Tato also issued a global travel update confirming that top attractions–including Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Ruaha, Manyara, Tarangire, Nyerere, Mount Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar–remained calm and fully operational. The association said some foreign media had conflated standard travel advisories with active threats, despite no new health risks emerging.

Tourist arrivals continue at normal levels, and operators report stable bookings. Maintaining peace for growth Solo Adventure Director, Athumani Njiku, said Tanzania can maintain its upward tourism trajectory by upholding peace and ensuring justice.

“Peace in Tanzania remains intact, and the country’s beauty continues to impress visitors,” he said. “The key is to prevent unrest from taking root.

International media should not be silenced, but provided with facts to avoid misinformation.” Tanzania surpassed its 2025 tourism target of five million visitors by April, reaching 5.

3 million arrivals. The government now aims for eight million visitors annually by 2030, driven by reforms, infrastructure upgrades and intensified marketing.

Tato said achieving these targets will require predictable conditions for investors and visitors, and continued engagement between authorities, the public and the industry. Additional reporting by Bertha Ismail .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has joined the global community in marking World Prematurity Day, commemorated this year under the theme Give Preterm Babies the Best Start to Life for Better Health.

The observance comes at a time when the country continues to face high numbers of premature births, with more than 250,000 babies born preterm each year. A statement issued by the Ministry of Health shows that one in every ten babies in Tanzania is born prematurely.

Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 15 million babies are born preterm annually, with more than one million dying from related complications–making prematurity one of the world’s leading causes of neonatal deaths. In response to this challenge, the government says it is intensifying efforts to strengthen maternal and newborn care.

Key interventions include the construction of specialised neonatal wards, expansion of infrastructure for treating sick and premature newborns, procurement and distribution of essential medical equipment, and continuous training of healthcare workers to enhance their capacity to manage preterm births. According to the ministry, this year’s theme underscores the urgency of ensuring that every premature baby receives timely medical attention, adequate nutrition and strong support from parents, health workers and the wider community to survive, grow and reach full developmental potential.

Providing further context on what constitutes a premature birth, Dr Living Colman, a gynaecologist at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), said preterm babies are those delivered before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. The causes vary, he explained, and may include infections, medical complications during pregnancy or circumstances that necessitate early induction of labour or caesarean delivery.

“Many premature babies need to remain in hospital for weeks or even months for treatment until their organs are fully developed and they no longer require specialised medical support,” Dr Colman said. “They must also reach a point where they can maintain their body temperature and attain the required body weight.

” He added that although notable progress has been achieved through government investment in maternal and neonatal services, further efforts are needed–particularly in promoting community awareness of the importance of early antenatal clinic attendance and in ensuring continuous improvements in neonatal care to further reduce deaths linked to prematurity. Neonatal specialist Dr Julius Twoli noted that among the recommended interventions is the widely recognised skin-to-skin, or kangaroo mother care, approach.

“This method helps premature babies maintain body temperature and significantly improves survival rates,” he said. .

Dnipro, Ukraine. Russian drones damaged a building housing the Dnipro newsroom of public broadcaster Suspilne and Ukrainian Radio Dnipro in a major overnight attack on the city, Suspilne said early on Tuesday.

Vladyslav Haivanenko, the acting governor of Dnipropetrovsk region, of which Dnipro is the administrative centre, said on the Telegram messaging app that Russian drones pounded the region late on Monday, injuring two people, sparking several fires and damaging apartment blocks and city infrastructure. Suspilne said on the Telegram messaging app that a fire broke out, windows and doors were blown out, and the building’s floors and roof were damaged, but no staff were inside at the time.

The broadcaster posted a photo showing a gaping hole torn through a building’s concrete floors, leaving exposed metal reinforcing bars, dangling wires and collapsed ceiling panels below. Suspilne is Ukraine’s nationwide public broadcaster, operating television, radio and online news services through a network of regional outlets across the country.

Dnipro, an industrial city in east-central Ukraine, and the wider Dnipropetrovsk region have faced repeated Russian missile and drone attacks during the nearly four-year-old war, killing civilians and damaging housing, industry and infrastructure. There was no immediate comment from Russia on the attack.

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Dar es Salaam. For many years, Tanzania’s education landscape has battled a persistent and complex question: what becomes of students once they enter the system? From pre-primary levels to secondary school, thousands of learners disappear from official records, creating a long trail of inconsistencies that has repeatedly frustrated policymakers and education stakeholders.

The issue came sharply back into the spotlight as the country began its 2025 Form Four examinations, on November 17, when data exposed a striking drop between students selected for secondary education and those who reached the final year. Government records show that of the 907,803 students selected to join Form One in 2022, only 595,816 are currently sitting for Form Four exams.

While authorities have since clarified that those missing from the list include students who never reported to school, those who failed Form Two exams, dropouts due to various reasons, and those who migrated abroad. The fact remains that more than a third of the original cohort has not reached the expected milestone.

Such gaps, which re-occur year after year, point to a deeper challenge in the country’s ability to monitor its learners effectively. To address this long-standing problem, the government is now preparing to introduce what it describes as a comprehensive and robust student-tracking system.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Prof Carolyne Nombo, said the goal is to establish a seamless mechanism that follows students from early childhood through higher education. “The system will allow us to verify students’ numbers accurately and track movement across schools and regions.

We aim to identify students who repeat, drop out, or transfer, ensuring that no child is left unaccounted for,” she said. Prof Nombo added that the system will be linked from the earliest point possible, with the government exploring the possibility of registering children at birth to support long-term monitoring.

She emphasised that this approach would enable the ministry to create a clear and unbroken education journey for every child in the country. “By registering children from birth, we can streamline monitoring and provide support throughout their education journey.

Our goal is to ensure that all children can complete their schooling,” she noted. She further highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure that students who dropped out are given opportunities to re-enter the system, either through formal, non-formal or higher education pathways.

Lesson from other countries While the idea may seem ambitious, Tanzania is not venturing into unknown territory. Several countries have implemented similar systems with measurable success, offering useful lessons for local policymakers.

In Kenya, the introduction of the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) revolutionised the way learners are tracked. Each student receives a Unique Personal Identifier that follows them throughout their education.

The system exposed thousands of ghost learners, enhanced accountability, and made the distribution of capitation grants far more accurate. India provides another powerful example through its UDISE+ platform, linked to the national identification system known as Aadhaar.

The country manages millions of student profiles, tracking enrolment, attendance, performance and movement between schools. Rwanda, too, has experienced significant gains with its Education Management Information System, which played a role in reducing national dropout rates from 14 percent in 2012 to below 8 percent by 2020, according to UNESCO.

These models share a common feature: a centralised learning identity that enables real-time visibility of a student’s progress. Experts believe Tanzania stands to benefit immensely from adopting a digital tracking system tailored to its environment.

A centralised portal enabling schools to update attendance, academic performance, transfers and re-entry cases in real time would significantly strengthen transparency and planning. Integrating the education system with social services could further help identify children at risk of dropping out due to pregnancy, illness, poverty or disability.

Education researcher Dr Thomas Mallya argues that such a system could reshape the country’s education landscape. “Tanzania loses children at every stage because we lack real-time tracking,” he says.

“A digital system would finally give us visibility, enabling early interventions before a student disappears completely.” While he acknowledges the challenge of limited internet connectivity in some regions, he notes that recent government investments in the National ICT Broadband Backbone position Tanzania well for this transition.

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Dar es Salaam. A delegation of 10 Ugandan startups is in Tanzania for a Regional Market Immersion Tour organised by the Stanbic Biashara Incubator in partnership with Hindsight Ventures.

The four-day tour, running from November 16 to 19, forms part of efforts to link East African entrepreneurs to regional value chains and new investment opportunities. The session brings together the Ugandan delegation and 25 Tanzanian startups, alongside officials from the Uganda Ministry of Trade, Stanbic Bank and ecosystem partners.

The turnout reflected growing interest in cross-border learning and market access among emerging businesses. Supported by the Uganda Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, the initiative aims to close the gap between startup innovation and market access across East Africa.

For Tanzania, the exchange reinforces its position as a developing hub for entrepreneurship and trade. The programme builds on East Africa’s innovation ecosystem, which includes startups, investors, policy institutions and corporate enablers advancing economic transformation through technology and entrepreneurship.

During discussions, founders from both countries explored opportunities to collaborate, develop joint products and pursue ventures addressing shared needs in financial inclusion, agriculture and digital services. Head of the Stanbic Biashara Incubator at Stanbic Bank Tanzania, Kai Mollel, said the exchange was designed to build practical understanding.

“The Ugandan startups are gaining exposure to how Tanzanian enterprises operate, while our entrepreneurs are learning from Uganda’s innovation culture,” he said. Chairperson of the Startup Technical Committee at the Uganda Ministry of Trade, James Makula Mukasa, said regional collaboration strengthens the wider ecosystem.

“Uganda and Tanzania share a vision for entrepreneurship-led growth, and bringing our founders together opens new pathways for investment and market expansion,” he said. Tanzania’s startup ecosystem continues to grow, supported by the banking sector, SMEs and policies promoting innovation.

The Stanbic Biashara Incubator plays a central role by offering training, finance and market access. CEO of Yana Corporation, Nuru Lema, said the programme provides insight into regional market trends.

“Engaging with founders from Uganda helps us understand new opportunities and build partnerships,” she said. Through its programmes, the Stanbic Biashara Incubator has supported more than 5,000 entrepreneurs and 600 SMEs in Tanzania.

The current tour is expected to generate business partnerships, investment prospects and policy insights that strengthen the regional innovation landscape. .

The Tanzanian media is in a state of quiet trauma. The recent political crisis marked by heightened tension, censorship pressure, online hostility and confusion over truth and propaganda has left deep psychological and institutional scars across the media landscape.

In newsrooms across the country, you can sense it: editors more cautious than usual and digital teams wondering whether publishing a single tweet might trigger a storm. This isn’t just a momentary discomfort.

It’s a crisis of confidence. The media, long seen as the conscience of society, suddenly found itself caught between power and the people trying to report, verify and explain a rapidly shifting reality without losing its own credibility or safety.

Many journalists describe this period as one of “walking on eggshells,” where every word carried weight and every silence felt like complicity. But as the dust begins to settle, one truth remains: for Tanzania’s democracy to heal, its media must heal too.

When a nation goes through political turmoil, the focus often falls on leaders, institutions and public reactions. Yet, the media, its reporters, editors, camera operators and commentators are also frontline witnesses.

They absorb the tension firsthand. They see fear in the eyes of citizens, anger in the voices of politicians and uncertainty in the flow of information.

Over time, this constant exposure creates what psychologists call “collective trauma”. Journalists may not show it openly, but many carry emotional fatigue.

Burnout rises, cynicism deepens and creativity suffers. Some begin to self-censor as a coping mechanism; others detach emotionally from their work to survive the day.

In Tanzania, this trauma manifests in subtle but telling ways hesitant editorial decisions, overly cautious headlines and a decline in investigative courage. Newsrooms that once debated fiercely now avoid sensitive topics altogether.

The instinct to question has been replaced by the instinct to protect. Healing starts by naming this condition for what it is.

The Tanzanian media is not just facing a content crisis; it’s facing an emotional and ethical one. The first step toward healing is reflection.

The media must ask itself: Who are we and who do we serve? In moments of political crisis, it’s easy for journalism to lose its compass, to become reactive rather than purposeful. But the strength of the press lies in clarity of mission to inform, to hold power accountable and to protect the public’s right to know.

Healing requires revisiting that mission, free from fear and fatigue. Media houses should hold internal dialogues in safe spaces where editors, reporters and staff can share experiences, frustrations and hopes.

These sessions aren’t about apportioning blame but rebuilding collective purpose. Training on trauma-informed journalism should also become standard.

Journalists covering conflict or politics need not only technical skills but also emotional resilience. Understanding how trauma affects perception, judgment and reporting helps ensure coverage remains fair and humane.

The political crisis didn’t just shake newsrooms it also eroded public confidence. Audiences, overwhelmed by misinformation and polarisation, began to question everything, including the credibility of mainstream outlets.

To rebuild that trust, media must double down on transparency. Explain how stories are verified.

Publish corrections promptly. Show audiences what ethical journalism looks like in action.

When the public sees effort, honesty and accountability, trust returns gradually. Moreover, collaboration is key.

Competing outlets can come together around national interest stories joint investigations or fact-checking projects to demonstrate that truth is larger than any single brand. Media owners and leaders must also recognise that the industry’s wounds aren’t only emotional; they’re structural.

Low pay, unsafe working conditions and lack of legal protection all contribute to vulnerability. This is the time for media organisations, associations and donors to invest in recovery.

Establishing media wellness programmes, counselling services and peer-support networks should no longer be seen as luxuries but as necessities. Healing institutions build stronger journalism.

Healing is not a return to “normal”. It’s a transformation.

The media must emerge from this moment more self-aware, resilient and ethical than before. It begins with empathy for the public, for sources and for each other inside the newsroom.

It grows through courage the willingness to confront uncomfortable truths, even within our own profession. And it endures through integrity by remembering that credibility, once lost, is hard to regain.

The political storm may have passed, but its echo remains. Tanzanian journalism now faces a test of endurance: can it rebuild the moral confidence that allows it to speak truth to power without fear or favour? The answer will define not only the future of the profession but also the strength of the democracy it serves.

Because when the media heals, the nation heals too. Angel Navuri is Head of Advertising, Partnerships and Events at Mwananchi Communications Limited .

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has unveiled her new Cabinet, leaving out seven ministers who served in her previous government.

Those relieved of their ministerial duties include former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr Doto Biteko; Hussein Bashe (Agriculture); Innocent Bashungwa (Home Affairs); Jenista Mhagama (Health); Dr Seleman Jafo (Industries and Trade); Dr Pindi Chana (Natural Resources and Tourism) and Dr Damas Ndumbaro (Constitution and Legal Affairs). All seven ministers will, however, retain their parliamentary seats.

The reshuffle marks one of the significant changes in President Samia’s Cabinet, reflecting a strategic move to bring in new faces while retaining experienced lawmakers in the National Assembly. .