Category: The Citizen

GENEVA. The U.

N. World Food Programme warned on Friday it may have to pause food aid to help millions of malnourished people in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo by February due to a major funding crisis.

“We’re at historically low levels of funding. We’ve probably received about $150 million this year,” said Cynthia Jones, country director of the WFP for the DRC, pointing to a need for $350 million to help people in desperate need in the West African country.

More than 3.2 million people are facing emergency levels of acute food insecurity in the eastern DRC, characterised by large food gaps and high levels of acute malnutrition, according to a report by a global food monitor released on Tuesday.

The area has been rocked by more than a year of fighting. The Rwandan-backed M23 rebels staged a lightning offensive this year in South Kivu province that allowed them to seize more territory than ever before.

Rwanda has denied supporting the rebels. Both M23 and Congolese forces have been accused of carrying out atrocities.

Previously the WFP was reaching about 1 million people per month with food assistance, but has now had to reduce that number to 600,000 people per month amid dwindling funding. “If we were to continue reaching 600,000 people per month, we would break completely by February, March.

That’s the reality. That’s how dire the situation is,” Jones said.

In recent years the WFP had received up to $600 million in funding. In 2024 it received about $380 million.

U.N.

agencies, including the WFP, have been hit by major cuts in U.S.

foreign aid as well as other major European donors reducing overseas aid budgets to increase defence spending. .

ISABELA, Philippines. The Philippines evacuated over 100,000 residents across its eastern and northern regions as Fung-wong intensified on Sunday into a super typhoon ahead of its expected arrival later in the day, threatening to unleash torrential rains, destructive winds, and storm surges.

Storm alert signals have been hoisted across large parts of the Philippines, with Signal No. 5, the highest warning, raised over southeastern Luzon, including Catanduanes and coastal areas of Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur, while Metro Manila and surrounding areas are under Signal No.

3. Packing sustained winds of 185 kph (115 mph) and gusts of up to 230 kph, Super Typhoon Fung-wong, locally known as Uwan, is forecast to make landfall in Aurora province in central Luzon Sunday night at the earliest.

Parts of Eastern Visayas were already experiencing power outages. Some images shared by the Philippine Coast Guard in Camarines Sur showed evacuees carrying bags and personal belongings as they transferred from long, narrow passenger boats to waiting trucks during preemptive evacuation operations.

300 flights cancelled More than 300 domestic and international flights have been cancelled, according to the civil aviation regulator. A video shared by ABS-CBN News on X showed stormy conditions in Catanduanes province, with an overcast sky, tree branches swaying violently in the wind, and strong rain visibly falling and pounding the area, its intensity audible.

Fung-wong approached the Philippines just days after the country was battered by Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed 204 people and left a trail of destruction before slamming into Vietnam, where it claimed five more lives and devastated coastal communities. In the fishing village of Vung Cheo in central Vietnam, fishing vessels were seen piled up in wrecks along the main road on Saturday, where hundreds of lobster farms had been washed away or damaged.

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Sunday that he was ready to meet U.S.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio but that Russia would not abandon its core conditions for ending the Ukraine war. U.

S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to broker an end to the Ukraine war, the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War Two, have so far failed and he last month abruptly cancelled a planned summit with President Vladimir Putin in Budapest.

The Kremlin on Friday dismissed Western media reports that Lavrov had fallen out of favour with Putin when the summit plans collapsed after Lavrov’s ministry sent a message indicating Moscow was not prepared to yield on its demands over Ukraine. “Secretary of State Marco Rubio and I understand the need for regular communication,” Lavrov, Putin’s foreign minister since 2004, told state news agency RIA Novosti.

“It is important for discussing the Ukrainian issue and promoting the bilateral agenda. That is why we communicate by telephone and are ready to hold face-to-face meetings when necessary,” Lavrov said.

Nearly four years since Putin sent thousands of troops into Ukraine, Russian forces are grinding forwards and control about 19% of Ukraine – land Moscow now says is legally part of Russia, though Ukraine and Western European powers say they will never formally accept that. Lavrov said that the “understandings” reached by Putin and Trump at their August 15 summit at a military base in Anchorage, Alaska, were based on Putin’s June 2024 demands and ideas from Trump envoy Steve Witkoff.

Putin laid out his core conditions in June 2024, demanding Kyiv renounce its plans to join the U.S.

-led NATO military alliance and withdraw troops from the entirety of the four provinces Moscow claims as part of Russia: Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine – which make up the Donbas – plus Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in the south. Russia currently controls Crimea, which it annexed in 2014, almost all of Luhansk, about 80% of Donetsk, 75% of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, and slivers of the Kharkiv, Sumy, Mykolaiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has acknowledged that some Russian-occupied territories might be recognised as temporarily de facto occupied but has ruled out any de jure recognition. He says he does not have a mandate to give away territory and that any withdrawal would expose both Ukraine and its European allies to new Russian attacks.

Novorossiya is a noun Russians use for a swathe of south-eastern Ukraine which became part of the Tsarist empire in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also the name of a pro-Russian movement to re-assert Russian control over the territory.

Asked about European plans to use most of the 210 billion euros worth of Russian sovereign assets currently frozen in Europe to fund Ukraine, Lavrov said there was no legal way to take the assets and that Russia would retaliate if they were taken. He said the United States had informed Moscow through diplomatic channels that it was reviewing Putin’s proposal to maintain the limitations outlined in the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) beyond its scheduled expiration in February 2026. “We are now awaiting for confirmation from the United States that the Anchorage agreements remain in force,” Lavrov said.

He added, in the U.S.

context, that “no one questions the territorial integrity of Russia and the choice of the residents of Crimea, Donbas and Novorossiya” to reunite with their “historical homeland”. .

Dar es Salaam. The Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania in Tel Aviv is working closely with the government of Israel to complete the repatriation of Tanzanian agricultural intern Joshua Loitu Mollel, who was confirmed dead after being taken hostage during the October 7, 2023, attacks in Gaza.

A public notice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation shows that on Friday, November 7, 2025, Israeli authorities confirmed that the human remains recently handed over from Gaza belong to the Tanzanian students, bringing an end to months of uncertainty for his family and the nation. The Ministry says the embassy is coordinating the final procedures to ensure Mollel’s remains are returned home for a dignified burial.

“The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, is closely coordinating with the family to facilitate the reception of the body and ensure an honourable burial for our young compatriot,” reads part of the public notice. The confirmation marks a solemn yet relieving moment for Mollel’s family, who had been waiting for news since his disappearance.

Mollel, 21, was one of two Tanzanian nationals working as agricultural interns in Israel when the Hamas attacks occurred. He was killed during the assault, and his body was taken into Gaza.

The Ministry described the confirmation as “good news that brings great relief to the family and the nation at large,” while reiterating its condolences to the Mollel family and all Tanzanians affected by the tragedy. Mollel’s death underscores the far-reaching impact of the IsraelHamas conflict, which has claimed thousands of lives and displaced many more since the October 7, 2023, attacks.

Further details on the arrival of the body remains and subsequent funeral arrangements are expected to be announced once the repatriation process is finalised. Reports show Mollel arrived in Israel as an agricultural intern at Kibbutz Nahal Oz just 19 days before October 7, 2023, on his first trip outside Tanzania, full of excitement to advance his career.

During the attack led by Hamas, Mollel was working in the kibbutz’s barn. On December 13, 2023, his father was officially notified of his death by Israeli authorities.

The human rights organisation Hotline for Refugees and Migrants reported that 36 Tanzanian agricultural interns were living in Israel near Gaza at the time of the attack. .

Dar es Salaam. A new experimental malaria vaccine known as SUM-101 has produced encouraging findings in its first trial among Tanzanian adults previously exposed to malaria.

The study, led by researchers Aina-ekisha Kahatano and Maxmillian Mpina of the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), shows the vaccine is safe, well-tolerated, and capable of triggering a strong immune response, marking a significant advance in global malaria research. According to the researchers, SUM-101 could play an important role in improving next-generation malaria vaccines, complementing existing ones such as RTS and R21, which the World Health Organisation (WHO) has approved but which offer only partial protection.

Despite major gains in prevention and control, malaria continues to take a heavy toll, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where it remains a leading cause of illness and death, with Tanzania recording millions of cases annually. A more effective vaccine that targets multiple stages of the malaria parasite could sharply increase protection levels.

Lead co-authors Kahatano and Mpina said the new findings point to strong potential for improving malaria vaccine performance, especially in high-transmission settings. “This study adds evidence that combining vaccines targeting both the blood stage and early stages of the parasite can deliver broader and longer-lasting protection,” said Kahatano.

The clinical trial was conducted in Bagamoyo and involved 40 healthy adults aged 18 to 45 living in moderate-transmission areas. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: one received the SUM-101 vaccine, while the control group received a standard rabies vaccine.

Presenting the results, Kahatano said no serious adverse effects were recorded, noting that most reactions were mild and temporary, including slight pain at the injection site, headaches, or brief fatigue. “There was a strong immune response.

SUM-101 generated high levels of antibodies, IgG, and IgM, that peaked around day 84 and remained elevated for months,” he explained. He said the antibodies produced were capable of recognising and neutralising a range of malaria parasite strains, noting that the vaccine also appeared to enhance natural immunity.

“People who already had some level of natural immunity to malaria showed a stronger response after vaccination,” he said. Researchers overseeing the trial, Dr Ally Olotu of IHI and Dr Claudia Daubenberger of the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, said SUM-101 not only proved safe but also boosted the body’s natural defences against malaria.

The study was undertaken jointly by experts from the Ifakara Health Institute, the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, the University of Basel, Sumaya Biotech GmbH and Co. KG of Germany, and the University Hospital of Heidelberg.

Partial funding was provided by Sumaya Biotech GmbH and Co. KG through support from the EU Malaria Fund in Berlin.

Co-author Mpina said the team believes the findings set the stage for larger trials to test the vaccine’s efficacy among wider populations, including children, who remain the most vulnerable group. “We are hopeful that this vaccine could become part of a new generation of malaria vaccines that are safer, more potent, and capable of saving millions of lives,” he said.

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Dar es Salaam. Ten years after the historic Paris Agreement was adopted, global leaders are warning that despite notable climate progress, the world is failing to curb the rising loss and damage already devastating vulnerable communities.

Speaking in Belem, Brazil, on Friday, November 7, 2025, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the clean-energy transition is advancing “at lightning speed”, but not fast enough to protect countries from worsening climate-related destruction. “Even if new national commitments are fully implemented, the world is still heading for clearly more than 2 degrees of warming.

That means more floods, more heat, more suffering everywhere,” he said. Scientists have cautioned that the 1.

5C threshold could be breached as early as the early 2030s. The longer the world stays above this limit, the more extreme events will intensify, destroying farms, displacing families, and draining national budgets struggling to rebuild after repeated shocks.

These impacts are already translating into irreversible loss and damage for the poorest nations. Guterres stressed that a just energy transition must protect people on the frontlines, especially those whose livelihoods depend on fossil fuels.

UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell. “Put people and equity at the centre of the transition,” he urged, calling for training, social protection, and new economic opportunities, particularly for youth and women.

He also emphasised the urgent need to unlock affordable financing for developing nations, noting that Africa currently receives just two percent of global clean-energy investment, despite being among the regions experiencing the most severe loss and damage from climate-driven disasters. “The fossil fuel age is ending.

Clean energy is rising. Let us make the transition fair, fast, and final,” declared Guterres.

UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell echoed these concerns, reminding nations that while the Paris Agreement “bent the curve” of global heating from a catastrophic 5C to below 3C, “this is still perilous” as climate impacts intensify across all regions. “History will not ask what we intended.

It will ask what we achieved,” said Stiell, urging countries to submit stronger Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) backed by real financial resources to shield those most exposed to climate harm. Stiell noted evidence that climate cooperation is working: 90 percent of new power capacity added last year was renewable, and $2 trillion (Sh5,000 trillion) was invested in clean energy, double the amount flowing to fossil fuels.

Yet he warned that nations bearing the brunt of droughts, cyclones, floods, and rising seas still face major challenges in accessing finance to protect lives, infrastructure, and livelihoods. “We all know that plans without finance cannot reach their full potential.

Finance is the great accelerator,” he said. He stressed that the Baku to Belem Roadmap must transform current climate finance from $300 billion (Sh750 trillion) a year to $1.3 trillion (Sh3,250 trillion) by 2035 to meet global needs.

He emphasised that climate finance is not charity but “an investment in stability and prosperity”, particularly as the cost of inaction is already visible through escalating loss and damage in vulnerable nations. Both leaders insisted that without fair access to finance, technology, and investment, climate impacts will continue to trap developing nations in cycles of loss, debt, and delayed recovery.

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Dar es Salaam. As the world prepares for COP30 in Belem, Brazil, on November 10, African negotiators, civil society organisations, and climate experts convey one clear message: the Loss and Damage agenda must move from symbolic pledges to actual funding reaching affected communities on the ground.

For African countries, loss and damage are no longer theoretical, since climate-fuelled disasters are destroying lives, heritage, and economic stability across the continent. The African Group of Negotiators (AGN) Chairman, Mr Richard Muyangi, said Africa enters COP30 with a decade of escalating climate impacts that demand stronger global support.

He pointed to climate-related harms already unfolding across the continent, stressing that African countries are facing mounting damages and require grant-based financing rather than loans that deepen debt. Dr Muyangi noted that stalled progress on the proposed $1.3 trillion (Sh3,250 trillion) global finance goal limits the continent’s ability to respond to worsening climate shocks.

“The Global Goal on Adaptation is central to reducing vulnerability. Indicators should be there to measure real resilience and address impacts already being felt,” he said.

Dr Muyangi also warned that many National Adaptation Plans remain unfunded, preventing countries from managing growing climate losses, underscoring a persistent gap between Africa’s needs and available resources to confront climate damage. Power Shift Africa, a climate think tank based in Nairobi, captures the urgency on its X account, stating: “Loss and damage is already a lived reality.

Africa is losing lives, cultural heritage, farmland, coastlines, infrastructure, and public budgets to climate impacts it did not cause.” The institution adds that with projected losses of $290 to $440 billion (Sh725 to Sh1,100 trillion) by 2030, Africa needs the Loss and Damage Fund to deliver finance directly to countries and communities, without years of bureaucracy or loans.

Across the region, communities that have lost homes to floods, watched fisheries collapse, or seen farmland turn barren due to drought feel the effects first. Yet, financial support promised under global climate agreements has been painfully slow, often caught in lengthy processes.

The Africa Group insists the Fund must be fully operational, fairly governed, and capable of delivering timely support to vulnerable countries. Speaking ahead of COP30, Kenya’s Climate Envoy and former AGN chair, Mr Ali Mohamed, stressed Africa’s expectations: “Africa has been consistent and firm in its position on finance.

We cannot afford delays. Communities are facing irreversible loss today, and delivery on commitments must have no reverse gear.

” The AGN is pushing for predictable, grant-based finance, not loans that increase debt burdens on already struggling economies. African negotiators further insist that frontline communities must have direct access to resources, not only governments or intermediaries.

Civil society demands a justice-driven approach African civil society is equally vocal, with the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) repeatedly urging COP30 to adopt a justice-centred approach that acknowledges historical responsibility. In a recent regional communique, PACJA noted on X that: “Loss and damage finance must reflect the principles of climate justice.

Communities that bear no responsibility for the crisis should not be forced into further debt or left behind by complex access procedures.” CSOs argue the Fund must guarantee transparency, community representation, and accountability.

They warn that if the Fund is captured by large institutions or influenced by Global North donor conditions, it risks repeating past climate finance failures. Experts warn of ‘too little, too slow’ funding Independent African experts caution that existing pledges, though welcome, fall far short of what is needed.

Climate analyst and Power Shift Africa Executive Director Mohamed Adow recently warned that Africa cannot rely on goodwill: “Loss and damage costs for Africa alone could reach hundreds of billions of dollars by 2030. Token pledges won’t protect people who have already lost homes, crops, fisheries, and futures. COP30 must deliver tangible outcomes.

” Analysts also highlight that previous climate finance mechanisms, such as the Green Climate Fund, took years to reach countries at a pace Africa says is unacceptable amid escalating climate disasters. What Africa is demanding at COP30? With the Fund now established in principle, Africa sees COP30 as the moment to make it fully functional.

A clear set of demands is emerging across governments, NGOs, and experts. Power Shift Africa summarises the continent’s call for COP30 in Brazil: “Fully capitalise the Fund, deliver finance as grants, not loans, guarantee direct access for frontline communities, recognise Loss and Damage as a permanent third pillar of climate action.

” The “third pillar” refers to treating Loss and Damage with equal importance to mitigation and adaptation, a long-standing demand from climate-vulnerable nations. .

Dar es Salaam. The gender gap in Tanzania’s telecommunications sector continues to widen, with male users registering a stronger increase in mobile subscriptions compared with their female counterparts, according to the latest report from the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA).

The newly released statistics for the quarter ending September 2025 indicate that the country recorded 99.3 million active telecommunications subscriptions, representing a penetration rate of 145.7 percent from the previous quarter. Data from the report show that male subscriptions rose to 50,457,144 in the September quarter, up from 47,109,356 recorded between April and June, an increase of 3,347,788 subscriptions, equivalent to 7.

1 percent growth. Meanwhile, female subscriptions increased to 47,708,505 from 44,543,087 over the same period, a rise of 3,165,418 subscriptions, also about 7.

1 percent growth. Although both genders recorded growth, men continue to outnumber women, highlighting a persistent digital gender divide in mobile access and technology use.

The report notes that Dar es Salaam retained its top position with 18.28 million active subscriptions, followed by Mwanza (6.58 million), Arusha (5.98 million), Mbeya (5.71 million), and Dodoma (5.30 million). TCRA Director General, Dr Jabir Bakari, said the growth reflects the sector’s resilience and its critical role in advancing Tanzania’s digital economy.

“The communications sector continued to record notable growth during the quarter ending September 2025, underscoring its vital role in socio-economic development. The sector remained resilient and adaptive, reflecting increased investment, innovation, and consumer uptake across telecommunications, broadcasting, and postal and courier services,” the report stated.

Dr Bakari added that the performance demonstrates Tanzania’s progress towards a digitally empowered and inclusive society, while urging continued efforts to bridge the gender gap in technology access. “The quarter’s results reaffirm strong momentum towards a more connected, inclusive, and digitally empowered Tanzania.

TCRA remains committed to fostering an enabling environment that supports infrastructure investment, innovation, and sustainable growth in line with national development priorities and the vision of a digital economy,” he said. Commenting on other aspects of telecommunications and internet services, the report highlighted sustained increases in subscriptions, mobile money usage, and data consumption, driven by expanding broadband infrastructure and wider adoption of smart devices.

Mobile subscriptions rose by 7.1 percent, voice traffic increased by 9.

5 percent, and data usage grew by 16.6 percent compared with the previous quarter. The rollout of 4G and continued deployment of 5G networks strengthened national connectivity and positioned the country for greater participation in the digital economy.

Internet subscriptions also increased by 4.1 percent, reaching 56.3 million, while broadband population coverage expanded to 94.2 percent for 4G and 28.9 percent for 5G.

Mobile money platforms continued to facilitate financial inclusion, while improvements in service quality reflected operators’ ongoing efforts to meet regulatory standards and customer expectations. .

Mwanza. A total of 172 residents of Mwanza have been arraigned before the Nyamagana District Court to face multiple criminal charges, including armed robbery, willful destruction of property, unlawful assembly, and disorderly conduct.

The suspects appeared before different magistrates on Friday, November 7, 2025, accused of committing the offences between October 29 and 31, 2025, in various parts of Nyamagana District. The prosecution team, led by State Attorney Jaines Kihwelo and assisted by Hellen Mabula and Sara Perias, was opposed by a team of lawyers from the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS), Mwanza Chapter, including Erick Mutta, Lugano Kitanga, Emmanuel John, and Salehe Nassoro.

According to court records, the suspects were brought before the court between 2 p.m.

and 5 p.m.

, where the charges were formally read. They were all remanded in custody, as one of the key charges–armed robbery–is not subject to bail under Tanzanian law.

The accused are charged under Section 287A of the Penal Code, Chapter 16 (Revised Edition 2023) for armed robbery, and Section 326(1) for willful destruction of property. Separate cases In one case, 86 suspects were charged with two counts of property destruction and armed robbery before Senior Resident Magistrate Amani Sumari.

Prosecutor Kihwelo told the court that on October 30, 2025, at Isamilo area, the accused allegedly damaged the Mwanza City Council office building and stole 13 plastic chairs, threatening a security guard with machetes and stones in the process. The prosecution said investigations were still ongoing and requested an adjournment.

Defense lawyer Mutta urged the court to direct the prosecution to expedite the process so the case could proceed. Magistrate Sumari adjourned the case to November 19, 2025, with all accused persons remanded pending further mention.

In a separate case, 36 other suspects were charged with arson and armed robbery, accused of setting fire to the Mabatini Police Station on October 30, 2025, and stealing police equipment, including a radio call and uniforms, after allegedly threatening an on-duty officer with machetes and iron rods.That case was adjourned to November 21, 2025. Another group of 11 suspects faced charges of holding an unlawful demonstration and armed robbery, while six others were accused of disorderly conduct and armed robbery.

Additionally, 11 suspects were charged under Section 319(a)(b) for allegedly setting fire to a Lake Oil fuel station in Igoma on October 30, 2025, and face an additional armed robbery charge. Another six suspects were charged separately for unlawful demonstrations.

All suspects remain in custody, pending the next mention of their respective cases. TLS to provide legal support The Tanganyika Law Society (TLS), through its Mwanza Chapter, has stepped in to provide legal aid to the accused.

Speaking after the court sessions, TLS Mwanza Vice Chairperson, Erick Mutta, said the society decided to offer representation as part of its ongoing legal aid programme in the region. “By 5 p.

m. on November 7, a total of 172 suspects had appeared before different magistrates, facing various charges linked to the post-election unrest and demonstrations that occurred between October 29 and 31,” he said.

“In total, the charges include arson, willful destruction of property, armed robbery, and disorderly conduct,” he added, noting that none of the suspects had been granted bail since armed robbery is a non-bailable offence. .

Dar es Salaam. Businesswoman Jennifer Jovin (26), popularly known as “Niffer,” and 239 others have been arraigned before the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court to face treason charges stemming from protests that followed the 2025 general election.

Niffer, who was arrested a few days before election day, appeared in court on Friday, November 7, 2025, alongside co-accused persons who were detained on October 29, 2025–the day of the polls–at different locations across Dar es Salaam. The suspects, who arrived at court around 5:54 a.

m. in three Prison Service buses, included several individuals who appeared injured or limping, reportedly as a result of beatings or gunshot wounds.

Some were said to still have bullets lodged in their bodies. The group comprises a wide range of individuals, including motorcycle taxi riders, students, artisans, bus conductors, mobile money agents, event MCs, mechanics, and decorators.

Others are professionals such as journalist Simon Makaranga (26) from Mbagala, teachers Lucianus Luchius (28) from Mbweni and John Mawakili (30) from Temboni, accountant Paulo Malima (28) from Changanyikeni, and laboratory technologist Benadetha Laizer (26). The accused were charged in five separate counts before three different magistrates, facing counts of conspiracy and treason.

However, magistrates in all cases informed the accused that they were not required to enter any plea, as the Resident Magistrate’s Court lacks jurisdiction to hear treason cases. The charges will instead be heard before the High Court once investigations are complete.

They also clarified that since treason is a non-bailable offence, all suspects would remain in remand custody pending the completion of investigations. State Attorneys told the court that investigations were still ongoing.

Niffer’s charge The first group, involving Niffer and 21 others, was charged under Preliminary Inquiry (PI) No. 26388 of 2025 before Senior Resident Magistrate Aaron Lyamuya.

The case carries three counts, two of which directly involve Niffer–conspiracy to commit treason with her co-accused and treason individually. Her co-accused also face a separate treason charge.

Senior State Attorney Clemence Kato told the court that between April 1 and October 29, 2025, the accused conspired to commit treason.He alleged that on October 29, they plotted to obstruct the 2025 general election in various parts of Ubungo District, intending to overthrow the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and acted on that intent by causing destruction to government property.

The second count The second case (PI No. 26395 of 2025) involves 75 accused persons, among them businesswoman Paulina Palangyo (28) of Mbezi and 74 others.

They were charged before Senior Resident Magistrate Hassan Makube with two counts–conspiracy and treason–allegedly committed between April 1 and October 29, 2025. Defense lawyers Peter Kibatala, Dickson Matata, and Paul Kisabo told the court that their clients were tortured while in police custody. Mr Kibatala claimed that on November 6, 2025, while at Oysterbay Police Station, Niffer was assaulted by police officers and forced to sign a statement.

He added that on November 5, 21 of her co-accused were also beaten and still had visible injuries. “We ask that this be entered into the court record,” he said, further requesting that the accused be granted medical treatment and that medical reports be submitted to the court.

He also argued that the conspiracy charge was redundant, as it was absorbed by the treason charge, and asked for it to be struck out. The prosecution sought additional time to respond.

Magistrate Lyamuya directed that the accused be taken to prison hospitals for treatment and that medical reports be submitted to the court.He also ruled that the lower court lacks jurisdiction to remove charges or hear the case.

The suspects were remanded until November 11, 2025, when the prosecution is expected to respond to the defense submissions. The third count The third case involves John Alexander John and 12 others, charged with conspiracy to commit treason and treason before Senior Resident Magistrate Beda Nyaki.

Senior State Attorney Fadhili John told the court that the offences were allegedly committed between March and October 29, 2025. The case has been adjourned to November 20, 2025, pending investigation updates. The fourth count The fourth count, also before Magistrate Nyaki, involves 28 accused persons, all charged with conspiracy and treason.

Defense lawyer Dickson Matata told the court that his clients had been held in police custody for over five days, during which they were beaten, tortured, and denied access to lawyers and relatives. He presented one accused, identified as Baraka, who was shot in the leg, saying the bullet was still lodged, causing a serious infection.

“This is just one example–others are in similar condition,” Mr Matata said, urging the court to order medical care for all accused and ensure medical reports form part of the record. He also challenged the charge sheet, arguing that it combined multiple offences improperly, and pressed the prosecution to state when investigations would be completed.

Chief State Attorney Margreth Bernard, who is leading the prosecution, said the allegations of torture were matters of evidence to be addressed during trial. She added that while the defense could not be denied medical treatment, the Prison Service has established medical procedures to follow.

On delays, she noted that under the National Prosecution Office Act, there is no statutory time limit for investigating serious offences, but assured the court that the process would be expedited. Magistrate Nyaki ruled that the court had no authority to amend or strike out the charge sheet.

He ordered that all suspects receive medical care in prison, with treatment reports to be filed by the Prison Commander.He also directed the prosecution to ensure investigations are completed without delay.

The fifth count In the fifth case, 95 accused persons were charged with conspiracy to commit treason and treason before Senior Resident Magistrate Hassan Makube.The case carries similar particulars as the previous ones and has been adjourned to November 19, 2025, for mention.

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