Category: The Citizen

Dodoma. The Tanzania Police Force has released an official statement naming ten individuals wanted in connection with the violent unrest that erupted on October 29, 2025 across several major cities and regions, including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, Mbeya, Shinyanga, Geita, Songwe, Ruvuma, Mara, Dodoma, Kilimanjaro and Iringa.

According to the statement, the disturbances resulted in loss of life, destruction of public and private property, and widespread looting. Public infrastructure such as offices of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), court buildings, police stations, and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) of several banks were vandalised or set ablaze.

Other public assets damaged included Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations along the KimaraMagomeni and MagomeniMorocco routes, local government offices, and several buildings belonging to the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party. Roads were also torched using tyres, while a number of public vehicles were burnt.

Private property owners suffered similar losses, with petrol stations, shops, and vehicles–both large and small–destroyed. The police also reported incidents of looting in commercial areas, where goods and cash were stolen.

While some of the suspects have already been arrested and arraigned, the Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, continues to pursue those who allegedly planned, coordinated, and executed the unrest. The public has been urged to cooperate by sharing any information that could lead to the arrest of those involved.

The police have named the following ten individuals as wanted for questioning in relation to the incidents: 1. Josephat Gwajima 2.

Brenda Jonas Rupia 3. John Mnyika 4.

Godbless Jonathan Lema 5. Machumu Maximillian Kadutu 6.

Deogratius Cosmas Mahinyila 7. Boniface Jacob 8.

Hilda Newton 9. Award Kalonga 10. Amaan Golugwa “The named individuals are strongly advised to surrender themselves to the nearest police station immediately upon seeing this announcement,” the statement read.

Police further confirmed that legal proceedings against those already apprehended are ongoing nationwide, with some suspects having been brought before courts on November 7, 2025. “The Tanzania Police Force reiterates that it will not hesitate to take legal action against any individual or group planning to commit crimes of any nature,” the statement added. The Force assured the public that it remains committed to professionalism in safeguarding lives and property.

Citizens have been encouraged to continue with their daily activities without fear and to promptly report any signs of criminal activity or breach of peace to the authorities. The Police pledged to keep the public informed as investigations and legal actions progress against those responsible for the October unrest.

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The International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed 39 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity against Uganda’s fugitive warlord Joseph Kony, the long-time leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). The charges, confirmed in absentia on Thursday, relate to atrocities committed between 2002 and 2005, including murder, rape, the use of child soldiers, sexual slavery, and forced pregnancy, according to the court’s ruling.

Kony, who has evaded capture since an ICC arrest warrant was issued in 2005, remains the court’s longest-standing fugitive. Judges dismissed a request by his court-appointed lawyers to delay the proceedings and ruled that prosecutors had presented sufficient evidence to support all 39 charges.

“The chamber finds that the prosecution’s allegation that Mr Kony issued standing orders to attack civilian settlements, kill and mistreat civilians, loot and destroy their property, and abduct children and women to be integrated into the LRA is established to the relevant standard,” the judges said. In addition to crimes committed by his subordinates, Kony faces ten counts for offences he is accused of committing personally, including enslavement, forced marriage, forced pregnancy, torture, and persecution based on age and gender involving two women described as his “forced wives.

” Prosecutors welcomed the decision, calling it a major step towards holding Kony accountable. “This ensures that Joseph Kony once arrested can immediately face trial on these charges,” the prosecutor’s office said, adding that efforts to locate and arrest the 64-year-old are continuing.

Formed in the late 1980s with the aim of toppling Uganda’s government, the LRA terrorised northern Uganda for nearly two decades, killing an estimated 100,000 people and displacing millions, according to United Nations figures. Though the group has largely been dismantled, Kony remains at large.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s entertainment industry is facing a familiar but intensifying dilemma, recalling October 21, when Hip Hop artiste Cosmas Mfoy, famously known as Rapcha, released his thought-provoking track Politrix.

In it, he rapped, “You don’t know how hard I’m fighting to leave a legacy, and I don’t want to divide my fans.” At the time, it seemed a bold artistic statement.

In hindsight, Rapcha may have foreseen the storm soon to hit the music scene, where politics, fan loyalty, and artistic identity collide. Since the October 29 general election and the curfew that followed, accompanied by an internet shutdown, many artistes have found themselves on precarious ground.

Fans who once idolised them have withdrawn support, accusing stars of aligning with politicians who fail to defend public interests during times of crisis. When internet access resumed on November 3, the impact was visible.

Diamond Platnumz, one of Africa’s biggest stars, lost nearly 10,000 Instagram followers, dropping from 18.8 million to 18.7 million. Hip Hop heavyweight Billnass deleted his account entirely after his shop was vandalised.

Shilole and Jux also reported property damage. In today’s hyper-connected world, fans expect more than music; they demand accountability.

Reflecting on this tension, Hip Hop artiste Fredrick Albert Komba, known as Fredrick Mulla, shared his perspective while analysing Politrix. Mulla warned that artistes mixing deeply with politics are taking a dangerous risk.

“I’m not saying it’s wrong for an artiste to have political preferences. Sometimes you might support CCM or Chadema, but before you wear that colour, first stand with the truth.

Sit with what’s right that will protect you,” he said. He stressed that artistes are mirrors of society and should consider carefully before aligning with those who oppress or manipulate the public.

“Sometimes it’s better not to participate in political campaigns at all. It keeps you safe,” he added.

Talent manager Godfrey Abel noted that political involvement can damage an artiste’s brand in ways that are difficult to repair. “When you pick a political side, you immediately lose a portion of your market,” he said, adding that even if intentions are pure, fans may perceive it as betrayal.

Comedian Masatu Ndaro echoed the sentiment, highlighting the harsh judgement entertainers face when showing political preference. “There’s nothing harder than being an artiste.

Remember, we are citizens too, with no special powers. What wrong have we done? For those saying we deserved what happened, tell me what exactly my crime was? When famous people suffer because of political beliefs, who stands with their families?” he wrote.

He urged fans to recognise that artistes rely on their craft to survive. “We come from humble backgrounds, with people depending on us.

Let’s follow the law, yes, but also remember that no artiste is unaware of the importance of their fans,” he said. These contrasting perspectives reveal the growing complexity of fame in the digital era.

Artistes are no longer just entertainers; they are seen as moral voices and influencers in national debates. The challenge lies in knowing when to speak and when to remain silent.

Several celebrities have, however, used social media to express condolences to families affected by election-related violence. Veteran actor Steven Mengele, alias Steve Nyerere, wrote, “As a Tanzanian, I send my condolences to all fellow citizens.

Our nation’s greatest pride is peace and unity, but we’ve lost our youth. As we mourn, let’s ask ourselves: Is this really our culture? What brought us here? And let’s remember every Tanzanian has a role to restore our nation’s honour.

” He added, “This is not the time to point fingers. It’s a time to unite and remind the devil that we stand as one for the greater good.

Let peace and unity remain our nation’s symbol and pride.” Singer and entrepreneur Zuwena Mohammed, better known as Shilole, expressed sorrow after her restaurant was burned during the unrest.

In an open online letter, Shilole wrote, “First, I send heartfelt condolences to all who have lost loved ones, suffered injuries, or faced loss due to violence. Returning pain for pain is not humanity, nor is it the foundation of our nation.

Political differences should never erase our shared identity. Before politics, we are one people, one Tanzania.

” She continued, “Some people are celebrating what happened, claiming I deserved it because of my political views. But the truth is, I’ve never insulted or harmed anyone.

I’ve only supported my party, CCM.” Hitmaker Juma Jux, whose fashion store was also attacked, called for prayers and healing, writing, “Let’s keep our country in prayer and support those who are hurt.

” Meanwhile, Ally Saleh, famously known as Alikiba, offered a public apology to fans: “My fellow Tanzanians, I am truly sorry if I’ve offended you in any way. My condolences to all who are mourning.

” In the end, the message of Politrix remains: the struggle to leave a legacy without dividing fans is more challenging than ever. .

Dar es Salaam. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government has congratulated President Samia Suluhu Hassan and other recently elected leaders following the September and October 2025 elections.

The virtual summit, held on November 7, 2025 brought together leaders from 15 member states, with Tanzania represented by Vice-President Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi. The leaders commended President Samia for securing a second term after her victory in the October 29 general election, during which Tanzanians voted for the President, Members of Parliament, and councillors.

She was sworn in on November 3 in Dodoma. Besides President Samia, the summit also congratulated Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, who won re-election as President of Malawi on September 16, defeating his predecessor Lazarus Chakwera, as well as Dr Patrick Herminie, newly elected President of Seychelles, who pledged to address the rising cost of living following his September 27 victory.

In a joint communique, SADC leaders also expressed their condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the recent election-related unrest in Madagascar and Tanzania. The summit voiced deep sorrow over the incidents, noting that they not only resulted in the loss of lives but also caused destruction of public property and vital infrastructure in both countries.

Meanwhile, the summit acknowledged Madagascar’s decision to relinquish its SADC Chairmanship due to the current political situation affecting its ability to discharge its duties. In accordance with Articles 9A(2)(b) and 10(4) of the SADC Treaty, South Africa has been appointed as Acting Chair until August 2026, while the Secretariat will coordinate with member states to identify a new incoming Deputy Chair by November 30, 2025. .

Dar/Upcountry. A week after the Tanzania General Election, results announced by election supervisors in different constituencies following the October 29, 2025, voting show that the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has emerged victorious in most constituencies nationwide.

The delay in releasing results was due to internet shutdowns, which disrupted the timely transmission and publication of election information, including vote tallies. The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, followed up with election supervisors across the country to identify the winning parliamentary candidates, who are expected to report to Parliament on November 8, 2025, for official registration before commencement of the House sessions.

While CCM captured the majority of constituencies, opposition parties, mainly ACT Wazalendo and Chaumma, secured a few seats and will represent those areas in Parliament. Mara Region CCM won all 10 constituencies.

In Musoma Urban: Mgore Miraji (CCM) 14,555; Angela Lima (Chaumma) 3,762; Omar Mohamed (CUF) 119; Julius Matto (DP) 50; Salome Alex (UDP) 33; Hassan Ogolla (Makini) 32; Christina Ndego (SAU) 112; Michael Gabriel (UMD) 23; Geneviva Mechele (AAFP) 141; John Kaseleka (ACT Wazalendo) 343. In Serengeti: Mary Daniel (CCM) 182,562; Catherine Ruge (Chaumma) 5,711, while in Bunda Urban: Ester Bulaya (CCM) 83,908; Jeremiah Lameck (AAFP) 1,233; Edward Saramba (CUF) 1,367; Manga Wanjala (NLD) 919. In Rorya: Jafari Chege (CCM) 165,660; Dady Midumbi (ACT Wazalendo) 3,177; Sospeter Rutaga (AAFP) 1,282, while in Musoma Rural: Prof Sospeter Muhongo (CCM) 50,847; Magina Ng’aranga (ACT Wazalendo) 12,171; Barnabas Mafuru (CCK) 458; Kuleba Bwire (CUF) 428; Lukresia Girimba (UPDP) 349. In Tarime Rural: Mr Mwita Waitara (CCM) 165,341; Mr Charles Mwera (ACT Wazalendo) 8,519. While in Mwibara: Mr Kangi Lugola (CCM) 30,646; Cyprian Musiba (ACT) 7,723; John Magafu (CUF) 2,114; Day Kalyanyama (DP) 108; Thomas Mgaywa (NCCR) 192. While, Bunda: Boniphace Getere (CCM) 22,393; Maxmilian Madoro (ADC) 7,237; Kastam Chagonga (Chaumma) 366, in Butiama: Dr Wilson Mahera (CCM) 112,876; Verena Charles (Chaumma) 1,632. In Tarime Urban: Ester Matiko (CCM) 52,369; Mzarifu Ryoba (Chaumma) 4,831, while in Songwe, Mbeya and Songwe CCM emerged victorious in all constituencies as follows. Names of candidates and respective votes garnered in Songwe constituencies in brackets are: Philipo Mulugo (116,735); Japhet Hasunga (Vwawa) 126,945; Onesmo Mkondya (Mbozi) 124,204; David Silinde (Tunduma) 116,258; Kondesta Sichalwe (Momba) 117,521; and Godfrey Kasekenya (Ileje) 71,150. In Mbeya: Dr.

Tulia Ackson (Uyole), Patrick Mwalunenge (Mbeya Urban), Baraka Mwamengo (Kyela), Lutengano Mwalwiba (Busokelo), Anthony Mwantona (Rungwe), Bahati Ndingo (Mbarali), Patali Patali (Mbeya Rural). In Njombe: Joseph Kamonga (Ludewa-80,419); Deo Mwanyika (Njombe Urban-77,617); Daniel Chongolo (Makambako-72,894); Festo Dugange (Wanging’ombe-107,491); Edwin Swalle (Lupembe-50,637); and Festo Sanga (Makete-66,717).

In Mwanza, CCM won all constituencies: Nyamagana: John Nzilanyingi (381,295); Ilemela: Kafiti William; Buchosa: Eric Shigongo (215,720); Sengerema: Hamis Tabasam (198,830); Ukerewe: Dr Sweetbert Mkama (186,879); Magu: Boniventura Kiswaga; Sumve: Moses Bujaga (87,648); Kwimba: Cosmas Bulala (117,724); and Silvery Luboja (Misungwi). In Shinyanga Region, Kahama Urban: Ngaiwa Benjamin (253,112); Msalala: Magangila Mabula (186,316); and Ushetu: Emmanuel Charahani (200,349).

In Kilimanjaro Region: Rombo: Prof Adolf Mkenda (96,815); Hai: Saashisha Mafuwe (106,774); Vunjo Rural: Enock Koola (108,083); Moshi Rural: Moris Makoi (82,160); Mwanga: Dr Ngwaru Maghembe (70,037); Same West: Dr Mathayo David Mathayo (85,960); and Same East: Anne Kilango (68,630). In Manyara: Kiteto: Edward Ole Lekaita (186,283); Babati Urban: Emmanuel Khambay (37,520); Mbulu Rural: Emmanuel Nuwas (118,665); Hanang: Asia Halamga (173,333), and Simanjiro: James Ole Millya (150,665).

In Arusha Region: Isack Joseph (Monduli), Daniel Awakii (Karatu), Paul Makonda (Arusha Urban), Yannick Ndonyo (Ngorongoro), Dr Steven Kiruswa (Longido). In Ruvuma, the opposition ACT-Wazalendo candidate Ado Shaibu won the Tunduru North constituency (80,282), with the remaining captured by CCM, including Tunduru South, where Mr Fadhili Chilombe collected 63,417 and Omary Msigwa, who garnered 43,689 in the Madaba constituency.

In Kagera Region, Ngara Constituency: Dotto Jasson Bahemu (CCM) 171,149 votes. .

Dar es Salaam. The Kingdom of Morocco has stated that its pursuit of resolving the Sahara dispute through autonomy demonstrates that decolonisation can be achieved through development-driven sovereignty rather than a perpetual deadlock.

Morocco’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Zakaria El Goumiri, made the remarks in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, November 8, 2025, during a phone interview with The Citizen. He was speaking as Morocco marked a dual milestone: half a century since the historic Green March of 1975 and seven decades since gaining independence from French and Spanish protectorates in 1956. Ambassador El Goumiri highlighted the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) recent adoption of Resolution 2797/2025, which, for the first time in a binding text, recognised Morocco’s autonomy proposal as “the only” credible basis for a lasting solution to the Sahara conflict.

“Why is this milestone so significant? For more than half a century, this ‘artificial’ conflict, stemming from colonial withdrawal and regional geopolitics, has impeded full Maghreb integration and diverted Africa’s attention from joint development,” he said. “By securing international recognition for its autonomy plan, Morocco aims to turn the page, prioritise development across its territory and revitalise regional cooperation,” he added.

In the resolution adopted on October 31, 2025 the UNSC stated that genuine autonomy for Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty could represent the most viable resolution to Rabat’s 50-year dispute with the Algeria-backed Polisario Front. Western Sahara, a desert region roughly the size of Britain, has been Africa’s longest-running territorial dispute since Spain withdrew in 1975. The UNSC, through a US-drafted text, called on parties to negotiate based on Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan.

Morocco claims the territory as its own, while the Polisario Front seeks an independent state, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. “We urge all parties to engage in serious discussions in the coming weeks,” US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz told the council after the vote, adding that regional peace is possible this year, and we will make every effort to facilitate progress.

Russia, China, and Pakistan abstained, while Algeria did not vote. The remaining 11 council members approved the resolution, which also renewed for one year the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force in Western Sahara, MINURSO.

Ambassador El Goumiri said the moment is ripe not only for reflection but for bold affirmation: Morocco is emerging as a key actor in Africa’s security, sovereignty, and integration. “It is reclaiming its role as a catalyst for peace, development, and a united Maghreb,” he said.

Quoting King Mohammed VI in his address to the nation following the resolution, the Ambassador said: “After 50 years of sacrifices, and with the guidance of God Almighty, we are entering a new chapter to consolidate the Moroccanness of the Sahara and close, once and for all, this fabricated conflict through a consensual solution based on the Autonomy Initiative.” The Ambassador added that by highlighting Morocco’s historical role in African independence and its current development surge, the Kingdom positions itself as a key partner in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), continental infrastructure corridors, and South-South cooperation.

“The success of this region could serve as a model of how territorial sovereignty, strategic economic investment, and regional integration can transform former margins into continental hubs,” he said. “Today, Morocco’s southern provinces, including Laayoune and Dakhla, are no longer frontier regions but gateways.

Their development reinforce Morocco as a regional and continental hub for logistics, energy, and human capital,” he added. On the country’s transformation under King Mohammed VI, the envoy said Morocco has implemented sweeping reforms across political, economic, social, and infrastructural sectors over the past 26 years.

“From launching the ‘New Development Model’ in the southern provinces to investing in major ports, renewable energy, and connectivity, the Kingdom has sought to convert sovereignty into prosperity,” he said. He highlighted Morocco’s solidarity with Africa.

“As Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, Omar Hilale, noted, the Saharan provinces are central to three major Royal initiatives: the Royal Atlantic Initiative, the NigeriaMorocco Gas Pipeline, and the Sahel Initiative.” “These projects allow the provinces to connect Africa to the world and promote continental integration,” he added.

Morocco’s role in continental liberation Ambassador El Goumiri emphasised that, beyond national achievements, Morocco has long been a partner in Africa’s liberation and development. He said the Kingdom’s diplomatic and material support to numerous African independence movements has been recognised by its continental peers.

“Morocco provided logistical, political, and military assistance to liberation movements in Algeria, Guinea-Bissau, and other countries,” he said. He added that during the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, Moroccan territory offered a haven and training for African National Congress (ANC) activists.

He said the Algerian Liberation Army headquarters was in Rabat, with training camps near Oujda. “This is where, according to multiple testimonies, Nelson Mandela received military training,” he said.

“In this way, Morocco not only secured its own independence and territorial integrity but also contributed quietly yet tangibly to the freedom of others across the continent,” he added. The Green March, independence, and a United Maghreb The envoy said Morocco this year celebrates the 70th anniversary of asserting its sovereignty after overcoming the colonial protectorate system.

He said the country marks the formal end of the French protectorate on March 2, 1956, while independence is commemorated on November 18, the day King Mohammed V returned from exile and national unity was restored. The Green March of November 6, 1975, remains a landmark: some 350,000 Moroccan volunteers, carrying the Holy Qur’an and national flags, peacefully entered the then-Spanish Sahara to reclaim Morocco’s “Southern Provinces.

” “The event did more than reclaim territory; it symbolised Morocco’s commitment to achieving territorial integrity and development through peaceful means. As the late King Hassan II said: ‘We must act as one to join the Sahara,'” he said.

“Today, Morocco commemorates ’50 Years after the Green March’ and emphasises that its southern provinces have become a model of stability and growth,” he added. What future holds? The envoy said that as Morocco marks 70 years of independence and 50 years since the Glorious Green March, celebration alone is insufficient.

“The Kingdom now leverages its historical achievements for a forward-looking vision: where southern provinces are engines of development, the autonomy plan is a framework for governance, Africa-solidarity is operational, and the Maghreb is united rather than fragmented,” he said. According to Ambassador El Goumiri, Morocco invites Africans, Arabs, and global partners to join it, from the Atlantic, across the Sahara, into the Sahel, and beyond.

The story is no longer solely about reclaiming what was lost; it is about building what must be shared. .

Dar es Salaam. The implementation of a harmonised regional roaming policy by the East African Community (EAC) has significantly reduced the cost of cross-border communication, making it much cheaper for Tanzanians to call within the region.

The latest statistics from the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) in its Communications Statistics Report for JulySeptember 2025 shows that Tanzania’s international voice traffic recorded a mixed performance during the quarter ending September 2025, with outbound calls falling by eight percent, while inbound traffic rose by nine percent. The report reveals that the cost of calling East African countries has dropped sharply to Sh247.52 per minute, compared with Sh597.40 per minute four years ago.

Meanwhile, calls to the Rest of the World (RoW) rose slightly to Sh2,315.82 per minute, up from Sh2,175.15. TCRA attributes the decline in regional call tariffs to the EAC’s harmonised roaming framework, which seeks to create a “One Network Area” allowing citizens to communicate across borders at lower costs. The policy has made regional communication more affordable for individuals, businesses, and travellers, fostering stronger economic and social integration within East Africa.

Despite the drop in outbound international calls, the TCRA Communications Statistics Report for JulySeptember 2025 notes that Tanzania continues to generate more voice traffic to international destinations than it receives from abroad. This trend highlights the country’s sustained demand for international connectivity, particularly among businesses, travellers, and the diaspora.

The report shows that total voice traffic to and from East Africa (EA), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the Rest of the World (RoW) remained robust, reflecting steady engagement between Tanzania and its regional and global partners. Overall, international outgoing voice traffic fell from 159.4 million minutes in June to 146.2 million minutes in September, while incoming traffic rose from 39.8 million minutes to 43.4 million minutes over the same period.

Breaking down the figures, traffic to East Africa declined from 51.65 million minutes to 46.47 million, while incoming traffic from the region increased to 39.34 million minutes. Traffic to SADC countries fell from 206,623 minutes to 88,134, and to the Rest of the World, it dropped from 862,176 minutes to 738,282. Industry analysts suggest the decline in outbound traffic may be partly due to the growing use of internet-based communication platforms such as WhatsApp, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams, which provide cost-effective alternatives to traditional voice calls.

Conversely, the rise in inbound traffic points to growing global interest in Tanzania’s communication networks, driven by the nation’s expanding economy, trade partnerships, and diaspora links. Commenting on the findings, TCRA director general, Dr Jabir Bakari, said the communications sector continues to demonstrate resilience and growth, playing a key role in advancing Tanzania’s digital transformation and socio-economic development.

“Overall, the quarter’s performance reaffirms the strong momentum toward a more connected, inclusive, and digitally empowered Tanzania,” said Dr Bakari. “TCRA remains committed to facilitating an enabling environment that supports infrastructure investment, innovation, and the sustainable growth of the communications ecosystem in line with national development priorities and the vision of a digital economy,” he added.

Commenting on the report, Rwandan East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) legislator, Mr Clement Musangabatware, said the reduction in costs reflects a deeper level of regional integration in the communications sector. He said it indicates that EAC member states are progressively harmonising telecom policies and reducing barriers to cross-border communication.

Furthermore, he said, citizens, businesses, and institutions across the region are beginning to experience the tangible benefits of integration, not only in trade and movement but also in daily life and connectivity. “Lower call rates across borders mean stronger people-to-people ties, as families, students, and workers can communicate more easily.

They also translate into cheaper business communication, which enhances regional trade efficiency and collaboration,” he said. He added that reduced call rates encourage more frequent communication among East Africans, from students studying within the region to cross-border traders and migrant workers.

According to him, this increased interaction nurtures a shared sense of identity and belonging, crucial to advancing Pan-Africanism and realising the EAC’s vision of “One People, One Destiny.” He said affordable communication allows businesses to coordinate supply chains, logistics, and customer relations more effectively across borders.

“Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of the EAC economy, benefit significantly from lower operational costs and improved competitiveness in the regional market,” he stressed. Lower telecom costs align with the EAC Common Market Protocol, promoting free movement of goods, services, labour, and capital.

They also advance the region’s digital transformation agenda by fostering cross-border e-commerce, fintech growth, and innovation ecosystems. .

Iringa. The government has launched a nationwide livestock vaccination and identification campaign for the 20252029 period, with Iringa Region targeting over 400,000 livestock.

They include 400,000 cattle, 20,000 goats and sheep, and 1.5 million chickens under the programme.

The Zonal Veterinary Officer and Head of the Southern Highlands Livestock Disease Investigation Centre (ZVCIringa) under the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Jeremiah Choga, said the campaign, which commenced in June this year, aims to control livestock diseases and enhance productivity across the sector. “As you may be aware, the livestock sector faces several diseases.

The government, through the ministry, has allocated funds for vaccinating animals against different infections,” he said. “This five-year campaign, which runs until 2029, began with cattle vaccination against contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), while in other areas goats, sheep, and chickens are being vaccinated,” added Dr Choga.

He said the government has allocated Sh216 billion for campaign implementation, which also includes tagging livestock with identification collars to combat theft and strengthen data management within the sector. “The benefits of this campaign include establishing accurate livestock population data, reducing disease prevalence, improving animal health, and boosting productivity in the livestock industry,” he said.

In Mafinga Township, local authorities have already vaccinated more than 8,000 cattle, representing 88 percent of the target, as part of efforts to eradicate livestock diseases. The Mafinga Town Council Veterinary Officer, Dr Aldonis Ulimboka, said that out of 10,000 targeted cattle, the majority have already been vaccinated and registered under the new livestock identification system.

Livestock keepers in the region have welcomed the government’s efforts, saying the programme will improve livestock health and productivity. “This campaign will help reduce animal deaths and enhance productivity.

We are grateful to the government for offering free vaccinations, which will increase farmers’ income and improve our livelihoods,” said a livestock keeper from Changarawe Ward, Gwamaka Mwakang’ata. Another livestock keeper, Mr Michael Nyalusi from Ngome neighbourhood, said the campaign has already reduced the occurrence of diseases that had long plagued herders in the area.

“The situation has greatly improved. We used to lose many animals to preventable diseases, but this programme has brought real relief to farmers,” he said.

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President Donald Trump said on Friday that no US government official would attend the Group of 20 summit in South Africa later this month, because of what he said were “human rights abuses” taking place in the country. “It is a total disgrace that the G20 will be held in South Africa.

Afrikaners (People who are descended from Dutch settlers, and also French and German immigrants) are being killed and slaughtered, and their land and farms are being illegally confiscated.” Trump said in a Truth Social post.

Trump has claimed Afrikaners face persecution based on their race in the Black-majority country, allegations the South African government has denied. “No U.

S. Government Official will attend as long as these Human Rights abuses continue.

I look forward to hosting the 2026 G20 in Miami, Florida!.” Trump said.

The president last month set the lowest cap on record for US refugee admissions and said those people admitted would be focused largely on white Afrikaners. Vice President JD Vance, who was expected to attend the Group of 20 world leaders in Johannesburg in Nov 22-23, was no longer going, a source familiar with the matter said.

South Africa’s foreign ministry spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump has taken issue with South African domestic and foreign policies – ranging from its land policy to its case accusing Israel of genocide in the US ally’s war in Gaza.

Earlier this year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio also boycotted a G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in South Africa, which has the G20 presidency from December 2024 to November 2025. The United States is set to take over the G20 presidency from South Africa. .

Dar es Salaam. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has appointed South Africa as its Interim Chair following Madagascar’s decision to relinquish the position due to recent political developments.

The decision was reached during an Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government held virtually on November 7, 2025. According to the communique issued after the meeting, Madagascar stepped down from the chairmanship after acknowledging its limited capacity to fulfil the responsibilities of the role amid ongoing domestic challenges. In line with SADC’s Treaty provisions, South Africa will now lead the regional bloc until August 2026. The Secretariat has been tasked with engaging member states to identify a new incoming Chairperson by the end of November 2025. The Summit, attended by Heads of State and representatives from all member countries, also extended condolences to the families affected by recent protests in Madagascar and Tanzania, which resulted in loss of life and destruction of infrastructure.

Leaders expressed deep regret over the unrest and called for stability in both nations. SADC further congratulated the newly elected leaders of Malawi, Seychelles, and Tanzania–Presidents Arthur Peter Mutharika, Patrick Herminie, and Samia Suluhu Hassan, respectively–on their electoral victories held between September and October 2025. The regional body agreed to continue implementing its current theme, “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC,” until August 2026. The Summit expressed gratitude to President Cyril Ramaphosa for convening and accepting to chair the Extraordinary meeting, and to Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa for offering to host select SADC meetings during the interim period.

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