Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. As normalcy gradually returns, scenes of distress have unfolded across police stations and hospitals as citizens search frantically for relatives and loved ones–either confirmed dead or still missing since the violent protests of October 29, 2025. According to families of the missing persons, they have encountered difficulties in locating the bodies of their loved ones who are confirmed to have died, while authorities remain silent on the exact number of casualties.

Speaking to The Citizen in separate interviews, several families described the desperate efforts they have made for more than nine days to find their relatives, with many still unable to recover the bodies despite being told their loved ones had perished. Meanwhile, about 80 individuals have been arraigned before the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court in Dar es Salaam on charges of treason, stemming from the events of October 29, which also involved damage to public infrastructure.

Hospital administrators have confirmed receiving bodies of people killed during the unrest, though they declined to disclose numbers, stating that only the police were authorised to speak on the matter. The Inspector General of Police, Camillus Wambura, told The Citizen’s sister Newspaper Mwananchi on November 5, 2025 that information regarding the incident would be provided by the Government’s Chief Spokesperson.

“This will be addressed by the Government Chief Spokesperson,” IGP Wambura said. However, efforts to reach the Chief Government Spokesperson, Gerson Msigwa, for comment have been unsuccessful.

Heartbreaking accounts from families A woman, who requested anonymity, said she has not seen her husband since he left for work in Arusha on October 29. According to her, a brother-in-law informed her that her husband had been shot dead in the Kaloleni area. The brother-in-law told her that a doctor had phoned to report that her husband had been brought to hospital with gunshot wounds, but by the time she arrived, he had already died.

She said retrieving the body has proven extremely difficult, as officials told her to seek a permit from the regional commissioner. Despite being instructed to return on November 1, 4, and later 6, the family has yet to be handed the body.

“The district medical officer promised to issue a permit, but until now, we have neither seen the permit nor the body. I no longer know which hospital my husband is in,” she said.

In Dar es Salaam, Hashim Saranyika said his younger brother, Maneno Saranyika, went missing on October 29 while at his shop in Salasala. He said eyewitnesses sent him photos and videos showing his brother lying on the ground, bleeding from gunshot wounds.

Witnesses told him the police took Maneno to Mwananyamala Regional Referral Hospital, but the family could not find him there despite checking other hospitals across the city. “Since we are certain he is dead, we held a mourning ceremony at home, even as we continue to search for his body,” Hashim said.

“We have gone from one hospital to another without success. At one point, we heard that mass burials were taking place and went there, but we were told he was not among them.

We are now suspending the search until new information emerges.” Searching police stations In Pwani Region, Eliana Sakayo from Mlandizi said she has visited multiple hospitals and police stations in search of her husband, who disappeared after leaving for work on October 29. “I was told he was injured and taken to Muhimbili after being hurt on election day.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t travel because the Morogoro road was closed,” she said. When she finally reached Muhimbili National Hospital on November 4, there was no record of him.

Two days later, she was directed to Msimbazi Police Station, where she found his name listed among those detained–but has not been allowed to see him. Similarly, Mbegu Nasoro from Kiluvya Madukani said her daughter went out on October 29 for business and has not been seen since.

“We’ve searched morgues and hospital wards across Kibaha and Dar es Salaam without success. Her phones are off, and no relatives have seen her.

We’re just praying she’s safe,” she said. Many families visiting police stations said they found lists of detainees posted publicly; when a missing person’s name was not on a list, they were forced to try other stations.

Hospitals maintain silence Executive Director of Muhimbili National Hospital, Dr Delilah Kimambo said: “All details of patients received, including bodies, have been submitted to the Chief Medical Officer.” Executive Director of the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI), Dr Mpoki Ulisubisya gave a similar response.

However, Chief Medical Officer Dr Grace Magembe directed inquiries to the Ministry of Health’s Head of Communications, Roida Andusamile, who said: “This is a police matter. In any incident involving casualties, they are the ones with the data.

However, since this is a national issue, the Disaster Management Unit may clarify further, while the police hold the statistics.” Calls for dignified burials Disaster management expert James Mbatia described the situation as a national tragedy.

“This is a disaster, not a crisis. During such moments, restraint is vital to allow space for reflection.

Healing begins with ensuring that those who lost their lives are buried with dignity,” he said. “Tanzanian tradition dictates that every person deserves a respectful burial to help ease the pain of the bereaved.

Calmness and compassion are essential before discussions on loss and property damage can take place–because human life cannot be replaced,” Mbatia added. Political scientist Dr Conrad Masabo echoed this view, urging authorities to record casualties and ensure the dead are buried according to their faiths and cultural practices.

“That’s what we call cultural healing,” he said. “Death is painful, but it becomes even more traumatic if burials are delayed or carried out without proper rites.

” Regional commissioner in tears In Njombe, Regional Commissioner Anthony Mtaka was moved to tears while listening to residents who lost relatives in the October 29 unrest. The incident occurred during a meeting with business leaders in Makambako on November 6, 2025. Sifael Msigala, Chairperson of the Southern Highlands Business Association, said three of their members had died during the violence and urged the Government to release their bodies for burial according to their customs and beliefs.

“Our hearts will find peace only when they are brought home for burial,” he said. Some residents, fearing for their safety, declined to speak openly, saying they could be targeted for doing so.

Many pleaded with authorities to release the bodies of their relatives so they could be laid to rest. Mtaka assured residents that peace and security had been restored and urged them to report any signs of unrest.

“The Government and security agencies are fully prepared. Citizens must play their part by reporting any threats to peace so that the law can take its course,” he said.

Kenyan Government appeals for citizen safety Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, has urged the Tanzanian Government to ensure the safety of Kenyan nationals living in the country and to uphold their rights. His remarks followed reports that Kenyans in Tanzania were living in fear after being linked to the protests.

According to The Daily Nation, some families in Kenya expressed concern for their relatives’ safety in Tanzania. One family claimed to have received credible information that their relative–a teacher in Dar es Salaam–had been killed, but the body’s whereabouts remain unknown.

Reports suggest several Kenyans have sought assistance from their embassy in Dar es Salaam to return home. Kenyan Ambassador to Tanzania, Isaac Njenga, told Daily Nation on November 5 that any Kenyan wishing to leave Tanzania was free to do so.

It is understood that on November 6, Mudavadi met with Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, where both reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the safety of foreign nationals. “In our meeting, we emphasised the importance of ensuring the protection and security of all foreign citizens, including Kenyans, who contribute to Tanzania’s economic growth through legitimate business and professional services,” Mudavadi said.

Kenya’s Foreign Ministry estimates that by May 2025, about 250,000 Kenyans were living and working in Tanzania. Catholic Church announces prayers for victims Meanwhile, the Catholic Archdiocese of Mbeya has announced a special intention mass to pray for those killed or injured during and after the October 29 general election.

In a statement dated November 4, 2025 the diocesan secretary, Father Henry Mwalyenga, directed all parishes to hold special prayers for the victims. The prayers will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025–the 32nd Sunday in Year C–with a special diocesan mass at Mwanjelwa Pilgrimage Church in Mbeya.

“We ask all parish priests and clergy serving in the deaneries of Mbeya, Mbalizi, and Mporoto to mobilise the faithful to attend the mass, which will be presided over by the Archbishop and Auxiliary Bishop,” the statement read. Confirming the announcement, Archbishop Gervas Nyaisonga said the intention is to pray for the nation and those affected by the election-related violence.

“Yes, it’s an official directive. The aim is to pray for the country and for those who suffered during and after the election.

Each parish will hold its own service, and those near Mbeya will gather at Mwanjelwa Church. Everyone is welcome to join,” he said.

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When the curfew was announced, I didn’t think about politics or protests I thought about dinner. About my children’s next meal, water, and the little things that keep a home running.

But nothing prepares you for being forced to stay inside, not by choice, but by circumstance and without internet to even distract your thoughts. As a journalist, I’m used to moving.

My days are filled with people, deadlines, noise, and screens. But for six long days, all that went silent.

No emails, no social media, no calls. Just the sound of my two toddlers in the house, their laughter, their fights, their endless questions.

It’s strange how quiet can feel so loud. My toddlers love Miss Rachel, but with the internet shutdown, that small comfort disappeared overnight.

Suddenly, I had to be Miss Rachel singing, dancing, explaining the alphabet, and pretending to be cheerful even when I wasn’t. Food was another challenge.

Bread, milk, and maize flour, the basics, vanished from shelves. Groceries we took for granted became rare.

We ate what we had, not what we wanted. Every meal required thought, creativity, and compromise.

You know that feeling when you do something because you have no other option? That was it. Even a short walk to the Mangi shop a few houses away felt like a mission.

The streets were empty, the air heavy with uncertainty. Now and then, we’d hear mirindimo ya something maybe gunfire, maybe explosions.

I’d freeze, hold my children close, and wait for the sound to fade. Being indoors for that long changed the rhythm of everything.

As a mother, I had no off switch, no pause, no quiet coffee break. My children needed me every minute.

As a wife, I tried to stay calm, to keep home steady even when I didn’t feel steady myself. And as a journalist, I struggled with the silence, not being able to know what was happening out there, to report, to connect.

Messages from family and friends abroad couldn’t come through. The simple text “uko salama?” suddenly felt like the most important sentence in the world, but we couldn’t send or receive it.

By day four, I started counting how many scoops of rice were left and how many litres of water. Every drop mattered.

Every plan became a backup plan. Six days indoors taught me that survival isn’t just about food or safety but about endurance.

It’s about holding yourself together when you can’t step outside, when you can’t even scroll to escape your own thoughts. When the restrictions finally lifted, I didn’t feel relief right away.

I just sat quietly and took a deep breath, realising that I had spent six days surviving not just the curfew but the stillness itself. Because staying indoors against your will, cut off from the world, changes something inside you.

You don’t come out the same, but you come out stronger, more aware of the small things that keep life moving even when everything else stands still. .

Dar es Salaam. Businesswoman Jenifer Jovin (26), popularly known as Niffer, and 21 others have appeared before Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court facing treason charges.

Niffer and her co-accused appeared in court on Friday afternoon, November 7, 2025, where they were read three charges, one of conspiracy to commit an offence involving damage to infrastructure, and two counts of treason. The charges were read by Senior State Attorney Clemence Kato before Senior Resident Magistrate Aaron Lyamuya.

The prosecution is continuing to formally read the charges against the accused. .

By Joanne Mwita The boardroom at Mwananchi headquarters was bathed in late-morning light, quiet but alive with anticipation. Moments before her arrival, the hum of conversation softened, and then she appeared.

Dressed in a crisp tailored suit, her crown gleaming just enough to remind everyone of its weight, Naisae Yona, Miss Universe Tanzania, stepped into the room not just as a beauty queen, but as a woman on a mission. There’s something magnetic about her presence.

She carries herself with poise but also with a kind of warmth that puts you instantly at ease. The tone of our conversation was friendly and fluid, less a formal interview and more a heart-to-heart between two women who care deeply about purpose, identity, and faith.

Naise admits that she had never competed in pageantry before. “I’ve always admired it,” she says with an easy smile, “but I never really thought I’d be in it.

” The opportunity came unexpectedly, through a simple Instagram post announcing auditions. At first, she hesitated.

“I was juggling a lot, I’m a mother, I run multiple businesses, and I honestly didn’t know how I’d balance it all,” she says. But something in her heart nudged her forward.

“Sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith,” she adds. “If God puts something in your path, He will also give you the strength to walk it.

” For someone new to the world of pageantry, the learning curve was steep. “I had to start from zero,” Naise laughs.

“How to walk in heels, how to pose, how to answer questions gracefully everything!” She recalls long evenings spent practising her walk, recording herself, and replaying clips to notice her posture or gestures. “At first it was awkward, my feet hurt, and my confidence wavered, but with time, those challenges became my strengths,” she says.

“It taught me patience, and that growth always starts with discomfort.” Balancing motherhood, business, and pageant preparations wasn’t easy.

Some nights were sleepless, some days overwhelming. Yet Naise pressed on, powered by her belief that purpose and perseverance go hand in hand.

When asked what inspired her to join Miss Universe Tanzania, her answer comes without hesitation: love. “My pure love of pageantry, of beauty, of what it represents,” she says softly.

“Every little girl dreams of wearing a crown, not just for the sparkle, but for what it symbolises strength, confidence, and hope.” For Naise, the pageant was more than a personal dream.

It was a platform, an opportunity to inspire and educate others, especially women. “I wanted to show people that whatever you put your mind to, you can do.

You just need faith and the grace of God behind you.” Her faith runs deep.

It’s the thread that weaves through every part of her story. “Everything I am and everything I do is because of God’s grace,” she says with quiet conviction.

“This journey isn’t about perfection; it’s about purpose.” It’s rare to find someone so comfortable intertwining spirituality with ambition, but Naise does it effortlessly.

Her faith doesn’t just anchor her, it propels her forward. Beyond the glitz of crowns and cameras, Naise is a woman of action.

She runs a non-profit organisation focused on supporting women and children, especially those affected by cerebral palsy. Her voice softens as she talks about it, and her eyes light up with genuine compassion.

“It’s about giving hope where it feels distant,” she says. “Sometimes, just knowing that someone believes in you can change your whole story.

” Her advocacy isn’t a pageant talking point but her calling. Every project she undertakes, every campaign she supports, stems from a deep desire to make others feel seen and valued.

“For me, beauty is not just about appearance,” she says. “It’s about the ability to uplift others, to use your platform for impact.

” Among all her titles, ‘mother’ remains the one that defines her most deeply. She speaks about her child with tenderness, describing motherhood as both her grounding force and her greatest motivation.

“Being a mother reminds me daily why my advocacy matters,” Naise says, her eyes bright with emotion. “Every child deserves a chance to grow, to dream, and to be loved without limits.

” Balancing motherhood with her crown has taught her resilience and grace. “You learn to prioritise, to trust yourself more,” she adds.

“Motherhood doesn’t take away from your dreams it makes you dream bigger.” It’s this balance of strength and softness that makes Naise not only a representative of Tanzania but of womanhood itself, multifaceted, powerful, nurturing, and unafraid.

As she prepares to represent Tanzania on the Miss Universe stage in Thailand, Naise’s excitement is palpable. She speaks passionately about her country, its warmth, its spirit, and its adaptability.

“One of my biggest motivations is to showcase Tanzania to the world,” she says. “Not just through beauty and poise, but through our culture and character.

Tanzanians are open-hearted people. We connect easily, we welcome everyone, and we find joy even in challenges.

That’s the spirit I want to carry with me.” Representing her country comes with enormous responsibility, but Naise wears it with gratitude.

“It’s not just about me,” she insists. “It’s about showing the world the strength, resilience, and grace of Tanzanians.

When I walk onto that stage, I want people to see Tanzania through me, to feel our warmth, our hope, our strength.” Her tone is calm, yet firm.

There’s no nervousness, only purpose. For her, the Miss Universe platform isn’t a competition; it’s a conversation with the world.

When our conversation wrapped up, she stood, thanked everyone warmly, and walked out the same way she had entered: confident, poised, and anchored in purpose. Watching her leave, it was impossible not to feel that Miss Universe Tanzania isn’t just carrying a title , she’s carrying a story.

A story of faith, resilience, and representation. A story of a woman who believes that beauty shines brightest when it serves others.

And perhaps most importantly, a story that reminds us that grace isn’t just how you walk in heels, but it’s how you walk through life. .

During the tense days following the elections and the curfew in Dar es Salaam, one memory from my Mass Communication lectures at the then Tumaini University Dar es Salaam College (Tudarco), now Dar es Salaam Tumaini University (DarTu), came vividly back to me. It was a lecture on the Magic Bullet Theory which is also known as the Hypodermic Needle Model and its relevance that struck me in ways I had not anticipated.

Every time my phone rang, relatives, friends and neighbours were asking what was happening in the country. Surprisingly, I could easily tell that each caller already had their own answer before asking the question.

Attempting to offer a different perspective was almost impossible as any deviation from what they believed would immediately brand you as either “pro-government” or “anti-government”. There was no middle ground and this reminded me sharply of the assumptions behind the Magic Bullet Theory.

The theory assumes that media messages are like bullets fired directly into a passive audience. The audience, often described as a “sitting duck”, is expected to receive the information without question and they must absorb it entirely.

It assumed the public as vulnerable and incapable of filtering or resisting the messages sent their way. What made this theory particularly relevant was how it demonstrated the enormous influence information could have on behaviour, especially during moments of uncertainty and fear.

In those chaotic election days, this theory unfolded in real time. Each phone call I received claimed to deliver ‘reliable information,’ yet upon closer inspection, much of it was clearly unverified or misleading.

People were like doves, absorbing whatever bullets of information were sent their way without questioning the source. One friend phoned, insisting that certain media houses were being targeted by youth groups staging protests.

Another friend claimed that several political leaders had fled the country. Moments later, yet another caller said elections had been cancelled.

The next call insisted that prominent politicians’ homes had been set ablaze, with some occupants reportedly dying from shock or injury. A caller from Mbezi claimed that those injured were foreign mercenaries, allegedly sent by powerful external actors with an agenda to destabilise certain Tanzanian businesses.

Then came a particularly disturbing claim: that protestors had poisoned a major water source supplying households in Dar es Salaam. I cross-checked this with other trusted contacts and quickly established that it was a fabrication.

Yet when I relayed the truth to those who had been convinced, they refused to believe me. “We were told there would be no protests, and yet they happened.

Why should we trust anything they say now?” one individual said, steadfast in their mistrust. This exchange revealed the core of the Magic Bullet Theory in action: the audience’s perception, once shaped by a message, whether true or false, was incredibly resistant to correction.

Fear and uncertainty amplified the effect. In the span of a few hours, misinformation spread rapidly, each claim adding to a growing cloud of confusion and panic.

People were not merely misinformed; they were emotionally invested in the narrative, making reasoned analysis almost impossible. The curfew and related unrest did more than restrict movement; it exposed a vulnerability in our collective information culture.

Despite the proliferation of smartphones and digital media, people were still as susceptible as the “passive audiences” theorised decades ago. Rumours spread faster than verified facts, and the volume of misinformation often outweighed any attempts to correct it.

In moments of crisis, the Magic Bullet still strikes its mark. The Dar es Salaam curfew was a real-life demonstration of how fear, uncertainty and unverified information can shape public perception and behaviour.

Even in 2025, long after communication theories were first taught, the lessons remain profoundly relevant: in times of unrest, the power of information and misinformation can dictate outcomes in ways that no single official statement can immediately counter. The experience left me reflecting on the responsibility of both media and the public.

While journalists must strive for accuracy, the public must develop the ability to question, verify and critically analyse the flood of information they receive. Only then can society mitigate the effects of the Magic Bullet and ensure that truth, not fear, shapes our collective response to crises.

Samuel Tindwa is the News Editor of The Citizen .

Dar es Salaam. Imagine witnessing someone being killed or seriously injured.

Picture young people turning chaotic and destroying private and public property, assets they should have been protecting in incidents like those that unfolded in Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Mwanza and Arusha last week. Psychologists warn that about 30 percent of people who experience disasters develop trauma-related conditions, underscoring the need for patience and coordinated efforts in national healing.

They say recovery requires time, compassion and cooperation among the government, religious leaders, and citizens to address the mental health impact of the recent political unrest in Tanzania. Clinical psychologist Saldeen Kimangale said some citizens may face psychological challenges after witnessing, hearing, or seeing distressing events.

Such memories, he noted, can affect people’s wellbeing and may lead to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or other psychiatric disorders. “As much as healing is a process, I call for the establishment of emergency counselling hotlines to listen to victims’ concerns,” he said.

“Some people may not have been physically present but were still affected by the sounds of gunfire, smells, or what they witnessed indoors.” He said that it is vital to promote desensitisation by encouraging open conversations, warning that suppressing or avoiding discussions only prolongs pain and bitterness.

Mr Kimangale also advised against sharing graphic or disturbing images and videos, as some individuals may be vulnerable to worsened trauma. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), between 10 and 15 percent of Tanzanians suffer from mental health problems.

To keep these figures low, Mr Kimangale urged both the community and government leaders to focus on promoting healing rather than issuing ultimatums or bans. When asked whether the government has specific programmes to support citizens affected by the unrest, the Director of Curative Services at the Ministry of Health, Dr Hamad Nyembea, said psychological support is available at centres across different levels.

He explained that anyone experiencing such challenges can access these services and that mental health education is being provided in healthcare facilities and through online platforms. A family still searching A resident of Tabata Kimanga, Ms Mariam Hamis, 45, is among those who lost loved ones during the unrest.

She said her family has been searching for her missing relative, who left home on election day to visit a sick friend in Kitunda but never returned. Ms Hamis said the family has visited several police stations and hospitals with no success.

“We are deeply worried about what might have happened to him. Our mother has refused to eat and spends most of her time crying,” she said.

When asked whether they had taken their mother to hospital for treatment, Ms Hamis said they are consulting an expert who advised the family to prioritise rest as they continue the search. They were also advised to limit social media and phone use in the evenings to avoid triggering distress and to promote better sleep.

“We were told that if symptoms of mental distress worsen–such as persistent pain, anger, thoughts of self-harm or harming others, or sleeplessness lasting more than three days–we should visit the nearest health centre or call emergency numbers 110, 111, 115, 116, or 119,” she said. Ms Hamis added that although the information was helpful, the cost of professional help remains a major challenge, with each counselling session costing about Sh50,000, a fee many low-income families cannot afford.

Hope in healing Commenting on the issue, a mental health expert, Dr Raymond Mgeni, said that even in difficult moments, life must go on–even when the heart resists and keeps dwelling on the past. “Let’s strengthen one another and strive to understand those going through tough times by trying to feel their pain,” he said.

“In the midst of suffering, it’s often hard to believe that light still exists–but that’s a natural part of life.” He added that life is a gift and that challenging times teach valuable lessons.

“People should use these lessons to prepare for the future, as none of us knows what it holds,” he said. .

We’ll kick off today’s edition of this column by re-stating our perennial dismay towards Bongo scribblers’ lack of punctuation sense. And in this case, we’re lamenting in regard to the print media as a whole.

Even a mildly critical look at our newspapers will shock you, given the way some writers pen their articles with little concern–or knowledge– of what it means by a “full sentence”. You’ll always come across pieces, including op-eds penned by “veterans,” who’ve been granted the privilege that classifies them as columnists, lumping three or more sentences into one! To them, a comma often used to mark the end of a sentence, after which another is started! Our free advice here is: Media chiefs should organise more in-house training with a special focus on punctuation.

This should go hand-in-hand with tutorials on some basics of grammar like: what is a sentence? Having thus lectured (bah!), let’s proceed with dishing out what we picked up from the local English media over the week. Here we go Page 4 of Bongo’s senior-most broadsheet of Saturday, October 25,has a stand-alone photo whose caption reads, “Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Agriculture, Mr Gerald Mweli, explains about 250 sprinkler machines that will be distributed FOR ‘approximately’ 2,264 farmers across seven regions” Distributed ‘for’? Nope! We say, distributed TOFurther on, we’ll beg to differ on the idea of qualifying the figure 2,264 with the adjective “approximately” since the number is precise.

It looks exact. Saying approximately 2, 260 would be okay.

Or, you may say: at least 2,260 farmers. Or: nearly 2,300 farmers.

From the same title of Monday, October 27, there’s a Page 1 story with the headline, ‘TZ records 10pc decline in mobile money fraud’, in which the scribbler writes in his intro: “Tanzania has recorded a SIGNIFICANT 10 per cent decline in mobile money fraud attempts between June and September this year” Hello! Once you’ve provided a figure defining the rate of decline–that is, 10 per cent–you don’t need to tell your readers that the figure is significant. Let them determine that for themselves based on the facts that you provide in your story.

You have no business ramming redundant qualifiers down the throats of your readers! We note that the lead story headline reads, ‘Safe, orderly vote ASSURED’ while that of the earpiece goes thus, ‘Observers ASSURED of free, peaceful polls’. Now irrespective of what the details are–including the similarity of the messages–we aver that having two headlines on the same page with each bearing the verb “assured” is ill advised.

It depicts of intellectual laziness! Here’s our alternative headline for the earpiece: ‘Expect peaceful, free elections, observers told’. That kills one “assured”, ridding the front page of the echoing.

Page 4 of the broadsheet has a story with this headline, ‘Stakeholders/ push 20pc national/ budget education’ (our slash separates the decks as per the page designer’s dictates or the template). No one, we’re certain, can tell what the headline writer is trying to say! For our part, we only manage to uncover what the jumbled up headline is all about after looking at the intro, which reads: “Education stakeholders have urged the government to allocate at least 20 per cent of the national budget to the education sector” There we are; so how about this alternative headline: ‘Call for upped/budget to/boost education’.

Note: Penning a headline to fit a multiple-decked template is sub-editors’ worst nightmare. May God’s mercies be upon sub-editors! On Page 6 of Bongo’s huge and colourful broadsheet, there’s a headline for an opinion that reads, ‘Low oxygen chocking Lake Victoria, before adding fishing nets pollution’.

We find the headline hard to decipher, but on reading the text, we conclude that it could have been rewritten this way: ‘Low oxygen chocks Lake Victoria/fishing nets pollution makes matters worse’. Ah, this treacherous language called English! Send your photos and linguistic gems to email [email protected] or WhatsApp on Tel No 0688315580 .

Dar es Salaam. Israel has confirmed that Hamas handed over the body of Tanzanian national Joshua Mollel as part of the US-brokered truce arrangements in Gaza.

Officials said the remains were conclusively identified following forensic examinations at the National Centre of Forensic Medicine, after which the Foreign Affairs ministry informed the family of the 21-year-old. Mollel, who had been undertaking an agricultural internship in southern Israel, was among those caught in the October 7, 2023, attacks, when Hamas-led fighters raided several communities near the Gaza border.

He was killed at Kibbutz Nahal Oz, and militants subsequently removed his body. Israel said that, with his return, six deceased hostages, five Israelis and one Thai citizen, are still held in Gaza.

Mollel was one of two Tanzanian students who went missing during the October 7 assault and were later officially declared dead. According to Israeli authorities, both Mollel and his compatriot, Clemence Mtenga, were kidnapped by Hamas at the onset of the attack.

Former Foreign Affairs Minister January Makamba wrote on his X account that the Israeli government had informed Tanzania that Mollel was killed shortly after being abducted. “The Tanzanian government is preparing to send Mollel’s father, another family member, and officials to Israel to meet the authorities and obtain further information regarding the circumstances surrounding the student’s death,” it was reported.

Mtenga was also confirmed dead, and his body was repatriated to Tanzania for burial. In a statement on Thursday, the Israeli prime minister’s office expressed condolences, saying Israel “shares in the profound grief of the Mollel family and all families of the fallen hostages.

” It added that Hamas was obliged under the ceasefire terms to transfer the bodies of all deceased captives and pledged to continue efforts “until every fallen hostage is brought home.” Israel’s Hostages and Missing Families Forum said the return of Mollel’s remains offered some comfort to relatives who had endured prolonged uncertainty.

“Amid their sorrow, his return provides some solace after an unbearable wait,” the group said. Hamas’s military wing claimed it had retrieved the body from Gaza City’s eastern Shejaiya neighbourhood before handing it to the Red Cross on Wednesday evening.

In recent days, Israeli forces have permitted limited access for Hamas representatives and Red Cross teams to search for bodies in the area, which remains under Israeli control. On Tuesday, Israeli and US dual citizen Staff Sergeant Itay Chen’s body was also recovered there.

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Dar es Salaam. Young Africans (Yanga) striker Clement Mzize has been nominated among 13 players shortlisted for the 2025 Goal of the Year Award by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The recognition follows his spectacular long-range strike in the CAF Champions League earlier this year. The 2025 CAF Awards ceremony will be held on November 19 in Morocco, where Africa’s finest players, coaches, and teams will gather to celebrate outstanding achievements in the game.

Mzize’s inclusion marks a major milestone for Tanzanian football, highlighting his growing impact at the continental level. The Yanga forward earned the nomination for his stunning equalizer against DR Congo’s TP Mazembe during a CAF Champions League encounter at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in January 2025. Mzize unleashed a thunderous 30-yard shot that flew past the goalkeeper, sparking wild celebrations as Yanga went on to secure a 31 victory.

The memorable strike not only turned the match around but also earned Mzize the CAF Player of the Week accolade for that round of fixtures. His goal has now been recognized as one of the continent’s most outstanding finishes of the year.

According to CAF, the shortlist was curated by its Technical Panel and features 13 goals scored in CAF competitions between January 6 and October 15, 2025. The selected goals represent the finest examples of skill, technique, and composure under pressure, reflecting Africa’s football artistry and competitive spirit. CAF unveiled the nominees through its official platforms, announcing that supporters will once again play a decisive role in determining the winner.

Unlike other categories, the Goal of the Year Award is decided entirely by fan votes, which will account for 100 percent of the final outcome. Voting officially opened on Thursday, November 6, and will close on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Fans can cast their votes through a dedicated online hub at a or via CAF’s official social media channels.

The winner will be announced during the CAF Awards Gala in Morocco, where CAF will honor players, coaches, and teams whose performances defined the year under review. Besides Mzize, other nominees include Abdellah Ouazane (Morocco), Anas Roshdy (Egypt), Asharaf Tapsoba (Burkina Faso), Barbra Banda (Zambia), Calvin Fely (Madagascar), and Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco).

Also on the list are Ibrahim Adel (Egypt), Jean-Claude Girumugisha, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo (South Africa), Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco), Refiloe Jane (South Africa), and Soufiane Bayazid (Algeria). Mzize’s nomination underscores Tanzania’s growing presence in continental football and his rising reputation as one of the region’s most promising attacking talents.

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Dar es Salaam. Civil society and legal organisations in Tanzania have intensified calls for immediate, practical measures to restore peace and uphold human rights in the aftermath of the unrest that followed the October 29, 2025, General Election.

The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) and the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) underscored the urgent need for transparent and accountable actions to rebuild public trust and strengthen national cohesion. Although there was no immediate response from the government as of Thursday, November 6, 2025, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, during her inauguration on November 3, expressed deep concern over the recent unrest, describing the incidents as inconsistent with Tanzanians’ peace loving nature.

She said the violence, loss of lives and destruction of both public and private property, particularly in major towns and cities, had deeply saddened all who wish the best for the nation. President Hassan emphasised that the country’s security and defence forces were conducting thorough investigations to determine what had transpired and to restore normalcy as swiftly as possible.

The Head of State has also repeatedly outlined her broader vision for governance under the R4 Philosophy, stressing consultation and dialogue as key priorities. “With a government guided by the R4 Philosophy, we will continue consultations with political stakeholders, civil society institutions, and the private sector by forming committees and initiating reconciliation and mediation discussions, while creating an environment to start the process for a new constitution,” she said during her campaign.

However, THRDC and TLS have now urged families with missing relatives to report to authorities, human rights organisations, or TLS regional offices to aid tracing efforts. The groups also called on the police to immediately halt raids on homes and arrests targeting journalists, politicians, human rights defenders, and ordinary citizens.

They further demanded that all fabricated terrorism-related charges be dropped and that arrests linked to peaceful demonstrations cease without delay. The organisations stressed the importance of offering legal support to affected families.

Member bodies of THRDC and TLS have been encouraged to extend free legal aid to those facing unlawful detention, prosecution, or losses resulting from the unrest. “Freedom and justice are not privileges granted by the powerful–they are rights that every citizen is entitled to.

Protecting these rights is essential for national stability and lasting peace,” the statement read in part. In their joint statement, the organisations also noted that previous appeals for national dialogue to address citizens’ concerns ahead of the elections were largely ignored.

They argued that open communication between the government and the public could have prevented the recent turmoil and mitigated tensions. “The road to lasting peace requires action, not words alone.

We remain committed to defending the rights, lives, and dignity of every Tanzanian and to building a nation rooted in justice, solidarity, and mutual respect,” the THRDC and TLS statement concluded. The Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) echoed these recommendations, calling on the government to establish an independent judicial commission to investigate the full extent of the violence and clarify reports on police conduct, particularly regarding pillage and property destruction on polling day.

LHRC said impartial investigations are essential to restore confidence in the justice system, ensure accountability, and promote national reconciliation. “Accountability is vital for justice to prevail and for the nation to heal,” LHRC stated, welcoming the President’s commitment to dialogue and reconciliation.

The centre further urged the government to ensure legal consequences for individuals found responsible for unlawful acts, stressing that transparency and fairness must guide all proceedings. Other civil society organisations, including the Tanzania Media Women’s Association (Tamwa), joined in calling for constructive action.

Tamwa extended condolences to families affected by the unrest and emphasised the importance of rebuilding peace, solidarity, and public trust. Tamwa’s executive director, Dr Rose Reuben, said every effort to restore calm and stability should prioritise human dignity and the protection of fundamental rights.

As Tanzania gradually returns to normalcy, these organisations underscored that sustainable peace and democracy can only be achieved through practical, solution-oriented measures. They urged swift government action to strengthen national unity, uphold human rights, and adhere to the principles enshrined in the Constitution and international conventions ratified by the country.

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