Category: The Citizen

Kuala lumpur. Thailand’s prime minister will travel to Malaysia to sign a ceasefire deal with Cambodia that US President Donald Trump is set to witness after he pulled out of the ASEAN Summit due to the death of the kingdom’s Queen Mother Sirikit on Saturday.

Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations were meeting on Saturday to start a weekend of global diplomacy in Kuala Lumpur, with teams from the United States and China holding trade talks alongside the summit. Trump is due to arrive on Sunday morning for the first stop of his trip through Asia, and was set to watch Cambodia and Thailand sign a broader ceasefire deal after he helped broker an end to a deadly five-day border conflict in July.

Dozens of people were killed and around 300,000 were temporarily displaced in the most intense fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbours in recent history. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he had asked for the ceasefire ceremony to be held on Sunday morning, after which he would return to Thailand.

Anutin said he would also miss next week’s APEC Summit in South Korea. The Thai cabinet is scheduled to meet on Saturday morning to discuss the funeral arrangements.

At its annual meeting, ASEAN plans to press for trade multilateralism and deeper ties with new partners, while managing the fallout from Trump’s global tariff offensive. It will also welcome East Timor, Asia’s youngest nation, as its 11th member.

Alongside the regional talks, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will hold a round of trade talks with a Chinese delegation led by Vice Premier He Lifeng. The world’s two biggest economies are looking to find a way forward after Trump threatened new 100% tariffs on Chinese goods and other trade curbs starting November 1 in retaliation for China’s vastly expanded export controls on rare earth magnets and minerals.

World leaders, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa and Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, will join Trump at the summit on Sunday. The U.

S. president is expected to hold a highly anticipated meeting with Lula on the sidelines of the summit, although the talks are still unconfirmed.

Lula said he plans to argue that the 50% tariffs imposed by Washington on Brazilian goods were a “mistake”, citing a $410 billion US trade surplus with Brazil over 15 years. Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on his way to Asia that he would consider reducing tariffs on Brazil under the right circumstances.

Trump stated that he does not intend to hold a similar meeting with Carney and that he is “satisfied with the deal we have” with Canada. .

Dar es Salaam. A delegation of parliamentarians from the Great Lakes Region arrived in Tanzania today to observe next week’s General Election, urging all political actors and electoral authorities to safeguard peace, transparency, and integrity as the country heads to the polls.

The mission, operating under the Forum of Parliaments of Member States of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (FP-ICGLR), is led by former President of Burundi, Domitien Ndayizeye. It seeks to assess whether the October 29, 2025 elections are conducted fairly and transparently, in line with regional and international standards.

“We are honoured to stand with the people of Tanzania at this crucial moment. These elections should reflect the true will of the citizens,” said Mr Ndayizeye, adding that the Great Lakes Region places high expectations on Tanzania’s continued democratic leadership.

“Tanzania remains a key pillar of stability in our region, and we expect this election to further strengthen that legacy,” he noted. The delegation, comprising 23 lawmakers and election experts from Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia, will remain in the country from October 23 to 31, 2025. Members will be deployed across Dar es Salaam, the Coast Region, and Unguja in Zanzibar.

According to Mr Ndayizeye, the mission will assess the preparedness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC), while also monitoring inclusivity in the electoral process. “Young people, women, and persons with disabilities must have equal opportunities to participate freely and without intimidation,” he emphasised.

The team will also examine media freedom, campaign conduct, security, and respect for human rights during the election period to ensure that voters can express their will peacefully and without interference. Mr Ndayizeye explained that the mission operates under established regional frameworks, including the ICGLR Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.

“Our role is to observe and report independently, while encouraging improvements where needed,” he said, stressing that transparency, professionalism, and neutrality from all stakeholders are vital for maintaining public trust. “We urge all actors to uphold the law and prioritise the interests of Tanzanians.

A peaceful election is a shared responsibility,” he concluded. Tanzanians will head to the polls on Wednesday to elect the President, Members of Parliament, and Councillors, marking the country’s sixth multi-party General Election since the reintroduction of political pluralism in 1992. The FP-ICGLR mission is expected to release its preliminary findings on October 31, 2025 in Dar es Salaam.

.

Arusha. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) has announced an ambitious target of generating over Sh350 billion in revenue during the 2025/2026 financial year, building on a record-breaking 2024/2025 performance in which it far exceeded its collection goal.

In the 2024/2025 fiscal year, the Authority collected Sh269.9 billion, surpassing its projected Sh230 billion. This achievement has been attributed to strong leadership, efficient management, and the dedication of the NCAA workforce.

Speaking at the decoration ceremony of two newly appointed Senior Assistant Conservation Commissioners, on October 24, 2025 NCAA Board Chairman General (Rtd) Venance Mabeyo emphasised that the new revenue target reflects the Authority’s commitment to contributing more significantly to national development through sustainable tourism and effective conservation management. “This financial year, our goal is to collect over Sh350 billion, up from Sh269 billion last year, but this target cannot be achieved unless every officer diligently fulfils their responsibilities,” said General Mabeyo.

He described the Senior Assistant Conservation Commissioners as the “engine” of NCAA’s success, urging them to uphold institutional ethics, laws, and procedures while ensuring that their respective departments operate efficiently and transparently. “I encourage you to strengthen financial oversight, manage resources prudently, and innovate new income streams, including the development of new tourism products, to help us achieve and even surpass our revenue targets,” he added.

General Mabeyo further noted that increased revenue collection would enable the government to improve essential social services such as healthcare, electricity, water supply, and education for Tanzanians. He also called on NCAA management to explore emerging tourist sites, including the Amboni Caves in Tanga and the Meteorite Site in Songwe, highlighting that proper investment and infrastructure could attract more visitors and boost national revenue.

Turning to technology, General Mabeyo urged stronger oversight of the ICT Department, noting its critical role in enhancing digital systems for tourism operations, improving communication, and countering misinformation about the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. “The world is changing rapidly with advances in science and technology.

It is our responsibility to ensure the NCAA’s ICT systems operate at international standards, providing top-quality services to tourists from across the globe,” he said. “We have also witnessed increasing misinformation about Ngorongoro.

It is our duty to ensure accurate information reaches the public promptly to protect the reputation of this globally renowned conservation area.” During the ceremony, Senior Assistant Conservation Commissioners Brown O.

Shimwela, responsible for Finance, and Dr Amani Makota, heading ICT and Statistics, were officially commissioned following completion of their Conservation Corps training. Earlier, Commissioner for Conservation Abdul-Razaq Badru stated that the new appointments strengthen NCAA leadership capacity in managing conservation, tourism, and community development activities aimed at boosting Tanzania’s economic growth.

He stressed the importance of close collaboration within management to improve tourism infrastructure, visitor services, the development of new tourism products, and the effective management of archaeological sites outside Ngorongoro to enhance their contribution to the national economy. Dr Amani Makota expressed gratitude for his appointment and pledged to transform the ICT department.

“We are committed to implementing President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directives to strengthen ICT systems and ensure interoperability with other government institutions. Our goal is to modernise our digital infrastructure and provide world-class services to tourists from across the globe,” he said.

.

Babati. Police in Manyara Region are holding a pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), Boay Parish in Babati District, for allegedly engaging in acts of incitement.

Regional Police Commander Ahmed Makarani confirmed to The Citizen’s sister publication, Mwananchi, on Saturday, October 25, 2025, that Pastor Eleth Mtaita was arrested on Friday, October 24, 2025. According to Mr Makarani, the pastor is being questioned over claims that he incited his congregation not to participate in the forthcoming general election. “The pastor has not been abducted; he is in police custody for questioning after being accused of inciting church members not to go out and vote,” Mr Makarani said.

He further revealed that the police are also searching for Sheikh Juma Silima from a mosque in the same Boay area, who is similarly accused of urging people not to vote on October 29, 2025. Mr Makarani cautioned religious leaders against engaging in politics, emphasising that churches and mosques should remain places of worship. “Religious leaders should focus on matters of faith, not politics.

Places of worship are not platforms for political mobilisation,” he said. Meanwhile, confusion erupted on social media late Friday night and early Saturday after reports surfaced claiming that Pastor Mtaita had been abducted from his home by armed, unidentified individuals.

It was alleged that the men, armed with guns, stormed the pastor’s residence, threatened his family, and forced him into a Toyota Land Cruiser with no registration plates before speeding away. Manyara Regional Commissioner Queen Sendiga recently warned that the government would take stern measures against anyone inciting citizens to boycott voting in the general election.

“Anyone who discourages the public from turning out to vote will be violating the law and will face strict legal action,” Ms Sendiga said. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania Mainland champions Young Africans SC (Yanga) have booked their place in the CAF Champions’ League group stage after a convincing 20 victory over Malawi’s Silver Strikers at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

The result saw Yanga overturn a 10 deficit from the first leg in Lilongwe, advancing 21 on aggregate to the delight of thousands of home supporters. Early goal sets the tone Yanga began the match with intensity and purpose, immediately pressing their opponents in search of an early breakthrough.

Their efforts paid off in the 6th minute when defender Dickson Job rose highest to meet a corner from Mohamed Doumbia, nodding home to send the crowd into jubilation. The goal not only gave Yanga belief but also forced Silver Strikers to come out of their defensive shell.

Pacome doubles the lead The Jangwani giants continued to dominate possession, showing composure and creativity in midfield through Doumbia and Maxi Nzengeli. Their dominance was rewarded in the 34th minute when Nzengeli delivered a perfectly weighted pass to Pacome Zouzoua, who calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper George Chikooka to make it 20. The Ivorian attacker’s goal proved to be the decider in the two-legged tie, putting Yanga firmly in control.

Missed chances but total control Despite their comfortable lead, Yanga could have won by a wider margin. Striker Prince Dube squandered a golden opportunity in the 82nd minute after a superb setup from Zouzoua, while substitute Edmund John saw his close-range effort brilliantly saved by Chikooka moments later.

The hosts’ attacking play was fluid and relentless, but poor finishing kept the scoreline respectable for the visitors. Silver Strikers show resilience Silver Strikers, who had impressed in the first leg, struggled to replicate their performance in Dar es Salaam.

Even so, players such as Maxwell Paipi, Daniel Sandukira, Uchizi Vunga, and Andulu Yosefe occasionally threatened with quick counterattacks. However, Yanga’s backline, marshalled by captain Bakari Nondo and the dependable Job, stood firm to repel every dangerous move.

Redemption and new beginnings The win marked a crucial turnaround for Yanga, whose supporters were left frustrated after the first-leg loss in Malawi. That defeat had led to the dismissal of head coach Romain Folz, with assistant coach Patrick Mabedi stepping in to guide the team through the decisive return leg.

Under Mabedi’s leadership, Yanga displayed renewed energy, tactical discipline, and a collective fighting spirit that earned them a place among Africa’s elite. Fans celebrate historic progress At the final whistle, the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium erupted in celebration.

Fans waved flags, sang club anthems, and hailed the players for restoring pride to Jangwani Street. The qualification marks another milestone in Yanga’s continental journey, as the club looks to emulate or even surpass last season’s run in the CAF Confederation Cup.

.

Dar es Salaam. On the evening of Friday, October 24, 2025the Bahati Female Band demonstrated that when the entertainment industry provides space for people with disabilities, true artistry and magic emerge.

During the listening party for their five-track “Nithamini EP,” a product of the Nithamini Project, the all-female band used their music to deliver a powerful message on disability inclusion and equality. From the opening track, Sote ni Sawa (We Are All Equal), to the closing Mazingira (Environment), each song conveyed a profound narrative about society’s perceptions and treatment of people with disabilities.

The live performance transcended mere entertainment; it was a poignant and emotional experience. The audience was visibly moved, with some shedding tears, as blind singers and dancers performed with passion, while an artist with albinism took to the stage to highlight how society often overlooks or marginalises the talents of people with disabilities.

According to Pili Maguzo, director of Bahati Female Band, the Nithamini Project stemmed from personal experiences and a desire to confront discrimination against women with disabilities in the arts and beyond. “The idea came from the pain of what we’ve endured–how people react when you arrive late for a show with someone who has a disability.

They immediately assume you’ve come to beg. These perceptions hurt deeply,” Maguzo explained.

She added that the project extends beyond music, aiming to reaffirm the presence and value of people with disabilities within their families and communities. “If we don’t raise our voices now, then when will we? Music is our voice, and tonight, people are hearing what we’ve created,” she said.

The Bagamoyo Arts and Cultural Institute (Taasisi ya Sanaa na Utamaduni Bagamoyo, TaSUBa) and the National Arts Council (Basata) praised the initiative, noting significant progress compared to previous years, with more artists with disabilities actively participating in the creative sector. Dr Herbert Makoye, Principal of TaSUBa, highlighted the vital role that artists with disabilities play in society.

“People with disabilities hold an important place in our community, just like everyone else,” he said. “Through initiatives like this, we see how the arts can amplify inclusion.

At our institution, we have artists with disabilities and facilities designed to support them.” The event also hosted a panel discussion that shed light on the longstanding neglect of artists with disabilities, from major music festivals and studio sessions to collaborations with non-disabled peers.

Band member Irene Malekela shared her experiences: “Many people assume that a person with a disability can’t be an artist. But when they see us perform like this, it changes their mindset,” she said, emphasising that accessibility remains a significant challenge in most performance venues.

Determined to break barriers, the Bahati Female Band has made it their mission to prove that disability does not equal inability, and that talent knows no physical limitation. Founded out of pure love and compassion with just five members, the band has grown to over thirty women.

Since its official registration in 2000, Bahati Female Band has expanded its work beyond music, launching social campaigns such as efforts against teenage pregnancies and the Shika Ndoto (Hold on to Your Dream) initiative. Now, through Nithamini, they are amplifying messages of equality and inclusion.

Looking ahead, Bahati Female Band plans to transform into a fully-fledged NGO, continuing to harness the power of art not only as entertainment but as a tool for empowerment and social change. .

Washington/Monrovia. Donald Trump’s administration said on Friday it has reached an agreement with Liberia to accept Kilmar Abrego, the migrant whose wrongful deportation to El Salvador in March became a flashpoint in the Republican president’s immigration crackdown.

The Justice Department said in a court filing that Abrego could be deported to the African country as soon as October 31. Maryland-based US District Judge Paula Xinis has temporarily blocked the US government from deporting Abrego while she considers his bid to be released from immigration detention. It is unclear how the administration’s agreement with Liberia will influence the judge’s decision.

Abrego also could seek to challenge his removal by claiming fear of torture or persecution. Liberia said it agreed to take Abrego “on a strictly humanitarian and temporary basis” following a request from the United States.

Liberia’s information ministry said in a statement that it would ensure that Abrego is not removed to “any country where he may face substantial risk of persecution, torture or other serious harm.” Liberia is the first country in Africa to agree to accept Abrego after the administration unsuccessfully floated Uganda, Eswatini and Ghana as options for a potential second deportation.

Abrego, a sheet metal worker who entered the United States illegally, had been living in Maryland with his wife, their child and two of her children – all of whom are American citizens – when he was arrested and sent to his native El Salvador. He was deported to El Salvador, where he spent time in a mega-prison known for its harsh conditions, in violation of a prior US court order.

Abrego was sent back to the United States in June, and Trump’s Justice Department brought criminal charges accusing him of smuggling migrants. He has pleaded not guilty, and his lawyers have accused the administration of vindictive prosecution.

The administration also has said Abrego was a member of the MS-13 gang, an accusation his lawyers deny. A lawyer for Abrego, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, said Abrego has no personal connection to Liberia, and added that the country is far from his wife and children in Maryland.

“The government has chosen yet another path that feels designed to inflict maximum hardship,” Sandoval-Moshenberg said in a statement. “Their actions are punitive, cruel and unconstitutional.

” His lawyers in the past have accused the administration of violating Abrego’s rights to due process under the US Constitution. A deportation in the coming days could also impact a court hearing in his criminal case scheduled for November 4 and 5 in Nashville, Tennessee, that will examine whether Abrego was improperly charged in retaliation for his decision to bring a legal challenge to his March deportation.

Abrego’s lawyers have sought testimony from several Justice Department officials. The administration vowed to remove Abrego again from the United States after he was in August.

Abrego’s lawyers have indicated a preference for Costa Rica, a Spanish-speaking country in Central America that has said it would take in Abrego, but the administration has so far not agreed to send him there. The Justice Department highlighted Liberia’s historic ties to the United States, its “humane treatment of refugees” and its “robust” human rights protections.

A 2024 US State Department report flagged significant rights issues in the West African country, including extrajudicial killings. Liberia was one of five African countries the Trump administration pressed in July to accept migrants being deported to countries other than their own.

.

Kigali, Rwanda. In a landmark collaboration aimed at bridging the digital divide, the Airtel Africa Foundation on October 25, 2025 partnered with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), and Cisco to launch a transformative initiative under the Digital Transformation Centres (DTC) programme.

The partnership seeks to advance digital inclusion across Rwanda by providing free Internet connectivity and digital skills training to underserved communities, supporting the country’s journey towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Under the initiative, ITU will deliver digital skills training content to the DTCs, alongside other regional capacity-building activities.

It will also facilitate networking opportunities to promote digital literacy, granting participants access to expertise and global best practices. Speaking to the press, Airtel Rwanda Managing Director, Mr Sujay Chakrabarti, said: “Today’s partnership between the Airtel Africa Foundation, ITU, RISA, and Cisco marks a significant step forward in bridging the digital divide and empowering Rwandan youth with digital skills.

This partnership is a powerful example of what happens when government, private sector, and international organisations come together to empower communities.” The Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Rwanda, will equip DTC locations with routers, Wi-Fi, and data packages at no cost, ensuring that digital training and educational platforms are fully accessible to learners.

The initiative complements Rwanda’s ambition to become a knowledge-based economy and aligns with national programmes such as ‘Connect Rwanda’, which seek to broaden access to smartphones and digital services for marginalised communities. Ms Esi Asare Prah, Head of Programmes at Airtel Africa Foundation, on behalf of Dr Segun Ogunsaya, Chair of the Foundation, said: “This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting national development goals and closing the digital divide through meaningful collaboration.

We are honoured to partner with ITU to bring this vision to life and contribute to Rwanda’s journey towards becoming a digitally empowered society.” Dr Emmanuel Mannaseh, Regional Director for ITU, added: “Our partnership with Airtel Africa Foundation begins in Rwanda, where we are joining forces to strengthen digital skills in underserved communities and advance connectivity.

This initiative lays the groundwork for broader regional collaboration, as we aim to expand this work to other Digital Transformation Centres across Africa.” RISA CEO Mr Antoine Sebera emphasised the transformative potential of the programme, stating: “What we are seeing here today is partnership in action.

With 900 million people in Africa still unconnected, extra effort must be made to ensure that no one is left behind. These centres will play a vital role in educating the youth to leverage AI.

Digital transformation is driving the world, and Africa, particularly Rwanda, cannot be left behind.” .

Dar es Salaam. Youth innovation in Tanzania is beginning to take a commercial path following the official handover of two university technology projects from the College of Information and Communication Technologies (CoICT) to the Dar Teknohama Business Incubator (DTBi) entrepreneurship programme.

The two projects — an Internet of Things (IoT) system for detecting tomato spoilage and a modern road transport safety system — highlight how technology can be used to improve safety, resilience, and food security. The transfer is designed to help young innovators from universities turn their technological ideas into market-ready products and services with real economic value.

The handover ceremony, held at CoICT in Kijitonyama on October 23, 2025 marked a new beginning for the innovators, who will now receive business training, technical support, and mentorship to transform their projects into viable enterprises. DTBi Executive Director Patience Karua said innovation needs more than just ideas — it requires an environment that allows it to grow and create impact.

“Innovation needs more than a good idea. It needs a system that nurtures it, provides business direction, and creates room for growth,” said Ms Karua.

“Through our partnership with CoICT and the Youth TeamUp Project, we are not just transferring innovations; we are investing in the future of Tanzania’s digital economy.” The Youth TeamUp Project, which connects young people from Africa and Europe through innovations that support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2030), continues to empower Tanzanian youth with skills, networks, and international exposure.

CoICT Project Coordinator Dr Eva Shayo said innovations developed within universities must go beyond classrooms and research labs to solve real-life challenges. “At CoICT, we believe in learning by doing.

Seeing these innovations move into DTBi’s entrepreneurship programme shows that creativity and research can bring practical solutions to society,” said Dr Shayo. DTBi Project Coordinator Makange Mramba said the handover signals the start of a promising journey for the innovators.

“This handover is not the end, but the beginning of a new journey. The young innovators will continue to receive business mentorship, training, and technical support to ensure their products are ready for the market,” said Mr Mramba.

The collaboration between CoICT, DTBi, and Youth TeamUp marks a growing shift in Tanzania’s innovation landscape — one where youthful creativity is increasingly finding space in the business world. .

Arusha. The East African Community (EAC) has deployed an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Tanzania in advance of the country’s General Elections scheduled for October 29, 2025. The deployment follows an official directive from the EAC Council of Ministers, instructing the Secretariat to monitor elections across all Partner States.

The move highlights the regional bloc’s commitment to promoting democracy, peace, and stability in East Africa. The Mission is led by former Vice President of Uganda and a distinguished advocate for public health and gender equality, Dr Speciosa Wandira Kazibwe.

class=”article-picture” 7 class=”article-picture_caption” 9 Former Vice President of Uganda and a distinguished advocate for public health and gender equality, Dr Speciosa Wandira Kazibwe Dr Kazibwe is the first woman in Africa to serve as Vice President of a sovereign state and previously held the role of UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa. “As a Community founded on the principles of good governance, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, the EAC regards credible elections as the cornerstone of democracy and regional integration,” Dr Kazibwe said during the flag-off ceremony at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha on October 24, 2025. The EAC Election Observation Mission comprises 67 experts drawn from all Partner States, including Members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), officials from National Electoral Commissions, Human Rights Commissions, Civil Society Organisations, and the EAC Secretariat.

Observers have been deployed across Tanzania to assess the electoral process in line with national laws, the EAC Principles for Election Observation and Evaluation, and other international standards. EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva said that the Mission will issue a preliminary report shortly after the polls, followed by a comprehensive final report with recommendations to strengthen future electoral processes in the region.

“Our observers will engage with key stakeholders, monitor campaign activities, and oversee polling, counting, and the transmission of results to ensure transparency and credibility,” she said. The Deputy Head of Mission, Maina Karobia, a Member of EALA, emphasised that the Mission’s role is strictly impartial.

“We are here in solidarity with the people of Tanzania, not to interfere, but to observe and report objectively,” he said, urging all electoral actors to uphold peace and integrity during the polls. The EAC’s deployment complements similar initiatives by other regional and international bodies, including the African Union (AU), Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the Commonwealth, all of which have dispatched observer missions to Tanzania.

Grounded in Article 6(d) of the EAC Treaty, the Mission reinforces Partner States’ commitment to democratic governance, accountability, gender equality, and human rights — key values enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. .