Category: The Citizen

In what authorities have described as one of the most daring art thefts in recent history, a group of highly organised thieves carried out a meticulously planned heist at the world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris during the early hours of Tuesday morning. According to French police, the suspects infiltrated the museum shortly after midnight, bypassing several layers of advanced security systems.

Investigators believe the culprits possessed intimate knowledge of the Louvre’s internal layout and alarm protocols. By the time guards discovered the breach, the thieves had vanished–taking with them several invaluable masterpieces estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of euros.

Among the stolen works is believed to be a rare 16th-century painting by Leonardo da Vinci’s pupil, though officials have not yet released the full inventory of missing items. The French Ministry of Culture has confirmed that the museum will remain closed to the public until further notice as forensic teams comb the site for clues.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin called the operation “an assault on France’s cultural soul,” vowing to bring those responsible to justice. “These criminals knew exactly what they were doing.

We will not rest until every piece of art is recovered and those behind this act are apprehended,” he told reporters outside the museum. Interpol has joined the investigation, coordinating with art crime units across Europe amid fears that the stolen pieces could already be on their way to the black market.

Experts warn that such works are nearly impossible to sell openly, suggesting the theft may have been commissioned by a private collector. Meanwhile, Parisians have expressed both outrage and disbelief that the Louvre–home to the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo–could fall victim to such a sophisticated crime.

As one visitor standing outside the cordoned-off museum remarked, “It feels as though part of our heritage has been taken from us.” Authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious activity or attempts to sell rare artworks.

For now, the world’s eyes remain fixed on Paris, awaiting answers to how one of the most secure museums on Earth could be breached–and whether its stolen treasures will ever return home .

Dar es Salaam. A total of 1,582,140 Standard Four pupils from 20,517 schools across Tanzania are set to sit for the Standard Four National Assessment (SFNA) on October 22 and 23, 2025, according to the National Examinations Council of Tanzania (NECTA).

Of the registered candidates, 764,290 (48.31 percent) are boys, while 817,850 (51.69 percent) are girls. Speaking in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, NECTA Executive Secretary Prof Said Mohamed provided key updates on the upcoming assessment.

“Out of all registered pupils, 1,475,637 (93.27 percent) will take the exam in Kiswahili, while 106,503 (6.73 percent) will sit for the exam in English, the language of instruction in their respective schools,” said Prof Mohamed. He said NECTA has made special arrangements for 5,750 pupils with disabilities, including 1,164 with low vision, 111 who are blind, 1,161 with hearing impairment, 1,641 with intellectual disabilities, and 1,673 with physical disabilities.

“Pupils with special needs will be granted an extra 20 minutes per hour for the Mathematics paper and 10 additional minutes per hour for other subjects,” he added. This year’s assessment, he noted, marks the first implementation of the revised curriculum, which is aligned with the 2023 edition of the 2014 Education and Training Policy.

Pupils will be examined in six core subjects–science, mathematics, geography and environment, arts and sports, Kiswahili, English language, and history and civics. Additionally, they will have the option to choose one of three elective subjects: French, Arabic, or Chinese.

Prof Mohamed said all logistical preparations have been finalised, including the distribution of exam papers and materials to councils and municipalities across the country. He added that invigilators have undergone comprehensive training, and security measures have been reinforced to safeguard the integrity of the assessment.

“We urge invigilators to conduct themselves professionally and in accordance with the set regulations. School owners are also cautioned against interfering with the process.

NECTA will not hesitate to disqualify any examination centre that compromises the security or credibility of the assessment,” he warned. Prof Mohamed further advised pupils to follow exam rules strictly and avoid any form of malpractice during the two-day exercise.

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Dodoma. The push for accelerating the integration of nature-based solutions (NbS) into Tanzania’s development and investment frameworks received fresh impetus after leading organisations convened a key meeting to discuss the agenda.

The CEO Roundtable of Tanzania (CEOrt), in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (AGCOT), convened a high-level workshop in Dodoma to discuss ways to address climate change solutions in agriculture. The NbS Mainstreaming Workshop brought together leaders from agribusiness, finance, and policy institutions to explore how nature-driven approaches can help businesses respond to climate risks while unlocking new opportunities for sustainable growth.

The event was officiated by Deputy Director of Environment at the Vice President’s Office, Mr Thomas Chali, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to scaling up nature-based solutions as a key tool in achieving Tanzania’s climate goals. “As the country advances towards its emission reduction targets, nature-based solutions present a practical, scalable way to link environmental protection with socio-economic growth,” said Mr Chali.

Participants examined how ecosystem-based approaches such as agroforestry, soil and water restoration, and circular bio-economy models can strengthen supply chains, reduce operational risks, and align with global sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. The CEOrt is positioning the private sector as a key driver of climate adaptation and green transformation.

Its work under the NBS-RESOLVE Project–funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) and implemented in partnership with IUCN–seeks to equip businesses with the tools to integrate NbS into corporate sustainability strategies, financial planning, and reporting processes. The session was facilitated by Country Co-director and Associate Partner at Auxim, and the organisation’s lead on nature-based solutions, Mr Syakaa William.

CEOrt Project Manager, Ms Hawa Urungu, said that by 2050, Tanzania aspires to rank among Africa’s top three investment destinations, anchored on green, inclusive, and competitive growth. “To get there, we must see sustainability not as a compliance exercise but as a strategic opportunity–and NbS sits right at the intersection of the climate, ESG, and investment agenda,” she said.

Adding a voice from the agricultural sector, Cluster and Partnerships Manager at AGCOT, Mr John Nakei, highlighted the sector’s readiness to scale up action. “Agriculture sits at the centre of both climate vulnerability and opportunity.

By adopting nature-based solutions, agribusinesses can restore soil health, improve water efficiency, and unlock green investment,” he said. “This approach is not just good for the environment; it’s smart economics that ensures long-term competitiveness for Tanzanian farmers and agribusinesses,” he added.

The workshop emphasised that integrating NbS can address several of Tanzania’s most pressing challenges–from soil degradation, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss to the need for climate-smart investments that deliver both financial and environmental returns. .

Dar es Salaam. With just eight days to go before Tanzania’s general election on October 29, 2025, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Election Observation Mission (SEOM) has begun preparations to assess the country’s democratic foundations, including human rights.

SEOM, which arrived in Tanzania on October 12, has deployed observers to 27 regions, though logistical challenges have prevented coverage in four regions: Mtwara, Tabora, Shinyanga, and Tanga. Speaking at the launch of the observation activities on October 21, SEOM head in Tanzania and former Speaker of Malawi’s National Assembly, Richard Msowoya, said the mission would examine citizen participation in democratic processes.

He said that the observers would assess whether Tanzanians enjoy human rights and freedoms such as freedom of assembly, expression, and association, as well as the legal frameworks governing elections. The mission will also evaluate measures to prevent corruption, bribery, bias, political violence, intimidation, and suppression of opinions.

Observers will review whether all political parties have equal access to government media and information channels. “To fulfil its mandate, SEOM will assess, among other things, whether the constitutional and legal frameworks guarantee freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, freedom of association, and human rights,” Msowoya said.

He said that the mission would also examine the electoral system, the Electoral Management Body (EMB), election laws and regulations, and the scope of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. Msowoya noted that SEOM will ensure electoral boundaries are drawn transparently and legally and that any changes follow legitimate, lawful reasons.

The head of the mission said SEOM has met various electoral stakeholders and will continue consultations throughout the pre-election, election, and post-election periods. Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Said Saib Mussa, said Tanzania’s elections are conducted according to democratic principles, and SADC observers have been invited to ensure a free and fair process.

“This is a way to assess ourselves internally and within SADC, of which we are members. Their main role is to observe the elections, not direct them.

They are not allowed to intervene,” Mussa said. He said that SEOM will monitor election campaigns, voter turnout and the announcement of results, before issuing a preliminary report.

Senior Officer for Politics and Diplomacy in SADC’s Secretariat, Terry Rose, said that following an official invitation from the Tanzanian government, Malawi President Prof Arthur Peter Mutharika — who also chairs SADC’s Organ on Politics, Defence and Security — established SEOM to observe Tanzania’s elections. “SEOM will engage key electoral stakeholders to gather perspectives and understand opinions on the electoral process.

The SADC Secretariat will facilitate consultations, while our observers work directly with stakeholders across the country,” Rose said .

Dar es Salaam. Hundreds of women entrepreneurs in Tanzania are set to benefit from an expanded clean energy initiative following a renewed partnership between the Puma Energy Foundation and Solar Sister.

The collaboration aims to address Tanzania’s persistent energy access gap, where over half of the population still lacks electricity and depends on harmful fuels such as firewood, charcoal, and kerosene for cooking and lighting. The partnership, launched in 2023 under Puma Energy Foundation’s Business Booster Programme, trained and supported 579 women entrepreneurs, equipping them with digital skills and tools such as smartphones to help boost sales and reach off-grid communities.

In the second phase, beginning in 2025, Solar Sister will recruit and train 500 more women across three new regions, provide 200 with advanced digital business skills, and distribute 16,000 solar products, including 2,000 clean cookstoves. “The goal is not just to sell energy products,” said Solar Sister Tanzania Country Director, Mr Cesear Mloka.

“It’s to empower women with confidence, financial independence, and a respected voice in their households.” The partnership aims to reach an additional 85,000 Tanzanians with renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and improve health outcomes.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is projected to sustain a robust economic growth rate of above 6 percent in 2025 and 2026, according to the latest International Monetary Fund (IMF) regional economic outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa.

According to the IMF, while the external environment remains challenging specifically for resource intensive countries, Tanzania is among the nations with strategic domestic policy successes in areas such as revenue mobilization. The October 2025 report explicitly praises Tanzania’s progress in modernizing its tax administration, compliance, and staff training.

Through the implementation of risk-based case selection and digital systems, these measures have led to a near 20 percent increase in assessed taxable income. This successful reform positions the nation among the region’s leaders in strengthening fiscal capacity from within–a critical priority emphasized by IMF African Department Director, Mr Abebe Selassie, to secure macroeconomic stabilization across the continent.

“The projected sharp decline in foreign aid leaves several lower-income economies particularly exposed,” Mr Selassie noted, in his statement underscoring why Tanzania’s progress in self-funding development is so crucial. At a projected 6 percent, Tanzania’s growth outperforms Kenya, which is forecast at 4.

9 percent amid significant fiscal tightening and elevated debt service costs. However, the East African neighbours of Rwanda (7.5 percent) and Uganda (7.6 percent) are projected to lead the region, driven largely by public infrastructure projects and private investment.

While the IMF report acknowledges that external financing terms have improved slightly, allowing some nations like Kenya and Angola to access international capital markets, it concurrently warns that the global trade policy and aid landscape is deteriorating. Preferential access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has expired, and foreign aid is set to sharply decline.

Against this backdrop, Tanzania’s domestic fiscal shield becomes an invaluable asset. Local economists affirm that Tanzania’s steady performance reflects more than just domestic policy.

Senior Lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam’s School of Economics,Dr Wilhelm Ngasamiaku, links the current stability to broader geopolitical shifts. “There’s been an economic war between major powers–the U.

S., China, and Russia–and as a result, many countries are diversifying their reserves away from the dollar and into gold,” Dr Ngasamiaku explained.

This global realignment has boosted demand for Tanzania’s gold exports, stabilizing foreign exchange reserves and providing a timely economic opportunity. However, the consensus among experts is that resource reliance is a fragile foundation.

Dr Ngasamiaku cautioned that long-term stability requires a shift in economic focus. “To sustain our economy in the long term, we must diversify.

That means building a strong domestic manufacturing base and expanding the export of manufactured goods,” he said. A lecturer at Mzumbe University’s School of Business Dr Daudi Ndaki, , echoed the same message, warning that resource-intensive growth models can become fragile during periods of global instability.

“Resource-intensive countries depend heavily on exports to grow,” Dr Ndaki said. “But when there is conflict or political instability globally, the entire chain becomes risky — from export demand to foreign exchange earnings.

” He added that Tanzania’s long-term stability will depend on developing a strong domestic market and choosing trade partners more strategically. “We need to build our internal market and understand clearly which countries we are engaging with,” he said.

“It’s about identifying sustainable, reliable partners rather than depending on volatile export markets.” “Strengthening the domestic market is essential,” he concluded.

“That’s what will shield Tanzania from external shocks and ensure steady, homegrown growth.” Moreover IMF African lead Mr.

Selassie stressed that significant potential exists to raise revenues through modernized tax systems, digitalization, and streamlining tax loopholes. He insisted that “these efforts must go beyond technical adjustments” to build public trust and ensure reforms are both effective and equitable via careful impact and distributional assessments.

Secondly, enhancing debt transparency and strengthening Public Financial Management (PFM) are key to reducing high borrowing costs and unlocking innovative financing. Mr.

Selassie urged publishing comprehensive debt data and reinforcing budget oversight as critical steps for building resilience and supporting inclusive, sustainable growth across the region. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s football giants Simba SC and Singida Black Stars took major steps toward the group stages of their respective CAF club competitions after posting impressive results in the first-leg matches played yesterday.

In the CAF Champions League, Simba registered a commanding 30 victory over Nsingizini Hotspurs of Eswatini, while Singida Black Stars held Flambeau du Centre of Burundi to a 11 draw in the CAF Confederation Cup. The results put both Tanzanian clubs in strong positions ahead of their decisive return legs next week.

Simba’s victory in Eswatini came in what was the debut match for their new head coach, Dimitar Pantev, who replaced Fadlu Davids earlier this month after the South African tactician joined Raja Club Athletic. Despite being away from home, Simba dominated possession and created several scoring opportunities.

Their persistence finally paid off in the dying minutes of the first half when defender Wilson Nangu rose highest to head home from a Neo Maema corner, giving the Tanzanian champions a deserved lead. In the second half, Simba continued to press forward, and their efforts were rewarded again in the 83rd minute, when Kibu Dennis doubled the lead after a clever pass from Jonathan Sowah.

Dennis later struck again in the 89th minute, finishing off a neat assist from Moris Abraham. The result means Simba only need a draw in the return leg, which will be played at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on October 26, to secure qualification for the CAF Champions League group stage.

Meanwhile, in the CAF Confederation Cup, Singida Black Stars earned a crucial away draw in Bujumbura, Burundi. After a balanced opening half, the match came to life in the second period when Clatous Chama broke the deadlock for Singida in the 60th minute, finishing a well-worked team move to put the visitors ahead.

However, their lead lasted only two minutes as Edson Munaba equalized for Flambeau du Centre, ensuring the home side remained in contention. Despite late pressure from the Burundian club, Singida’s defense held firm to secure the valuable away result.

The 11 draw gives Singida a slight advantage ahead of the return leg in Tanzania, where a goalless draw would be enough to see them progress to the group stage for the first time in their history. .

Dar es Salaam. The Republic in the treason case against Chadema Chairman Tundu Lissu has asked the High Court (Sub-Registry) in Dar es Salaam to dismiss his objection over the admissibility of a video containing his speech allegedly inciting treason.

In its submissions, the prosecution argued that Lissu’s claims lack legal merit and should be rejected. The case, which is being heard by a three-judge bench led by Resident Judge at the Iringa sub-registry Dunstan Ndunguru, is currently at the prosecution’s evidence stage.

Judges James Karayemaha and Ferdinand Kiwonde are sitting with him. Lissu is accused of, on April 3, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, making statements intended to threaten the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, contrary to Section 39(2)(d) of the Penal Code.

The prosecution cited social media posts in which he allegedly said: “If this position is seen as incitement, it is true because we say we will obstruct the elections, incite rebellion this election we will really disrupt it we will sabotage it badly” Evidence verification The third prosecution witness, Samweli Eribariki Kaaya, 39, a forensic imaging expert from the Police Forensic Science Section, testified that on April 8, 2025, he received a flash disk and memory card containing the video from the Special Investigations Regional Office in Dar es Salaam. He confirmed the video was authentic after examination and submitted a forensic report.

The prosecution asked the court to admit it as evidence. Lissu objected, raising four main points.

Prosecution response On Lissu’s claim that the video was never shown in the committal court, Senior Government Advocate Nassoro Katuga said the court should refer to official committal records, which clearly show the video was played and read to the accused. Regarding the claim that the expert report should precede the video, Katuga argued there is no law requiring this.

He cited CPA Sections 216(1)220(1), adding that previous court rulings support admitting evidence based on relevance, materiality, and competency. On the objection that the witness lacked authority, Katuga said the witness had properly examined the video, demonstrated his expertise, and was authorised.

He cited DPP v Shaibu Mohamed and 6 others (Criminal Appeal No. 74/2016) as precedent.

Finally, on the chain of custody, Katuga argued that authenticity was sufficiently verified and that this issue is not one of the three main criteria for admitting evidence. Katuga urged the court to dismiss Lissu’s objections as legally weak and a waste of time.

Following the prosecution’s response, Lissu will reply before the judges make their ruling. .

Paris. Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, set to start a five-year prison sentence on Tuesday after being convicted of attempting to raise campaign funds from Libya in 2007, said he is not afraid of going to jail, La Tribune Dimanche reported.

Sarkozy, who is due to be incarcerated at Paris’s Sante prison on October 21, told the newspaper he had already packed his bags and feels calm ahead of the start of his sentence. “I am not afraid of prison.

I will hold my head high, even in front of the gates of Sante,” Sarkozy said, adding he will not ask for any special privileges. Sarkozy says plans to write book while in prison The former president told La Tribune Dimanche he does not want to complain or be pitied during his imprisonment.

He plans to spend his time in jail writing a book, the newspaper said. Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, was found guilty of criminal conspiracy over efforts by close aides to procure funds for his successful 2007 presidential bid from Libya during the rule of late dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Sarkozy has always said he was innocent and has appealed his conviction. .

Tokyo. Hardline conservative Sanae Takaichi is almost certain to become Japan’s first female prime minister on Tuesday, after the right-wing opposition Japan Innovation Party, known as Ishin, said it was ready to back her premiership.

“I told Takaichi that we should move forward together,” Ishin’s leader and Osaka governor Hirofumi Yoshimura told reporters in the western Japanese city on Monday. He will meet with Takaichi at 6 p.

m. (0900 GMT) to conclude the alliance, he added.

Yoshimura and Ishin’s other boss, Fumitake Fujita, joined party lawmakers earlier at 2 p.m.

(0500 GMT) to discuss the coalition. Investors’ anticipation of a deal that could lead to higher government spending weakened the yen and pushed stocks in Japan to a record high, with the blue-chip Nikkei share index jumping almost 3% in afternoon trading.

The cooperation agreement would deliver a combined 231 seats in parliament’s dominant lower house. It would fall two short of a majority, but ensure Takaichi likely wins a vote in parliament on Tuesday to pick Japan’s next prime minister.

She will only need a majority of ballots cast rather than of all members in any runoff vote. To govern, however, she will still need to court the support of other opposition groups, including for an upcoming supplementary budget.

The expected deal with Ishin follows the collapse of the LDP’s 26-year coalition with Komeito, which ended its alliance after the ruling party picked Takaichi as its new leader. Komeito’s abrupt withdrawal triggered talks among opposition parties, including the second largest Ishin, that could have derailed her premiership ambitions and thrown her party out of power for the first time in more than a decade.

Ishin’s decision to side with the LDP ends that possibility. Fiscal dove, security hawk Takaichi, a fiscal dove, has called for higher spending and tax cuts to cushion consumers from rising inflation and has criticised the Bank of Japan’s decision to raise interest rates.

“Expectations for Takaichi’s economic policies, which include fiscal expansion and monetary easing, appear to be facilitating rising share prices and a weaker yen,” said Nomura Securities strategist Fumika Shimizu. Some analysts say Ishin, which advocates for small government and spending cuts, could restrain some of Takaichi’s spending ambitions.

Takaichi wants to revise Japan’s pacifist postwar constitution to recognise the role of its military. A regular visitor to the Yasukuni war shrine in Tokyo, viewed by some Asian neighbours as a symbol of wartime aggression, she wants higher defence spending to deter neighbouring China.

She has also called for stricter immigration rules and opposes social policies, such as allowing women to retain their surnames after marriage, which she says undermine traditional values. For now, Ishin will not take up a post in Takaichi’s government, at least until it is clear that the partnership with the LDP is working, Yoshimura said later in a television interview.

“Right now, we’re still a group of lawmakers with no experience in government. So rather than asking for a ministerial post, we want to first focus on realising our policies as part of the ruling coalition,” he said.

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