Category: The Citizen

The war in Gaza has been a catastrophe with few precedents in history. Sixty-five thousand lives lost.

Whole strip reduced to rubble. Israel spending over $60 billion while unleashing devastation that will scar its reputation for years.

For Palestinians, the lesson is brutal but clear: violence is not the answer here. For Israelis, the cost of total victory has been staggering.

Into this wreckage steps Donald Trump with a 20-point peace plan — bold, controversial, and, if implemented, transformative. Here are five takeaways that matter most: 1.

End of the war The plan’s sequencing is designed to stop the carnage immediately: “the war will immediately end” (Point 3), “all hostages will be returned” (4), and 250 Palestinian prisoners released (5). This is not just a ceasefire; it is an answer to the ‘day-after’ question of this war.

Life is better than death, and this plan offers both sides a chance to stop the bleeding and return to normality — whatever that means after such destruction. 2.

Deradicalisation of Gaza The plan envisions Gaza as a “deradicalised terror-free zone” (1). Hamas members who disarm are offered amnesty (6), while militant infrastructure is dismantled (13).

Crucially, point 18 calls for “an interfaith dialogue process, based on values of tolerance and peaceful co-existence.” This isn’t cosmetic.

Pew Research (2013) found 89 percent of Palestinians wanted Sharia as the law of the land, with 84 percent (of those who wanted Sharia) supporting stoning for adultery and 66 percent supporting death for apostasy. These numbers show the scale of the ideological challenge.

Deradicalisation means dismantling the culture of martyrdom and replacing it with civic education that promotes pluralism and tolerance. 3.

Governance reset The plan calls for Gaza to be run by a “temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee” (9), overseen by an international Board of Peace chaired by Trump and including figures such as Tony Blair. With Hamas dismantled (13) and the Palestinian Authority reforming (19), the alternative is a dangerous vacuum that would invite chaos.

To prevent this, Trump’s plan proposes an international stabilisation force (ISF), with Indonesia already offering to contribute 20,000 troops to secure Gaza during the transition. Blair may be disliked, but his deep regional ties and ability to mobilise Gulf capital and Western donors make him ideal for this role.

This governance reset is the bridge between the collapse of Hamas and the emergence of a reformed Palestinian Authority. Without it, the rest of the plan will collapse.

4. A new prosperous Gaza The plan promises Gaza will be “redeveloped for the benefit of the people” (2), with immediate humanitarian aid (7) and a Trump-led economic development program (10).

A special economic zone with preferential trade access (11) and guarantees of free movement (Point 12) are designed to turn Gaza into a hub of opportunity. The vision is bold: turning Gaza into the Dubai on the Mediterranean.

Billions are already lined up the 2020 Trump Peace to Prosperity Plan had promised $50 billion over 10 years. The idea was ridiculed I think we will get it now.

5. Pathway to statehood The plan explicitly states “Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza” (16), and that “conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood” (19).

It also commits the U.S.

to “establish a dialogue to agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous co-existence” (20). I have long argued that the two-state solution is impractical.

Yet if implemented, this plan ticks enough boxes — demilitarisation, governance reform, economic viability — to reimagine a two-state framework. And paradoxically, that may be a better path toward a durable one-state solution: a single polity where coexistence is not imposed by force but chosen through shared prosperity and mutual security.

Regional buy-in Critics of this plan abound. They question Israel’s intentions, the plan’s clarity, Tony Blair’s involvement, and the demand for Hamas to disarm.

But these are voices that find fault with every solution. What matters is that the plan has received broad international endorsement.

The joint statement from Qatar, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt signals that key Arab and Muslim states are ready to underwrite the framework. Their role is pivotal: ensuring compliance (14), deploying stabilisation forces (15), and financing reconstruction (10).

For Israel, this is an opening to normalise ties with the Arab world that is, the expansion of the Abraham Accords. For Palestinians, it’s a chance to rebuild on new foundations.

For the region, it’s an opportunity to transform Gaza from a symbol of perpetual war into a model of prosperity. Hamas’ final role But for this vision to take root, Hamas must now confront reality.

Their October 7 escapade into Israel has proven to be a total disaster. Now they face a final chance to act responsibly: accept the plan and dissolve.

History may yet remember them not only for the destruction it caused, but for the moment they chose to step aside–thus allowing a new Gaza to emerge.Anchored in life, not death.

Charles Makakala is a Technology and Management Consultant based in Dar es Salaam .

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Ladies Golf Union (TLGU) has officially named the national team that will represent the country at the prestigious East and Central All Africa Challenge Trophy (EACAACT), set for October 20 to 25 at the Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort in Kenya.

The team will depart Dar es Salaam for Kenya on October 19. TLGU president Queen Siraki expressed pride in the squad, describing it as a blend of seasoned experience and rising talent. “We are very proud to present this team that will carry Tanzania’s flag at the EACAACT in Kenya,” said Siraki.

“These players have shown tremendous commitment, discipline, and improvement in their game. We believe they have what it takes to compete strongly against some of the best golfers from the region.

” The EACAACT, held every two years, is one of the premier events on the regional golfing calendar. It attracts top female golfers from across East and Central Africa and provides a platform to showcase talent, build confidence, and strengthen ties among participating nations.

The team captain Neema Olomi, a regular feature in international competitions, is expected to anchor the squad with her leadership and experience. Vicky Elias and Khadija Suleiman will be looking to stamp their authority in regional play, while rising star Shufaa Twalib brings youthful energy and determination to the team.

Siraki said d that the team’s participation reflects Tanzania’s growing investment in women’s golf. “Golf is one of the fastest-growing sports among women in Tanzania, and events like the EACAACT give our players exposure, confidence, and international experience.

We are optimistic that this team will make the nation proud,” she added. The tournament will feature multiple rounds of competitive play, with golfers battling for both individual and team honours.

For Tanzania, it is more than just a competition, it is a chance to showcase the country’s progress in women’s golf and inspire the next generation of female players. .

Dar es Salaam. Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) has announced at least 173 job vacancies in a major hiring drive that reflects its endeavour to cement a stronger presence both in Africa and beyond.

The airline, which is fully owned by the government of Tanzania, is seeking to recruit new pilots, cabin crew and ground staff as part of its ongoing five-year Corporate Strategic Plan (2022/232026/27). The plan focuses on expanding routes and sustaining the operational gains recorded over the past decade.

According to the job announcement, the openings include 23 captain posts, 45 first officers, 100 cabin crew (including 20 with French and Chinese language proficiency), one accountant and four ramp assistants. Successful candidates will be engaged on a 10-year contract, with terms described as “attractive and competitive”.

The hiring spree comes at a time when ATCL is growing its international footprint. Already, the airline operates routes to Guangzhou in China, Mumbai in India and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, alongside a network of regional and domestic destinations.

The recent addition of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A220-300s to its fleet has positioned the carrier to compete on long-haul routes while boosting passenger comfort. Aviation expert and former pilot Hassan Rweyemamu told The Citizen yesterday that the expansion strategy requires “a new generation of skilled workers” to sustain operations.

“When you buy aircraft and open new routes, the next logical step is building a workforce that can keep the airline competitive. This recruitment shows ATCL is serious about growth, not just at home but in connecting Tanzania with key global markets,” he said.

Why French and Chinese-speaking crew? Among the notable vacancies are positions for French- and Chinese-speaking cabin crew. Analysts say this reflects ATCL’s growing focus on linguistic and cultural diversity in customer service.

“French is vital for routes to West and Central Africa, where it is widely spoken, while Chinese is indispensable for Guangzhou, which has become a lifeline for Tanzanian traders and exporters,” explained Ms Aneth Luhanga, an aviation studies expert at the National Institute of Transport (NIT). “Passengers feel at ease when airlines communicate in their languages.

It’s not just a courtesy, it’s a business strategy that builds trust and loyalty,” she said. With over 170 opportunities, the recruitment drive also highlights ATCL’s role as a key employer in the aviation industry, which has historically struggled with limited absorption of graduates from local institutions.

A transport economist based in Mwanza, Mr Julius Katabale, said the announcement is a morale booster for young Tanzanians pursuing careers in aviation. “Many of our students graduate with world-class skills but face difficulties finding placements.

ATCL’s expansion creates room for them and ensures that institutes like NIT are not just training for export, but also for domestic growth,” he said. Mr Katabale added that the integration of accountants and ground staff in the recruitment shows that “aviation is not just about flying; it’s an ecosystem that provides opportunities across multiple disciplines.

” ATCL’s revival in recent years has been closely tied to the government’s investments in fleet acquisition and infrastructure, including the upgrading of airports across the country. Industry observers argue that beyond transport, the airline is also a flagbearer for Tanzania’s visibility abroad.

“As the national carrier grows, it markets Tanzania to the world,” said Mr Kabale. “Every ATCL plane that lands in a foreign capital is not just carrying passengers; it’s flying the national identity.

Expansion means more tourists, more investors and more recognition of Tanzania as a serious aviation player,” he said. With new jobs on the horizon and more routes expected to be announced, stakeholders see ATCL’s recruitment as a milestone in consolidating its place in the highly competitive airline industry.

For many aspiring aviators, the announcement signals the start of fresh opportunities in a sector often viewed as elite and out of reach. “Employment in aviation has a ripple effect,” Ms Luhanga of NIT noted.

“It uplifts not only individuals but also families and the wider economy.” As ATCL continues to spread its wings, the new hires are expected to be at the heart of the journey ensuring that Tanzania’s skies remain open, competitive and increasingly visible to the rest of the world.

.

The U.S.

Supreme Court said on Wednesday it will hear arguments in January over Donald Trump’s attempt to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, leaving her in the post for now and teeing up a major legal battle over the first-ever bid by a president to fire a Fed official as he challenges the central bank’s independence. The justices declined to immediately decide a Justice Department request to put on hold a judge’s order that temporarily blocked the Republican president from removing Cook, an appointee of Democratic former President Joe Biden.

The court deferred a resolution on that request until the justices have heard the arguments. In creating the Fed in 1913, Congress passed a law called the Federal Reserve Act that included provisions to shield the central bank from political interference, requiring governors to be removed by a president only “for cause,” though the law does not define the term nor establish procedures for removal.

The law has never been tested in court. Washington-based U.

S. District Judge Jia Cobb on September 9 ruled that Trump’s claims that Cook committed mortgage fraud before taking office, which Cook denies, likely were not sufficient grounds for removal under the Federal Reserve Act.

Cook, the first Black woman to serve as a Fed governor, sued Trump in August after the president announced he would remove her. Cook has said the claims made by Trump against her did not give the president the legal authority to remove her and were a pretext to fire her for her monetary policy stance.

The Supreme Court’s action on Wednesday “rightly allows Governor Cook to continue in her role on the Federal Reserve Board, and we look forward to further proceedings consistent with the court’s order,” Cook’s lawyers Abbe Lowell and Norm Eisen said in a statement. “President Trump lawfully removed Lisa Cook for cause from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.

We look forward to ultimate victory after presenting our oral arguments before the Supreme Court in January,” White House spokesperson Kush Desai said. The U.

S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in a 2-1 ruling on September 15 denied the administration’s request to put Cobb’s order on hold.

The Supreme Court has in a series of decisions in recent months allowed Trump to remove members of various federal agencies that Congress had established as independent from direct presidential control despite similar job protections for those posts. Those decisions suggest that the court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority, may be ready to jettison a key 1935 precedent that preserved these protections in a case that involved the U.

S. Federal Trade Commission.

But in Cook’s case, the court opted to hear arguments first before deciding the Justice Department’s request to similarly remove Cook on a preliminary basis. The court already signaled that it could treat the Fed as distinct from other executive branch agencies, noting in May in a case involving Trump’s dismissal of two Democratic members of federal labor boards that the Fed “is a uniquely structured, quasi-private entity” with a singular historical tradition.

Based on the arguments in January, the court will decide whether Cook can stay in her post or must go while her legal challenge to her firing proceeds in lower courts. As it stands at this early stage of the case, the justices are not deciding the merits of her challenge.

The court did not set a specific date for the case, but it has arguments sessions on the books for two weeks in mid-January. Personnel Reshuffling Regardless of the outcome of Cook’s case, the January timing of the arguments is significant to the personnel reshuffling Trump appears to be pursuing at the Fed.

January is when regional Fed presidents are reappointed to new five-year terms by the Fed’s Board of Governors. If Trump wanted to push to oust some or even all of the regional bank presidents, he would need a willing majority on the Board of Governors in place to do it.

The timing also may make it more likely that new Governor Stephen Miran, a Trump appointee, returns to his job as chair of the president’s Council of Economic Advisers when his Fed term expires in January. With Cook still on the board, Miran’s seat would be needed for appointment of a new Fed chair to replace Jerome Powell when his term as Fed chief expires in May.

Powell’s appointment to the board extends to 2028, and as it stands there is no open seat for Trump to name a new Fed leader though he could name a sitting governor, including Governor Christopher Waller, Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman, or Miran himself, to the post. The Supreme Court’s decision to hear arguments appears to leave Cook in place for the next two Fed policy meetings – in October and December – when it is widely expected to deliver another two quarter-point interest rate cuts.

Depending on the timing of the Supreme Court’s eventual action, Cook also could participate in the Fed’s January 27-28 policy meeting. Presidential powers Trump’s bid to fire Cook reflects the expansive view of presidential power he has asserted since returning to office in January.

So long as the president identifies a cause for removal, that is within his “unreviewable discretion,” the Justice Department said in its September 18 filing to the Supreme Court. “Put simply, the President may reasonably determine that interest rates paid by the American people should not be set by a Governor who appears to have lied about facts material to the interest rates she secured for herself – and refuses to explain the apparent misrepresentations,” the filing stated.

Granting Trump’s request, Cook’s lawyers told the Supreme Court on September 25, “would eviscerate the Federal Reserve’s longstanding independence, upend financial markets and create a blueprint for future presidents to direct monetary policy based on their political agendas and election calendars.” Cook took part in the Fed’s highly anticipated two-day meeting in Washington in September in which it decided to cut interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point, as policymakers responded to concerns about weakness in the job market.

Cook was among those voting in favor of the cut. Ripple effect Concerns about the Fed’s independence from the White House in setting monetary policy could have a ripple effect throughout the global economy.

The case has ramifications for the Fed’s ability to set interest rates without regard to the wishes of politicians, widely seen as critical to any central bank’s ability to function independently to carry out tasks such as keeping inflation under control. Since Trump returned to office, the Supreme Court has sided with his administration in almost every case it has been called upon to review, allowing his policies to proceed after they were impeded by lower courts, while litigation over them continues.

Trump on August 25 said he was removing Cook from the Fed’s Board of Governors, citing allegations that, prior to joining the central bank in 2022, she falsified records to obtain favorable terms on a mortgage. Her term was set to expire in 2038. The judge found that Trump’s attempt to remove Cook likely violated the Federal Reserve Act, which allows a Fed governor to be removed only for misconduct while in office, as well as Cook’s due process rights under the U.

S. Constitution’s Fifth Amendment.

The mortgage fraud claims against Cook relate to actions prior to her Senate confirmation in 2022. .

Dar es Salaam. East African music is turning heads on the global stage.

Tanzanian stars AY, Harmonize, and Fid Q have reached a major milestone as their songs have been approved for consideration for the 68th GRAMMY Awards, marking a historic moment for Bongo Flava and Swahililanguage music worldwide. Announcing the news on social media with excitement on Thursday, October 2, 2025, Ambwene Yesaya, famously known as AY, posted: “OFFICIALLY! Grammy has approved two of my entries for nomination consideration.

This is huge, not just for me and Harmonize, but for Bongo Flava and the entire industry. These projects have no global producers or artistes, pure Bongo and neighbouring countries.

” He thanked key collaborators and industry supporters, urging fans to continue showing support as the songs move towards official nominations. “For now, a win is a win.

Now it’s up to your prayers and support, it’s a victory for all of us!” he added. The two AY tracks under consideration are Simuoni featuring Harmonize and Wanganeka featuring Kanjiba.

Similarly, Fid Q expressed his excitement about his song Glory 2, featuring Damian Soul and Jose Chameleone. He wrote: “I’m proud to share that our song ‘GLORY 2’ featuring @damiansoulmusic and @jchameleon has officially been approved and considered for the 68th GRAMMY Awards @recordingacademy.

This isn’t just my win, it’s OURS. From TZ to UG to the world, we’re making history together!” Farid Kubanda, alias Fid Q, also thanked collaborators and God, emphasising the collective effort behind the achievement.

This milestone highlights the global reach of East African music and the growing influence of Bongo Flava beyond the continent. It shows that music produced locally, in Swahili and neighbouring languages, can compete internationally while staying authentic to its roots.

Fans and industry peers alike are celebrating, viewing these approvals as a sign that the region’s voices, rhythms, and stories are finally gaining recognition worldwide .

Simiyu. The Simiyu Regional Police Force has launched an investigation following reports of the abduction of a member of the opposition Chadema executive committee in Busega District, Mr Lobelia Kulilo Masanyiwa.

A statement issued by Chadema’s Director of Communications and Publicity, Ms Brenda Rupia, says Mr Masanyiwa was abducted on the evening of Wednesday, October 1, 2025, while at his office in Nyamikoma village, Busega District. Eyewitnesses allege that they saw him being forced into a car by individuals in plain clothes, their faces covered with masks, one of whom carried a firearm.

The vehicle was reportedly seen circulating the village from morning, with its registration plates changed several times, raising questions about the operation’s legality and possible involvement of authorities. The party strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a cruel act that violates human rights and undermines democracy, citizens’ security, and the rule of law.

Chadema reminded the police of their duty to protect citizens without bias and warned that threats or attacks against its leaders would not weaken their resolve to demand change in the country. Police confirm investigation Simiyu Regional Police Commander, Ms Edith Swebe, confirmed receiving a report of the incident and said thorough investigations are underway to establish the facts.

“We have indeed received a report from Chadema, and we have begun investigations to ascertain the truth of this matter,” said RPC Swebe. Residents of Nyamikoma expressed growing security concerns, particularly as the country approaches the election period.

Some questioned the safety of ordinary citizens if political leaders can be abducted in broad daylight. Citizens stressed that if someone is suspected of committing an offence, the proper approach is to arrest them according to the law, not forcibly abduct them.

.

By Deus Bugaywa The turquoise waters of Kizimkazi, a historic fishing village on Zanzibar’s southern coast, seem an unlikely cradle for a president. Yet it was here, amidst the rhythms of island life, that Tanzania’s first female Head of State, Samia Suluhu Hassan, was born on January 27, 1960. Tanzania has often defied expectations when it comes to the origins of its leaders, who tend to emerge from unexpected places.

Kizimkazi, modest as it was, would play host to God’s larger plan for Tanzania’s history: producing a leader from a humble background, as was the case with her predecessors. Samia’s journey from this small coastal community to the pinnacle of power in one of Africa’s most significant nations is a story of quiet determination, shattered glass ceilings and the navigation of profound national transition.

Born when Zanzibar was still a sultanate that united with Tanganyika four years later to form Tanzania, her upbringing instilled the values of education and hard work. Her intellect shone early in local schools, setting her on a path beyond the shores of her village.

Her education spanned primary schools in Chwaka (Unguja), Ziwani (Pemba), and Mahonda (Unguja) between 1966 and 1972. She later attended Ng’ambo Secondary School (19731975) and Lumumba Secondary School (1976). After finishing high school in 1977, she joined the civil service as a clerk in the Ministry of Planning and Development, grounding herself in governance from the outset.

Determined to advance, she balanced work and study, earning a Diploma in Public Administration from the Institute of Development Management (IDM) Mzumbe (19831986), followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Economics from the University of Manchester in 1994. In 2015, she capped her academic journey with an MSc in Community Economic Development through a joint programme between the Open University of Tanzania and Southern New Hampshire University, underscoring a lifelong commitment to learning. Her political career began in 2000 when she joined the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).

That same year she was elected to the Zanzibar House of Representatives through Special Seats and appointed Minister for Youth Employment, Women and Children Development by President Amani Abeid Karume, making her the only woman to hold a senior cabinet post at the time. This trailblazing pattern of being the “first woman” would define her career.

Re-elected in 2005, she became Zanzibar’s Minister for Tourism, Trade and Investment, serving until 2010. Her influence expanded when President Jakaya Kikwete appointed her as Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office (Union Matters), a position she held until 2015. In 2014, she was elected Vice-Chairperson of the Constituent Assembly charged with drafting Tanzania’s new constitution, where her consensus-building skills came to the fore. Her national profile rose dramatically in 2015 when CCM presidential candidate John Magufuli selected her as his running mate–the first woman in the party’s history to hold that position.

Their landslide victory made her the country’s first female Vice-President. While Magufuli rarely travelled abroad, Samia became the face of Tanzania on the international stage.

She was re-nominated in 2020, and following another landslide win, began a second term. Fate intervened in March 2021. On the 17th, she announced to the nation the sudden death of President Magufuli.

Two days later, she was sworn in as the sixth President of the United Republic of Tanzania and the country’s first female Head of State. She inherited a complex situation: a nation grappling with Covid-19, strained civic freedoms, and economic uncertainty.

President Samia immediately marked a change in leadership style. Her “quiet diplomacy” emphasised reconciliation, reforms, resilience, and rebuilding–the 4Rs.

She established a scientific task force to guide the Covid-19 response, promoted testing, and was publicly vaccinated. She lifted bans on media outlets, reinstated rights previously curtailed, and overturned the controversial policy barring pregnant schoolgirls from education.

Her authority within CCM was cemented when the party’s National Executive Committee elected her as Chairperson, making her the first woman to lead one of Africa’s oldest and most powerful political movements. From the clerk’s desk in Zanzibar to the highest office in the land, Samia Suluhu Hassan’s rise has been marked by persistence and quiet transformation.

She now governs a nation at a crossroads, balancing reform with political realities, reopening Tanzania to the world while tackling long-standing domestic challenges. The girl from Kizimkazi stands as a symbol of possibility, an embodiment of leadership forged in humility, shaped by resilience, and directed towards change.

Her story is far from over, but its foundations, rooted in the sandy shores of Zanzibar, remain a testament to what determination and vision can achieve. Deus Bugaywa is a political analyst based in Dar es Salaam.

.

Kilimanjaro. President Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday launched her election campaign in the Kilimanjaro Region with a strong emphasis on infrastructure, healthcare, water supply and education, pledging to build on her administration’s achievements of the past four years.

Speaking in Same District, President Hassan told residents and party supporters that the government had laid a foundation for nationwide reforms aimed at extending services to rural and underserved communities. She said electrification remained a top priority.

“Our manifesto promised to electrify every village but we have gone further. We have reached hamlets too.

Already, we have brought electricity to half of all hamlets in Tanzania. At our current pace, the whole country will have power within the next year and a half,” she said.

The President also spoke of her early memories of campaigning in Same in 2004, recalling a visit to a rural dispensary where women were giving birth in poor conditions. “Even though I was only a running mate at the time, I made a silent promise to work for change.

Today, I thank God that we have been able to deliver,” she said. She listed six new health centres constructed in Same, three more nearing completion and five dispensaries under construction.

These facilities, she said, form part of wider national healthcare reforms to equip hospitals and health centres with essential medicines, staff and supplies. On maternal health, President Hassan cited recent reports from Pangani District in Tanga Region where no maternal deaths had been recorded for several months.

She said such results reflected the government’s focus on protecting mothers and children. Water access also featured in her address.

She said urban coverage had grown from 64.5 percent in 2020 to 89.5 percent, while rural areas were steadily catching up. She confirmed that phase one of the SameMwangaKorogwe project had been completed, with phase two under preparation to cover the rest of Same and parts of Korogwe.

“Our pledge to the people of Same and to all Tanzanians is to ensure every citizen has access to clean and safe water close to where they live,” she said. On education, the President reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to free schooling, classroom construction, expansion of technical education and investment in infrastructure.

She also promised to continue increasing allocations to TARURA to improve feeder roads and rural connectivity, noting that several roads raised by Same leaders were already on the government’s list of priorities. The President addressed humanwildlife conflict in Kisima, Same Mjini, Stesheni, Joro, Vumari, Ruvu, Bangalana and Makanya wards.

She said a wildlife control centre had been established in Maore Ward and was being equipped with tools and rapid response systems to support farmers and communities affected. Parliamentary candidates joined the rally to share their records and priorities.

Same East CCM parliamentary candidate Anne Kilango-Malecela highlighted the expansion of healthcare, saying the number of health centres had grown from one when she first entered office to four today, with more under construction. She also cited the ongoing construction of the 100-kilometre MkomaziSame road, with 36 kilometres already complete, and pledged to continue lobbying for gravel and tarmac roads in highland areas where ginger farmers face challenges transporting produce.

In Same West, CCM parliamentary candidate David Mathayo outlined projects implemented under the current administration, including a Sh300 billion water initiative and Sh306 billion allocated to related projects. He also pointed to Sh8.7 billion set aside for schools and Sh10.6 billion for rural electrification, with only 110 villages remaining without power.

He promised further work to address humanwildlife conflict and to support compensation schemes for farmers. Both Ms Kilango-Malecela and Dr Mathayo stressed that road infrastructure remained the biggest concern in highland communities where seasonal rains render many routes impassable.

CCM regional leaders used the platform to reinforce the party’s unity. Regional Chairman Patrick Boisafi said the people of Kilimanjaro had benefited from the leadership of President Hassan and called for continued support in the October election.

Former Prime Minister Frederick Sumaye, who is overseeing CCM campaigns in the northern zone, said the party had made gains in areas where it had previously struggled. “The people of this region have recognised the changes brought about by CCM, and we are confident that they will turn out in large numbers to vote for us,” he said.

CCM Secretary-General Dr Asha-Rose Migiro urged voters to back President Hassan, stressing that continuity of leadership was key for sustainable progress. “CCM is committed to ensuring development in every corner of the country, including Kilimanjaro,” she said.

As the campaign season begins in earnest, the President called on citizens to remain united and to evaluate candidates based on their records and capacity to deliver. “With God’s help, and with your support, we will continue to transform this country village by village, ward by ward, and region by region,” she said.

.

Washington. The U.

S. government shut down much of its operations on Wednesday as deep partisan divisions prevented Congress and the White House from reaching a funding deal, setting off what could be a long, grueling standoff that could lead to the loss of thousands of federal jobs.

There was no clear path out of the impasse, while agencies warned that the 15th government shutdown since 1981 would halt the release of a closely watched September employment report, slow air travel, opens new tab, suspend scientific research, withhold pay from U.S.

troops and lead to the furlough of 750,000 federal workers at a daily cost of $400 million. Republican President Donald Trump, whose campaign to radically reshape the federal government is already on track to push out some 300,000 workers by December, warned congressional Democrats that a shutdown could clear the path for more job cuts.

Vice President JD Vance issued an unusual warning about air safety, noting that air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration personnel — essential staff who work through shutdowns — would be worried about delayed paychecks. “If you’re flying today, I hope, of course, you arrive safely and on time, but you may not arrive on time because the TSA and the air traffic controllers are not getting paid today,” Vance said on Fox News.

The U.S.

‘s longest-government shutdown, which stretched over 35 days in 2018-2019 during Trump’s first term, ended in part after flight delays caused by air traffic controllers calling in sick. Senate Democrats on Tuesday blocked a stopgap measure to fund the government through Nov.

21 over Republicans’ refusal to attach an extension of health benefits for millions of Americans that are due to expire at the end of the year. Republicans say the issue must be addressed separately.

Both sides were posturing to blame the other and looking for advantage in the 2026 midterm elections that will determine control of Congress. Senate Republican Leader John Thune scheduled another series of votes on Wednesday, hoping to pressure Democrats to break ranks.

Wall street slips The shutdown was set to delay the release of some government economic reports, adding unease to Wall Street investors at a time of economic uncertainty. Wall Street opened lower, gold struck a record high and Asian stocks wavered as investors worried about delays in the release of key data and the impact of job losses.

The dollar hovered near a one-week low versus major peers. At issue on the government funding front is $1.7 trillion for agency operations, which amounts to roughly one-quarter of the government’s total $7 trillion budget.

Much of the remainder goes to health and retirement programs and interest payments on the growing $37.5 trillion debt. Independent analysts warn the shutdown could last longer than the budget-related closures of the past, with Trump and White House officials threatening to punish Democrats with cuts to government programs and the federal payroll.

“Donald Trump and Republicans have shut the government down because they don’t want to provide healthcare to working-class Americans,” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Thune said Democrats had routinely backed similar funding bills in years past.

“What’s changed is President Trump is in the White House. That’s what this is about.

This is politics. And there isn’t any substantive reason why there ought to be a government shutdown,” the South Dakota Republican told reporters.

Trump’s Republicans hold majorities in both chambers of Congress, but legislative rules require 60 of the 100 senators to agree on spending legislation. That means that at least seven Democrats are needed to pass a funding bill.

On Tuesday, three of them voted for the Republican bill. Democrats focus on healthcare funding Democrats are under pressure from their frustrated supporters to score a rare victory ahead of the 2026 midterm elections that will determine control of Congress for the final two years of Trump’s term.

The healthcare push has given them a chance to unite behind an issue that resonates with voters. Along with the extended health subsidies, Democrats have also sought to ensure that Trump will not be able to undo those changes if they are signed into law.

Trump has refused to spend billions of dollars approved by Congress, prompting some Democrats to question why they should vote for any spending legislation at all. University of Chicago professor Robert Pape said the polarized U.

S. political climate could make it harder for party leaders to reach a deal to reopen the government, which would likely anger their most vocal partisans.

“The rules of politics are radically changing, and we can’t know for sure where all of this is going to end,” he said. .

Kilimanjaro. Tanzania heads to the polls on October 29, and despite political tensions during the campaign period, analysts predict a strong voter turnout driven by structural, historical and social factors.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), more than 37.6 million Tanzanians have registered to vote, marking a 26 percent rise from the 2020 election. Analysts say this surge signals growing public interest, especially as most of the voter base is rural.

Over 60 percent of Tanzanians live in villages and peri-urban communities, where voting has traditionally been high. For many, the act of voting goes beyond choosing leaders; it is seen as an affirmation of belonging and recognition in national affairs.

University of Dar es Salaam political analyst Salbinus David noted that while campaign frictions have surfaced, they are unlikely to reduce turnout. “Moments of disagreement and logistical concerns are not unusual in any competitive democracy,” he said.

“What matters is citizens’ readiness to exercise their right to vote, and the data suggests that readiness is very high, especially outside major cities.” INEC reports show that new voter registration far exceeded expectations.

The commission initially targeted 5.58 million new voters but enrolled more than 7.

64 million, 136 percent of the target. Analysts attribute this to civic education campaigns, improved registration access, and rising interest among young and first-time voters.

State University of Zanzibar political scientist Prof Makame Ali Ussi stressed that new voters are spread across the country. “This is not driven by one region but a nationwide mobilisation,” he said.

“Given the structure of political competition, where many councillors and MPs come from the very communities they represent, rural and peri-urban voters have strong incentives to turn up.” He added that elections in Tanzania are as much local events as national ones, since candidates are often embedded in their communities.

“This closeness creates a unique sense of accountability and recognition, which drives higher turnout,” Prof Ussi explained. Women are also expected to play a major role.

INEC data shows that 50.31 percent of registered voters are women, compared to 49.69 percent men. Analysts say this rare gender balance highlights increasing female engagement in politics, driven by grassroots mobilisation to overcome barriers of information and transport.

Still, analysts caution against equating high registration with guaranteed participation. Political fatigue, broken promises, and logistical hurdles could affect turnout on election day.

But experts agree that Tanzania’s electoral culture, particularly in rural areas, has consistently proven resilient. Peace and stability remain at the heart of the national conversation.

Prof Ussi warned, however, that the language of peace should not be used to silence debate. “In a democracy, peace means resolving differences through ballots, not conflict,” he said.

Mr David added that the credibility of institutions will be critical. “As long as citizens believe the process is fair, their vote respected, and their voices heard, they will turn out in large numbers,” he said.

Digital platforms are also shaping the political narrative, especially in cities. But University of Dar es Salaam lecturer Sylvester Kweka warned against overstating their influence.

“Social media reflects a narrow, urban demographic,” he said. “In rural areas, where most Tanzanians live, politics is still conducted face-to-face.

People know their candidates personally and engage directly, and that is what resonates with them.” He cautioned political parties not to rely too heavily on online campaigns.

“Social media can amplify voices, but without strong grassroots mobilisation it risks becoming an echo chamber,” he said. With weeks remaining, the 2025 election is shaping up as a test of Tanzania’s democratic maturity.

Rising voter registration, gender balance, and strong civic culture suggest that turnout could be one of the defining features of the polls. .