Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Msimbazi Valley residents have raised complaints over compensation for the valley development project, alleging undervaluation of their land and low financial payouts by authorities responsible for relocation and the project implementation process underway across the city.

The residents have urged government intervention to ensure land compensation is paid fairly and on time, and to address disparities they claim exist in project implementation across the entire scheme process. Residents voiced their concerns on Sunday, April 27, 2026, before Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, during an inspection tour of the construction of the Mkwajuni and Kigogo bridges in Dar es Salaam.

In their concerns, residents said that although they welcomed the project with expectations of development, its implementation has caused deep distress due to what they describe as injustice in the compensation process handling system. A resident of the area, Mr Salehe Cheo, said they initially accepted the project and allowed experts to assess their buildings and land, anticipating receiving appropriate compensation.

“They came, measured, and surveyed our buildings and land. But during payment, they valued buildings only and gave no value to the land.

We were given documents to sign without a land component,” said Mr Cheo. He said efforts to pursue their rights reached the then President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), but they were advised to go to court, forcing them to escalate complaints to the World Bank (WB), which is financing the project under an ongoing dispute resolution process mechanism review stage.

“What we insist on is that land compensation must be paid. Until now, not even a single citizen has been paid land compensation,” said Mr Cheo.

Another resident said he refused to sign for S million as compensation for land, explaining that the amount would not enable him to secure another plot to continue his income-generating activities. “This matter is painful.

We are being relocated, but others are left to continue their activities within the project area,” said the resident whose name couldn’t be established immediately. Ms Nuru Kikopa said the initial valuation awarded her Sh1 million, which she rejected, before it was increased to Sh2.5 million and later accepted.

However, she said she received a total of S million for the house and plot, funds that have not enabled her to secure new accommodation. “Up to now, I have done nothing with that money; it does not match the cost of obtaining another plot.

I have found myself forced to live with my children,” said Ms Kikopa. Mr Thomson Moshi said he has not received compensation to date despite being assessed, claiming they were promised payment for land and buildings, but so far, only building compensation has been issued.

“During payment, we were shown a form containing compensation for buildings only, while being promised that land would be paid for later, something that has not been implemented,” said Mr Moshi. Responding to the claims, Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr Albert Chalamila, said the compensation process was conducted in accordance with the area’s legal status, while assuring the government is ready to review the assessment to reach a lasting solution on the said matter.

He said Sh54 billion has already been spent to compensate residents who were living in the valley, as part of the implementation of the development project in the area. He explained that, under existing laws, residents of the valley were not eligible for land compensation because the entire Msimbazi Valley is classified as a wetland, which, under conditions governing projects funded by the WB, does not permit payment of land compensation.

“Under these laws, no one in the entire Msimbazi River Valley was eligible for land compensation because the area is located in a wetland,” he said. However, the regional commissioner said that after receiving complaints from residents, the government took an additional step by providing each resident with S million to help them purchase land in other areas.

He explained that the decision did not arise directly from legal requirements but was an effort by the government to reduce the impact on citizens displaced from their homes. “That S million was not provided under the law, but was a measure to help citizens obtain alternative areas,” he emphasised.

Due to continued complaints by some residents regarding the amount and procedures of compensation, Mr Chalamila said the government is ready to revisit the valuation exercise to ensure justice for all parties. He noted that the exercise could be conducted in collaboration with relevant offices to reassess residents’ claims and examine the possibility of improvements.

“We are ready to repeat this valuation exercise and bring it to your office so that we can obtain an acceptable solution,” he said. Issuing directives on the matter, Dr Nchemba accepted the RC’s proposal and directed the formation of a team of experts from the Prime Minister’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), the Ministry of Lands, the Regional Commissioner’s Office, and representatives of residents to resolve the matter.

During the visit, Dr Nchemba inspected progress on the construction of the Mkwajuni and Kigogo bridges and expressed satisfaction with the pace of work. What Minister Ulega said Speaking at the site, the Minister for Works, Mr Abdallah Ulega, said the Mkwajuni bridge project, measuring 20 metres in length and 5.

5 metres in height, includes 560 metres of access roads. The project, whose implementation has reached 98 percent, is costing Sh11.6 billion.

It began on February 3, 2025, with a 16-month implementation period and is expected to be completed on May 20, 2026. Regarding the Kigogo Bridge, he said the project measures 50 metres in length and 8.9 metres in height, with access roads extending 625 metres.

“Its construction began on November 7, 2024, for a period of 18 months and is expected to be completed on May 20, 2026. The project costs Sh17.7 billion, and the contractor has already been paid Sh15.1 billion, while implementation has reached 89 percent,” he said. Regarding the Jangwani Bridge, Mr Ulega said once completed, incidents of roads being closed due to flooding will become history.

.

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s growing demand for fertility treatment is driving investment in advanced reproductive healthcare, as specialists say improved local capacity could reduce the need for patients to seek expensive treatment abroad.

Local infertility consultant and the director of NuLife Advanced Fertility Centre Dr Madhav Hirani said advancements in in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), genetic screening and minimally invasive surgery are making treatment more accessible for couples facing infertility challenges. Speaking in Dar es Salaam over the weekend the expert said Tanzania has made significant progress in building local expertise and infrastructure in artificial reproductive technology (ART), supported by government efforts to improve the sector.

“The government has been extremely supportive, not only to us but to the entire field of artificial reproductive technology,” Dr Hirani said. He said one of the landmark developments came in 2023 when the government engaged both private and public fertility centres to help develop a national framework for ART services.

According to him, NuLife helped facilitate a six-to-seven-day technical workshop in Dar es Salaam that brought together 27 government representatives from across the country to draft working guidelines for fertility treatment services. Dr Hirani said the government is also working to address one of the major barriers to fertility care the high cost and limited access to IVF drugs.

“IVF drugs are comparatively much more expensive than many other pharmaceutical products. The government is trying to ease supply pressures so that the cost of treatment can come down,” he said.

Speaking at the event, renowned Indian fertility expert Dr Nayana Patel, who has more than 40 years of experience in infertility treatment and regenerative medicine, said advances in reproductive science have dramatically improved treatment outcomes. “What was basic IVF four decades ago is now a totally different ball game,” Dr Patel said.

She said modern fertility medicine now includes advanced diagnostic and treatment options such as genetic screening, blastocyst biopsy and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), which help identify viable embryos and reduce the risk of repeated miscarriages. “There are couples who experience repeated miscarriages.

Today we can investigate the cause, whether it is genetic, immunological or linked to the quality of the egg or sperm, and provide targeted treatment,” she said. “Fibroids and endometriosis are a huge problem in Tanzania and many African countries,” she said.

She noted that changing social trends, including delayed marriages and couples postponing childbirth until they are financially stable, are further affecting fertility outcomes. “Many couples wait for years before trying to conceive, and by then egg and sperm quality may have declined due to age, environmental toxins, stress and unhealthy lifestyles,” she said.

According to her, one of the biggest opportunities for Tanzania lies in bringing world-class fertility care closer to patients, sparing them the financial and emotional burden of travelling overseas. “When treatment is available at their doorstep, couples are more encouraged to seek help.

They no longer need to incur travel costs, lose work hours or go through the stress of travelling abroad,” she said. She said the model of transferring technology and medical expertise to local teams is helping expand access across underserved markets.

“We may not be able to reach every couple from India or the US, but by exporting the technology and training local teams, patients can benefit while staying at home,” she said. .

Ten-man Al-Ahli retained the Asian Champions League Elite title on Saturday as Feras Al-Brikan’s extra-time strike earned the Saudi Pro League side a 1-0 win over Japan’s Machida Zelvia at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium. Matthias Jaissle’s side became only the second team to retain the trophy in the Asian Champions League era after cross-Jeddah rivals Al-Ittihad in 2005, having seen Zakaria Hawsawi sent off in the 68th minute.

Al-Ahli held out despite being outnumbered to take the match into an additional 30 minutes and substitute Al-Brikan struck from close range after a Riyad Mahrez cross to give his team back-to-back titles. “It’s amazing.

We’re so happy. It was difficult for us again.

We like to make it difficult for ourselves. Ten against 11 is nearly impossible, I don’t know how we found the strength and the energy but we’ve done it and we’re happy,” Mahrez said.

“After the red card we stuck together, we fought more, we ran more until we scored.” The win came in front of the Al-Ahli fans with their Jeddah base hosting the centralised eight-team finals tournament for the second season in a row.

A crowd of almost 59,000 turned out to see Machida keeper Kosei Tani throw himself to his right to keep out Galeno’s 13th-minute effort after Enzo Millot’s pass behind Hotaka Nakamura had split the Machida defence. Daihachi Okamura’s follow-up clearance prevented Ivan Toney from netting the rebound.

Merih Demiral’s close-range effort clipped the top of the crossbar with three minutes left in the half when Galeno’s in-swinging cross from the right caused concern in the backline, the Turkish defender falling back as he struck the ball. Machida’s efforts to frustrate the champions paid off with 22 minutes remaining when Hawsawi needlessly reacted in a confrontation with Tete Yengi, headbutting the Australian in full view of referee Ilgiz Tantashev.

With the extra space following Hawsawi’s red card, the Japanese outfit started to take charge. Edouard Mendy dived to his right to deny Hiroyuki Mae in the 73rd minute and eight minutes later the former Chelsea man saved a low, curling effort that was bound for the bottom corner from Yuki Soma.

Despite being a man down it was Al-Ahli who found their way through a miserly Machida defence, Mahrez swinging a left-footed cross from the right towards the far post, where Franck Kessie laid the ball off for Al-Brikan to score. .

Kagera. The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the education sector as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR), aligning its initiatives with Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 on quality education.

Speaking during the Form Six graduation ceremony at Bunazi Secondary School in Misenyi, EACOP Community Relations Coordinator, Theophil Celestine, said the project is committed to complementing government efforts to improve access to quality education. “The EACOP project is not only about the construction of crude oil infrastructure; it is also about people’s development,” he said.

“We feel obliged to support communities surrounding our project areas through socio-economic development initiatives, while also fully implementing the local content policy,” he added. As part of its support, EACOP pledged to donate a photocopy machine to assist academic and administrative activities at the school.

The company also said it continues to implement broader social investment initiatives, including support for Project Affected Persons (PAPs) and provision of vocational training through the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA). It has also rolled out the “Keep a Girl in School Initiative Phase I”, under its Socio-Economic Investment Programme, aimed at improving menstrual health and hygiene management in selected schools along the EACOP corridor in Tanzania.

Bunazi Secondary School Headmistress, Arieth Philemon Munisi, expressed appreciation for the support, saying it contributes to improving the learning environment. However, she highlighted several challenges facing the school, including lack of a perimeter fence, which she said exposes students to safety risks and vandalism.

She also pointed to the absence of a dining hall, which affects student welfare and limits space for school activities, as well as the poor condition of the kitchen, which she said is no longer adequate for the school’s needs. In addition, she cited breakdown of photocopiers and printers, which has affected academic administration and increased operational costs.

She also noted shortages of sports equipment, limiting students’ participation in physical education and extracurricular activities. She called on other stakeholders to support efforts to address these challenges.

The graduation ceremony, held at the school grounds, brought together parents, teachers, students and local leaders. Established in 1998 by the Misenyi Development Association (MIDEA), Bunazi Secondary School was founded by local coffee farmers to promote access to education in the area.

It was later integrated into the government system in 2022. The school currently has 1,332 students–821 girls and 511 boys–from Form One to Form Six. It serves learners from pipeline-affected villages such as Bulfani, Nyabihanga and Kabwoba at Ordinary Level, while Advanced Level students are drawn from various parts of the country.

This year, 104 out of 110 Form Six girls completed their studies, while six students were transferred for various reasons. The school has 42 teachers among a total staff of 51, supported by matrons, cooks, security personnel and administrative staff.

The East African Crude Oil Pipeline is a 1,443-kilometre project transporting crude oil from Hoima in Uganda to the Chongoleani Peninsula in Tanga, Tanzania. It is jointly owned by TotalEnergies (62 percent), Uganda National Oil Company (15 percent), Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (15 per cent) and CNOOC (8 percent).

.

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s U-17 national team, the Serengeti Boys, have been handed a challenging draw for the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026, where they will compete in Group C against Mali, Angola and Mozambique.

The draw, conducted by Confederation Africaine de Football, sets up a competitive tournament scheduled from May 13 to June 2, with Mali–last edition’s runners-up–emerging as the group’s strongest opponents. CAF has introduced a new “festival-style” format for this edition, with most matches and team activities centralized at the Mohammed VI Football Complex.

Only key fixtures such as the opening match, semi-finals and final will be staged at separate venues. The innovation is aimed at improving logistics, ensuring consistent playing conditions and enhancing player development through a more immersive tournament environment.

Meanwhile, Tanzania has intensified preparations with a training camp in Arusha. The technical bench is focusing on fitness, tactical discipline and team cohesion to prepare for physically demanding opponents.

The stakes are high, as the top eight teams will qualify directly for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, while third-placed sides will enter play-offs for remaining slots. For the Serengeti Boys, Morocco 2026 presents a vital opportunity to shine on the continental stage and push for a return to global competition.

.

Arusha. A case has been filed before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Arusha, accusing the government of Mali of deploying Russian mercenaries against civilians, allegedly resulting in the killing of more than 500 people.

The case is expected to be heard during the Court’s 81st Ordinary Session, scheduled to begin in June 2026. Three civil society organisations have initiated proceedings before the Pan-African court in Tanzania, highlighting the growing use of regional mechanisms to address alleged human rights violations involving transnational armed actors. The filing marks the first known case before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) targeting a state for hosting and contracting private military and security actors (PMSCs).

The Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU), based in Arusha, TRIAL International, and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) have brought the matter before the court over alleged serious human rights violations. PALU Chief Executive Officer, Mr Donald Deya, confirmed that the union was among the applicants in the case, saying further clarification would be issued later.

It is alleged that Russian mercenaries committed serious atrocities against civilians in Mali in 2022 under the supervision of the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa). The Russian hired forces, known as the Wagner Group (now reportedly operating in the region as “Africa Corps”, are said to have been active in Mali since 2021 and officially announced their withdrawal in June 2025. The application in Arusha seeks to establish Mali’s responsibility for alleged abuses committed on its territory, as well as its failure to prevent violations, protect civilians, investigate, prosecute, and punish perpetrators, and provide remedies to victims.

Supported by documentation from the Berkeley Human Rights Center and INPACT-All Eyes on Wagner, the filing comes a day after the anniversary of the Hombori massacre and less than a month after the anniversary of the Moura massacre, both in central Mali. More than 500 civilians were allegedly killed in those operations involving FAMa and the Wagner Group, while others were tortured, arbitrarily detained, raped, and forcibly disappeared.

By bringing the case before the ACtHPR in Arusha, TRIAL International, PALU, and FIDH are seeking accountability through Africa’s highest human rights court. The case marks the first known attempt to hold a state accountable before the court for hosting and contracting PMSAs.

It is also the first time the court has been asked to examine allegations involving both state armed forces and PMSAs, potentially setting an important precedent in regional and international human rights jurisprudence. Observers note that the filing reflects a broader reality: Mali’s engagement with PMSAs is not only a domestic issue.

Actors such as the Wagner Group operate through transnational networks, with fluid structures, cross-border movement, and opaque supply chains. Hosting and supporting such actors, the organisations argue, has contributed to and may further facilitate operations across the region, resulting in continued serious violations.

“At a time when violence is increasingly driven by actors operating across borders, African accountability mechanisms have a crucial role to play,” the three organisations stated in a statement. “This case is about ensuring that the rights protected under the African Charter remain meaningful in the face of evolving forms of abuse,” added the organisations.

The filing asks the court to affirm that states remain bound by their human rights obligations, including when abuses are committed in connection with foreign or transnational actors operating on their territory. Serious violations against civilians in Mali persist and remain largely unpunished amid a near standstill in domestic judicial responses.

The ACtHPR may represent one of the few remaining avenues for accountability, particularly following Mali’s recent withdrawal from ECOWAS. .

Dar es Salaam. Defending champions, Young Africans (Yanga) have taken strategic steps to prepare for their highly anticipated Mainland Tanzania Premier League clash against traditional rivals Simba, scheduled for May 3 at the Major General Isamuhyo Stadium.

The match, set to kick off at 6pm, is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the title race, with both teams separated by just five points after 19 matches. Yanga currently lead the standings with 47 points, while Simba trail on 42, making the fixture a potential turning point in the championship battle.

As part of their preparations, Yanga’s technical bench, led by head coach Pedro Goncalves, has opted to rest some key players during the ongoing Union Cup tournament in Zanzibar. Among those given time off are team captain Bakari Mwamnyeto and experienced defender Mohamed “Tshabalala” Hussein.

The decision, according to club sources, is aimed at ensuring the players are fully fit and fresh for the crucial derby. A member of the club’s executive committee said the two players are not injured but are being preserved specifically for the May 3 encounter.

“They are part of the plan for the Simba match. We want them fully rested because we are targeting nothing less than victory,” he said.

At the same time, the technical bench is using the Union Cup to build match fitness for players returning from injury, including striker Laurindo Aurelio, popularly known as Depu, who has missed several matches in recent weeks. Yanga could also face Simba earlier than expected if both teams progress to the Union Cup final.

Simba were scheduled to face Mlandege in a semifinal clash at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar on April 26, 2026 from 8.15pm, with a potential final setting up another Kariakoo derby on April 29. Despite the possibility of back to back high profile matches, Yanga officials insist the squad is mentally and physically ready to face their rivals under any circumstances.

“Morale is high in the camp. The players are ready to face Simba in any competition,” the official added.

However, Yanga will be without several players due to injuries and suspension. Dickson Job, Clement Mzize, Emmanuel Mwanengo and Buba Jammeh are all ruled out through injury, while Mudathir Yahya is expected to be available for the Union Cup final but will miss the May 3 league match due to suspension.

With both teams eyeing domestic dominance, the upcoming fixtures between Yanga and Simba promise high intensity and could ultimately define the direction of the season. .

Dar es Salaam. Today, April 26, 2026, the United Republic of Tanzania is commemorating a unique journey of 62 years since two independent nations, Tanganyika and Zanzibar, decided to unite and form one state.

This Union, formally established through the agreements of April 22, 1964, and ratified on April 26, 1964, under the leadership of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Abeid Amani Karume, has continued to be among the unions that have endured for the longest time on the African continent. Throughout this period, statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), government reports, and international institutions clearly show the journey of this nation from political foundations to social and economic transformations, together with future expectations towards the year 2050. Union matters The foundation of this Union was built through the Union Instruments of the year 1964, which initially outlined 11 Union matters assigned to the Union government.

Those matters involved sensitive areas such as the Constitution, foreign affairs, defence, police, citizenship, immigration, finance, and external trade. However, as the nation grew, that list expanded and reached 22 matters according to the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania of 1977. This increase resulted from new economic and political needs, including sectors such as currency and banking, higher education, oil and gas, and the registration of political parties.

These changes occur through a special procedure that requires two-thirds of Members of Parliament from Mainland Tanzania and two-thirds from Zanzibar, a situation that demonstrates the weight of protecting the balance within the Union. Population, settlement From the population perspective, statistics show major growth in this nation.

According to the census of the year 1967, Tanzania had a population of only 12.3 million people. But, according to the Population and Housing Census of the year 2022, released by NBS, that number has increased to 61.74 million people.

Among them, Mainland Tanzania has a population of 59.85 million, while Zanzibar has 1.89 million people.

This means that within a period of 55 years, the population has increased more than fivefold. Furthermore, the rate of population growth has increased from 2.

7 percent between 2002 and 2012 to 3.2 percent per year between 2012 and 2022, a situation that continues to place pressure on social services and resources.

Likewise, the “Population Dynamics” report of NBS shows that the population could reach 118 million people by the year 2050. Alongside that population increase, there have been major changes in settlement patterns. In the year 1967, only 5.

7 percent of Tanzanians were living in urban areas. But, by the year 2022, 34.9 percent of people live in urban areas.

Zanzibar has shown a faster rate of urban growth, where 49 percent of its residents now live in urban areas. The Dar es Salaam Region leads in population size, having more than 5.

3 million people, equivalent to nearly 9 percent of all Tanzanians. These statistics indicate that by the year 2050, more than half of Tanzanians will live in urban areas, a situation that will require major investment in infrastructure and social services.

Governance, democracy, and economy In the field of governance and democracy, the Union has continued to strengthen by enhancing representation. During the period from 1967 to 1970, the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania operated under the Interim Constitution of 1964, having a structure of representation from Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Although there are no official statistics of representatives during the Union period, the election of 1970 showed a total of 237 Members of Parliament. Among them, Mainland Tanzania had approximately 159 Members of Parliament, including constituency representatives, those appointed by the President, and members holding ex officio positions.

Zanzibar had approximately 67 Members of Parliament, many of them drawn from the Revolutionary Council and presidential appointments. That system gave Zanzibar special representation to protect political balance within the Union.

At present, the Parliament of the United Republic has a total of 393 seats according to statistics from the election of the year 2025, where electoral constituencies numbered 264. Among those, 214 are from Mainland Tanzania, and 50 are from Zanzibar. According to statistics for the year 2024/25, women Members of Parliament number 148 out of 392, equivalent to 37.8 percent.

This shows that Tanzania has surpassed the minimum threshold of 30 percent representation of women, a step interpreted as the success of gender equality policies. Economically, the Union has enabled the existence of one market and one currency system.

The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) was established in the year 1965 and began official operations in the year 1966, replacing the system of the East African Currency Board. That system has ensured financial stability and simplified economic activities between the two sides of the Union.

According to the Ministry of Finance, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached approximately $60.5 billion (Sh151.3 trillion) in the year 2021, while various sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and services contributed significantly. Statistics also show growth in non-government sectors.

By the year 2022, Tanzania had more than 17,500 non-government organisations, which have been contributing to social and economic development in collaboration with the government. However, despite these achievements, statistics show challenges emerging as the nation grows.

The “Population Dynamics” report of NBS shows that the population could reach 118 million people by the year 2050. This increase carries major implications for key sectors. In health, demand for dispensaries is expected to increase from 7,734 in the year 2022 to more than 26,500 in the year 2050, while demand for nurses will increase more than twofold.

Operating costs of the health sector are expected to rise from Sh7.2 trillion to more than Sh36 trillion per year. In education, demand for teachers will rise sharply.

The number of primary school teachers is projected to increase from 175,687 to more than 341,000 by 2050, while secondary school teachers are expected to exceed 200,000. This means substantial investment will be required to meet the needs of the next generation. In the land and agriculture sector, the challenge appears more clearly through the distribution of resources.

In the year 2022, the average cultivable land per person was 0.70 hectares, but it is expected to decline to 0.

37 hectares by the year 2050 due to population increase. At the same time, crop production must increase nearly twofold in order to meet food demand.

.

Dar es Salaam. The Union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar has already reached six decades.

If it were a working person, he would have spent two years at home after retirement. Despite that longevity, there is still debate about the Union’s strength, sustainability, and structure.

At times, this debate emerges alongside others, such as the new Constitution, the distribution of powers, and economic and political questions about how the two sides of the Union cooperate. Some see the Union as a rare example of success on the African continent, emphasising that it has withstood political turbulence, economic changes, and differences in outlook for several decades.

However, others argue that any institution that lasts for a long time requires self-assessment, self-correction, and improvement in order to match new environments. According to law, history, and Union affairs analysts, debate should not be guided by emotions, but by logic, evidence, and national evaluation.

Tanganyika and Zanzibar united on April 26, 1964, under the leadership of the Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, on the side of Tanganyika, and Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume for Zanzibar. Reforms are not breaking; they are strengthening Legal and constitutional expert, Prof Adrian Mrosso, says the question of Union reforms should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness of the Union itself.

He says all constitutional systems in the world evolve through regular improvements, and the Union should not be different. Prof Mrosso sees the major question not as whether reforms are needed, but which areas require adjustment.

“The two-government system has shown great historical strength, but that strength does not remove the need to review it whenever there are operational challenges. Reforms are not breaking the Union, they are strengthening the Union,” he says.

Some areas that can be examined, he says, include transparency in the distribution of authority, management of Union matters, and resolution of recurring challenges regarding the interpretation of authority between the two sides. He warns that the debate on a three-government system should not be adopted as a quick solution before assessing whether existing challenges originate from structural defects or from the implementation of the current structure.

“Not every Union challenge requires changing the system. Others require better management, clear laws, and stronger institutions,” he stresses.

Three governments not a threat On her part, political and governance analyst, Dr Helena Rutabana says the debate on three governments should not be seen as an argument to disrupt stability, but as a structural discussion deserving careful examination. She says those who support that system often build arguments that it can provide broader distribution of authority and reduce operational conflicts that may arise within the two-government system.

“Three governments is not a concept of breaking the Union. For some analysts, it is a proposal to reorganise authority so that each side feels it has sufficient space within the shared structure,” she says.

However, she says that debate must be guided by analysis of costs, administrative efficiency, and impact on national cohesion, noting that without doing so, the discussion may remain theoretical without practical answers. She says the nation can open a professional debate about both systems without turning it into an agenda of division.

“What is important is not fearing debate, but ensuring debate produces knowledge, not panic,” she says. Researcher in political history, Prof Leonard Chavula, says the experience of many political systems worldwide shows that institutions endure not by remaining as originally established, but by their ability to adapt.

He says the Union has passed through different political and economic periods, a situation that demonstrates its capacity to endure. But the analyst says such endurance should not be taken as a reason to avoid opening debate on improvements.

“History teaches that systems which refuse to evaluate themselves begin to face internal conflicts that are not seen early. Self-evaluation is protection, not weakness,” he says.

In his view, the reform debate could begin with an assessment of Union matters, how they are reduced or retained, and whether existing mechanisms for addressing them are sufficient. He also says the younger generation needs to be involved in that debate, because many did not participate in the history of establishing the Union, but are the ones who will carry it into the future.

“A country cannot conduct tomorrow’s debate using yesterday’s language alone. History must meet expectations of the younger generation,” he stresses.

On the other hand, policy analyst, Dr Samuel Nkwabi, says the debate on two or three governments is often given greater weight than the fundamental question of institutional strength. He says a country can operate under any system, but if institutions responsible for coordination, accountability, and management are weak, challenges will persist regardless of the number of governments.

“Frequently, we discuss structure before discussing institutional capacity. That is where the debate loses professional weight,” he says.

In his view, the first reforms likely to yield results include strengthening cooperation systems, improving transparency in decisions on Union matters, and establishing strong mechanisms for resolving differences before they escalate into conflicts. He adds that the reform debate should not be reduced to a choice between two or three governments, but should instead be a broader discussion about the quality of governance.

“If you build weak institutions within three governments, you will get the same challenges. If you build strong institutions even within two governments, you can get a lasting solution,” he says.

Reforms should include the Union economy Political economy analyst, Dr Miriam Kasesela, says the Union debate often remains focused on politics and the Constitution, while overlooking the economic foundation. She says one of the key questions is whether the existing system matches the current needs of economic cooperation, trade, taxation, investment, and management of resources.

“Union reforms should not remain only in constitutional texts. They should also examine whether ordinary citizens see its benefits in their daily lives,” she says.

Therefore, she says the debate on two or three governments cannot be complete without measuring financial implications. Three governments, for example, may raise questions about operating costs, while improvements within the current system may carry lower costs.

But she says even if the current system continues, there is a need to strengthen areas of economic cooperation so that the Union is seen more as an instrument of development. “A lasting Union does not depend on history alone, but one that is seen to deliver value for citizens of today,” she says.

.

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s professional boxer Ibrahim Mgenda, popularly known as “Class”, has delivered a career-defining performance after defeating Thailand’s Kritiphak Duangnut to claim two major World Boxing Council (WBC) titles in Bangkok.

Class secured the WBC International Silver Belt and the WBC International Gold Belt in the super featherweight division following a commanding victory in their bout held on April 25, 2026. The Tanzanian fighter controlled the contest with discipline and composure, ultimately forcing a technical knockout in the fifth round after a dominant display that left his opponent struggling to cope with sustained pressure. The win marks a major milestone in Class’s career and strengthens his standing on the international boxing stage after adding two recognised WBC belts to his record.

Following the victory, the National Sports Council of Tanzania (BMT) congratulated the boxer on his achievement, praising him for lifting Tanzania’s flag high in the global boxing arena. BMT said Class’s success reflects both individual dedication and the growing competitiveness of Tanzanian boxing on the international scene, especially in competitions sanctioned by the World Boxing Council.

The latest triumph also avenges a previous draw between the two fighters in an earlier encounter, underlining Class’s improved form and tactical maturity in the ring. With the double-title victory, Class further cements his reputation as one of Tanzania’s leading professional boxers and a rising force in the super featherweight division.

.