Category: The Citizen

Marvel Studios has officially introduced the next generation of Wakanda, announcing British actor David Jonsson as the adult Prince T’Challa in Black Panther 3. The reveal was made during Marvel’s Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con, where director Ryan Coogler confirmed his return to helm the highly anticipated sequel. The film is scheduled to hit cinemas on December 15, 2028.

Rather than recasting Chadwick Boseman’s King T’Challa, Jonsson will portray his son, also named T’Challa, known as Toussaint who was introduced as a young boy in the closing moments of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

The decision continues Marvel’s approach of honouring Boseman’s legacy while advancing the story through a new generation of Wakandan heroes.

Jonsson joined Coogler, Letitia Wright and Winston Duke on stage for the announcement, where he thanked the cast and fans, saying he was honoured to join the Marvel family.

Wright, who returns as Shuri, has also expressed excitement about welcoming Jonsson into the franchise, with Shuri expected to remain a central figure in Wakanda’s future.

The 32-year-old actor has quickly emerged as one of Britain’s most exciting rising stars, earning acclaim for performances in Rye Lane, Industry, Alien: Romulus and The Long Walk. His casting continues Marvel’s tradition of elevating breakout talent to headline major franchises.

Marvel also confirmed that Academy Award-winning director Ryan Coogler is returning to write and direct the third installment, while acclaimed actor Denzel Washington is set to join the cast in an undisclosed role, adding even more anticipation to the next chapter of the Black Panther saga.

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has officially launched a new political party, formalising his split with former ally Ousmane Sonko and setting the stage for a fresh political contest within the country’s ruling camp.

The new party, Republican Patriots, was unveiled on Saturday after months of growing tensions between Faye and Sonko, leader of the ruling Pastef party. The two leaders swept to power together in the 2024 presidential election on a joint platform that promised to tackle corruption, create jobs and secure a greater share of Senegal’s oil, gas and mineral wealth.

In recent weeks, several senior Pastef officials, regional leaders and members of the party’s youth wing have defected to Faye’s new movement. Some politicians from the opposition Alliance for the Republic have also joined the president’s camp. The alliance between Faye and Sonko began to unravel over disagreements on key government policies, particularly how Senegal should negotiate with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as the country grapples with a deepening debt crisis.

Earlier this year, Faye dismissed Sonko as prime minister, replacing him with Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo. Sonko, however, retained significant political influence after his party maintained its parliamentary majority and he was later elected president of the National Assembly. A new Cabinet formed in June excluded Pastef ministers after Sonko announced that his party would not participate in the government.

The rift has cast uncertainty over the reform agenda that brought the two men to power. Their administration has faced mounting economic pressure after officials discovered that the previous government had underreported billions of dollars in public borrowing, worsening Senegal’s debt burden and complicating efforts to implement campaign promises.

Political analysts say the creation of Republican Patriots marks a new chapter in Senegal’s politics and is likely to reshape the country’s political landscape ahead of local elections in 2027 and the presidential race scheduled for 2029.

Former Legal Officer Grade One at Njombe District Council, Mr Lusajo Mwakasege, has been granted leave by the High Court in Njombe to file a judicial review application challenging his dismissal, after the court found he possesses sufficient interest regarding his employment matter.

Mr Mwakasege was dismissed for being absent from work for over five working days, but he claimed this resulted from delayed payment of transfer allowances after being transferred to a new station, a situation he claimed caused his absence.

The High Court in Njombe gave him 14 days to submit a judicial review application challenging the procedure leading to his employment termination and ultimate dismissal.

That ruling came on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from Justice Victoria Nongwa, who heard Mr Mwakasege’s application against the President’s Office, Public Service Management, Public Service Commission, Njombe District Council, and the Attorney General.

The judge stated that after reviewing both parties’ arguments, the court satisfied itself that Mr Mwakasege has sufficient interest in this employment matter and gave him 14 days to submit the judicial review application, noting he raised arguable issues regarding the process used to terminate his employment.

Background of application

According to court records, Mr Mwakasege was a public servant serving in the aforementioned position at Njombe District Council following his transfer from Ubungo Municipal Council on February 22, 2019.

Following that transfer, he claimed he was not paid his transfer allowances, an issue he claimed caused his absence from work, and that rather than resolving allowance claims, his absence became a disciplinary matter culminating in dismissal.

Mr Mwakasege was accused of absenteeism exceeding five working days in 2019, with formal disciplinary charge notices issued July 3, 2019, and delivered September 17, 2019.

After responding to charges and participating in preliminary disciplinary steps, he was notified via letter dated November 5, 2019, that his employment was terminated effective October 25, 2019.

The officer disagreed with that decision and appealed, but his appeal was rejected and his dismissal upheld.

He continued administrative struggles by appealing to higher authority, but received no relief.

The court noted that in a letter dated April 19, 2022, re-sent April 9, 2025, he was informed his dismissal was confirmed and finalised by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania on March 26, 2022.

Having failed to secure relief administratively, Mr Mwakasege turned to the High Court seeking leave to file for judicial review.

In his application, he claimed the disciplinary process used was fraught with legal and procedural flaws.

Among his claims was that no mandatory preliminary investigation occurred prior to proceeding with disciplinary action.

He also claimed the investigation breached procedures, he received no full hearing opportunity, nor was he invited to comment on the inquiry committee report before the final decision.

Mr Mwakasege further claimed he was dismissed without opportunity to present mitigating arguments, and his appeal decision exceeded the legal 90-day limit.

Court ruling

Justice Nongwa stated that at the leave stage, an applicant need not fully prove their case as in the main hearing, but must demonstrate arguable issues requiring examination.

She said after reviewing arguments, the court found the applicant met leave requirements by showing sufficient interest and arguable issues.

The judge noted Mr Mwakasege’s claims regarding lack of preliminary investigation, absence of a hearing, failure to invite comments on inquiry reports, and alleged procedural breaches deserve examination in the main application.

‘Considering all these grievances, regardless of validity, I am persuaded the applicant demonstrated an arguable case for certiorari and mandamus orders,’ said the judge.

She added Mr Mwakasege exhausted all available administrative remedies, including appealing to higher authorities, leaving judicial review as his remaining option to challenge the dismissal.

‘In these circumstances, I am persuaded the applicant met standards for granting leave to seek judicial review,’ she said.

The private sector continues demonstrating its contribution to Tanzania’s economy after SBC Tanzania announced paying over Sh1 trillion in taxes during 25 years of domestic operations.

The company also announced plans to expand investment by adding a new plant at its Arusha factory and constructing a new factory in Dodoma Region to increase production and job creation.

SBC Tanzania managing director, Mr Himanshu Shekhar, made the revelation on Saturday, July 25, 2026, during the company’s 25th anniversary celebrations held in Morogoro.

He hinted that these achievements stemmed from a favourable investment environment set by the government, stakeholder cooperation, and employee dedication, enabling the company to grow into one of the country’s largest taxpayers.

He said over 25 years, the company paid over Sh1 trillion through the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), a contribution continuously supporting the government to fund social services and execute development projects.

‘Since commencing domestic operations, the company invested $100 million in total in various production activities and business expansion, whilst maintaining strategies to increase investment in coming years,’ he said.

He said the next step involves adding a new plant at the Arusha factory to boost production capacity, alongside constructing a new factory in Dodoma Region expanding production scope and bringing further employment opportunities.

“We are proud to be part of Tanzania’s development through tax payments, investment, and job creation. This success stems from great cooperation built with government, employees, and our various stakeholders,” said Mr Shekhar.

He said SBC has over 1,200 permanent employees and over 15,000 seasonal workers, whilst its operations contribute over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs through production, transport, distribution, commerce, and other services dependent on the company’s investment.

Beyond investment and tax payments, the company continues to execute corporate social responsibility activities.

During the anniversary celebrations, the company pledged to donate a tuk-tuk to the Youth with Disabilities and Children Centre Tanzania (Mihayo Tanzania) to ease transport for children and youths cared for by the centre.

Mihayo Tanzania director, Ms Linda Ngido, said the centre serves 91 total beneficiaries, including children with intellectual disabilities, youths, and vulnerable children from various areas nationwide.

She said amongst these beneficiaries, 45 children study in government special education schools, noting that 31 youths aged between 20 and 52 receive training in market gardening, handicrafts, and carpentry to enable self-reliance.

Ms Ngido said a major challenge facing them was lacking transport to serve beneficiaries living in Mazimbu and Mkundi alongside dormitory shortages, explaining that the donation would ease service delivery and reduce operational costs.

“We provide inclusive education, health services, vocational training, and life skills to orphans and youths with intellectual disabilities so they can become self-reliant and participate fully in community development,” she said.

SBC Tanzania sales manager for Morogoro and Dodoma regions, Mr Kassim Zarafi, said the 25th anniversary aimed not only at celebrating achievements, but also giving back to the community as part of the success the company attained through cooperation with Tanzanians alongside joining Mihayo Tanzania centre.

For his part, Tanzania Union of Industrial and Commercial Workers (Tuico) SBC Morogoro branch Chairman, Mr Noah Boneka said the company’s growth paralleled improved worker welfare through collective bargaining agreements, a move contributing to raising employee and family well-being alongside increasing job opportunities for many Tanzanians.

He said these developments demonstrate how private sector investment can stimulate economic growth, boost government revenue through taxes, and improve citizens’ lives through employment and social projects.

Minerals Minister Anthony Mavunde has instructed the Mbogwe resident mining officer to collaborate with mining licence holders at the Msasa mine in Runzewe West Ward, Bukombe District, to purchase modern scanner equipment to replace body searches that degrade miners’ dignity.

Mr Mavunde issued these directives on Saturday, July 25, 2026, during a public meeting held in Uyovu Runzewe during his tour inspecting development projects executed in Geita Region, following a grievance raised by a local miner speaking on behalf of his colleagues.

The miner, who introduced himself as Mr Sebastian Aron, said upon emerging from pits, they face searches including private parts inspection, degrading their dignity and prompting calls for government intervention.

‘You emerge from pits arriving at the gate to get searched; you’re told to strip your gumboots and searched down to private parts, so I don’t understand these formulas they use when I have no pocket and am carrying nothing, yet you get searched whilst coming out exhausted,’ he said.

Upon receiving the complaint, Mr Mavunde directed the resident mining officer to collaborate with mine leadership to install modern inspection systems that do not strip miners of their dignity.

Furthermore, he urged miners to desist from mineral theft and follow employer procedures without breaching laws.

‘Respect and decency must prevail during inspection exercises; let’s not strip people of their dignity. RMO (Resident Mines Office), please supervise this, sit down, converse properly, and seek solutions,’ he directed.

‘Can’t you sense things using scanners? Another method must be found rather than thrusting hands inside; set up equipment where sensors sound if someone carries a stone,’ added Mr Mavunde.

The minister added further: ‘However, Mr Sebastian, you lot must also reduce tricks; that’s the truth. You have many ways of departing with these items; someone can conceal a stone without any trouble and walk normally, so you too should reduce tricks.’

In another development, Mr Mavunde inspected the construction of a market and bus stand in Katente Ward, Ushirombo Division, Bukombe District, directing the contractor executing these projects to complete them on schedule according to the contract to unlock economic opportunities for citizens.

According to a report presented by the Acting Director of Bukombe District Council, Mr Haruni Fashe, these projects cost over Sh22 billion and are expected to be completed in December 2027, with market construction currently at 46 percent complete.

Heroes who fought in the 1978/79 Kagera War against Uganda have revealed four secret factors behind their victory, while commandos explained how they crossed the Kagera River without a bridge.

Among the factors enabling their victory were public enthusiasm, adequate military training, high soldierly discipline, and the generous patriotic spirit displayed by Tanzanian citizens.

The veterans revealed their secret to victory on Saturday, July 25, 2026, during Heroes’ Day celebrations held at the Heroes’ Grounds inside the Government City in Mtumba, Dodoma.

Retired Brigadier General Wilfred Mwakalambile stated that immediately following the war declaration, citizens spontaneously and voluntarily began contributing towards combat costs, making the conflict far lighter to bear.

Brig Gen (rtd) Mwakalambile, amongst the first soldiers to cross the Kagera River, admitted that without this popular support, the war might have been tough despite being fully prepared.

‘When Mwalimu (Julius Nyerere) declared war while in Songea, my colleagues and I were picked up by aircraft in Zanzibar. Immediately, General Kiwelu (Tumainiel) ordered me to ensure commandos crossed to the other side so we could assess enemy strength, and I led my colleagues across,’ said Brig Gen Mwakalambile.

He stated that commandos crossed to evaluate enemy capability, whereupon artillery commenced firing while the engineering squad advanced to tackle constructing the Kagera River Bridge, which had been destroyed.

‘I urge youths to remain patriotic towards their nation and preserve this peace. Those in the military should receive adequate training for their country,’ he said.

For her part, the first woman heading to war, Retired Brigadier General Mary Hiki, stated that despite the tactics they possessed, Tanzanians’ morale especially inspired them.

Brig Gen (rtd) Hiki, who remained in Uganda after the war working as a State House communications officer, said credit belonged to citizen enthusiasm and contributions, while combatant discipline remained exceptionally high.

‘I was the sole woman heading to the battlefield; however, it was decided I return due to prevailing conditions. But after capturing Uganda’s capital, Kampala, I was recalled to Uganda, remaining there long-term,’ she said.

Like her fellow retiree, she emphasised the importance of modern training for defence forces to match contemporary requirements, while urging youths to answer the call to serve their country with zeal and discipline.

More than 20 members of the opposition party Chadema, have been arraigned before courts in different regions and charged with terrorism and economic sabotage offences.

Among those charged are four university students in Mbeya, several Chadema members in Mwanza and a lecturer from the University of Dodoma (Udom), who has also been charged with terrorism-related offences in Dodoma.

The four students, all facing non-bailable terrorism charges, are Noah Mwalwange, 23, a resident of Isange and a student at the Mbeya University of Science and Technology (Must); Gwamaka Mboka, 28; Rojazi Mpwani, 21; and Augustino Wasinyo, 25, all students at the Catholic University of Mbeya (CUoM).

The four appeared before Mbeya District Court Magistrate Paul Rupia on Thursday, July 23, 2026, where they were jointly charged with participating in terrorist activities.

The prosecution alleges that they committed the offence contrary to Sections 4(1), 4(2), 4(3)(c) and 31(d) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (Chapter 19, Revised Edition 2023), read together with Paragraph 24 of the First Schedule and Sections 57(1) and 61(2) of the Economic and Organised Crime Control Act (Chapter 200, Revised Edition 2023).

According to the charge sheet, the alleged offence was committed on July 4, 2026, in the Mafiati area of Mbeya City.

The students are accused of encouraging members of the public in Mafiati to engage in terrorist acts involving extensive destruction of property with the intention of intimidating citizens of the United Republic of Tanzania.

In a separate case, Mr Jasiri Mwasumbi, 29, a resident of Kalombe and a driver by profession, was also arraigned before the same court, before Magistrate Tedy Mlimba, on the same charge of participating in terrorist activities.

Mr Mwasumbi is alleged to have committed the offence on July 5, 2026, in Kalombe, where prosecutors claim he mobilised people to carry out terrorist acts by encouraging attacks on police officers in Mbeya Region with the intention of causing death or serious injury to intimidate the public.

Defence lawyer Philipo Mwakilima told The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi that the four students and the driver were arraigned and formally charged in the evening after he had already left the court premises.

He said both cases have been adjourned to August 6, 2026, for mention.

Mwanza cases

In a separate development, 23 accused persons appeared before the Mwanza Resident Magistrate’s Court in two separate cases involving allegations of participating in meetings or discussions intended to facilitate terrorist activities.

Some of the accused are Chadema leaders. Their cases were read before Mwanza Resident Magistrate and Deputy Registrar Erick Marley.

In the first case, No. 16379/2026, 13 accused persons from Ilemela District are charged with committing the alleged offence between June 25 and July 7, 2026.

They are Alphaxadi Nyamwaga, Fantson Mpango, Abely Mwesa, Hassan Said, Emmanuel Wambura, Adam Idd, Damas Sadock, Petro Mabula, Abdul Kagwidi, Devid Mashaka, Philipo Masatu, Edward Mikindo and Emmanuel Doto.

The second case, No. 16375/2026, involves 10 accused persons from Nyamagana District, who are alleged to have held similar meetings between July 4 and July 7, 2026, in the Igoma area.

They are Deus Masalago, Mohamed Tosha, Fabian Nguvumali, Samweli Mtani, Samweli Kobell, Julius Makonga, Fanuel Lutana, Philipp Kulwa, Philipp Shipuluko and Hamis Mnyimvua.

According to the prosecution, the accused held the meetings with the intention of planning terrorist acts, including setting fire to government and privately owned buildings.

All the accused were remanded in custody because the Resident Magistrate’s Court lacks jurisdiction to hear terrorism cases.

Their matters have been scheduled for mention on August 6, 2026.

Speaking outside the court, defence lawyer Erick Mutta said the accused had been held in custody for nearly a month before being brought before the court on Thursday.

He said they were not granted bail because the court has no jurisdiction over terrorism cases and the offences are non-bailable.

According to Chadema Victoria Zone Secretary Zacharia Obadi, eight of the 23 accused are party leaders serving at branch and ward levels in Nyamagana and Ilemela districts.

Chadema’s Director of Legal Affairs and Human Rights, Mr Gaston Garubindi, said that, so far, 27 party leaders and members from Mwanza and Mbeya regions have been arraigned on terrorism-related charges.

“Although others continue to be held at police stations in Dar es Salaam, Iringa and Shinyanga, these 31 have already been brought before the courts and charged with terrorism offences,” he said.

“There are four being held in Dar es Salaam, three in Iringa and seven in Kishapu District, Shinyanga Region,” he added.

Mr Garubindi said the party’s legal team is continuing efforts to ensure that the detained leaders and members secure bail where legally possible.

Udom lecturer charged

In another development, University of Dodoma (Udom) lecturer Melkisedek Kaijage was arraigned before the Dodoma Resident Magistrate’s Court after being held in police custody in Dodoma Region for 15 days.

Mr Kaijage appeared in court on Thursday, July 23, 2026, before Resident Magistrate Zabibu Mpangule, where he was charged with economic sabotage and terrorism. The case was adjourned until August 5, 2026, for mention.

He was arrested on July 8, 2026, over allegations that he mobilised members of the public to participate in demonstrations that had been planned for July 7, 2026, during the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), commonly known as Sabasaba.

On July 23, 2026, the lecturer, who had been detained at Chang’ombe Police Station in Dodoma, was brought before the court to answer the charges.

He is charged under Sections 4(1), 4(2)(a) and 4(3)(c) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (Chapter 19, Revised Edition 2023), read together with Paragraph 24 of the First Schedule and Sections 57(1) and 61(2) of the Economic and Organised Crime Control Act (Chapter 200).

The prosecution alleges that on July 3, 2026, at the University of Dodoma, Mr Kaijage committed a terrorist act contrary to the laws of Tanzania.

According to the Republic, he threatened to set fire to public buildings and police residential houses within the United Republic of Tanzania with the intention of intimidating the public.

Mr Kaijage was not required to enter a plea. He remains in custody because the offences are non-bailable and the Resident Magistrate’s Court lacks jurisdiction to hear the case.

Tanzanian music heavyweights Marioo and Juma Jux are set to fly the country’s flag at the 2026 AFRIMMA Music Fest, scheduled for September 12 at Annette Strauss Square, AT and T Performing Arts Center in Dallas, Texas.

The two singers are among a lineup of African stars confirmed for the Pan-African festival, which will also feature Nigerian hitmakers BNXN and Ruger, alongside several other acts from across the continent.

The annual event celebrates African music and culture through live performances, food, fashion and cultural experiences, bringing together fans from Africa and the diaspora.

For Marioo and Jux, the festival comes at a pivotal moment in their careers. Both artistes are also in the running for Best Male Artist – East Africa at the 2026 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMMA), making the event an opportunity to not only entertain fans but also compete for one of African music’s top honours.

The 2026 AFRIMMA Awards will be held later the same day in Dallas, where winners across various categories will be announced.

With Tanzania enjoying a strong showing at this year’s awards, Marioo and Jux will be hoping to turn their performances into memorable moments and perhaps return home with coveted AFRIMMA trophies.

A merchant ship hijacked in Yemeni waters in the Gulf of Aden last week is currently being held by Somali pirates, according to local sources in Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region.

The vessel, identified as the MT Asana, is a Tanzanian-flagged fuel and chemical tanker.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a resident and self-described former pirate stated that there are 20 crew members on board the tanker, including eight German and 10 Filipino nationals.

A second resident in the coastal town of Caluula reported seeing pirates transporting food supplies out to the hijacked vessel.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed last week that a vessel boarded by unauthorised personnel in the Gulf of Aden had subsequently been manoeuvred into Somali territorial waters, formally classifying the incident as a hijacking.

Somali piracy caused widespread disruption off the Horn of Africa between 2008 and 2018.

Following a prolonged lull, pirate activity in the region began to resurge in late 2023.

Addressing reporters on Thursday, July 23, 2026, Tanzania’s chief government spokesperson, Mr Gerson Msigwa, stated that Tanzanian authorities are actively assessing the situation and working to verify the vessel’s links to the country.

“Our systems are tracking the situation to determine the exact connection to our country regarding the ship carrying cargo bound for Tanzania [from Yemen],’ he said.

‘We are following up, and once we have complete and accurate information, we will issue an official statement to the public,” added Mr Msigwa.

Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi has said Tanzania cannot achieve lasting peace without justice, urging leaders and citizens to uphold justice without fear as the foundation for national unity and development.

Speaking on Friday, July 24, at the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) General Assembly in Dar es Salaam, Dr Nchimbi said there was no contradiction between protecting human rights and preserving peace, arguing that the two are mutually reinforcing.

He cited President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s remarks during the swearing-in of judges in May that “justice is the foundation of peace”, saying the statement should guide all leaders.

“The President said justice is the foundation of peace. I thanked her for saying it publicly because all leaders under her leadership should promote that message. Once you start fearing to say that justice is the foundation of peace, you also begin to feel ashamed of implementing justice,” he said.

Dr Nchimbi said advocates of peace should not be regarded as opponents of justice, just as those who champion justice should not be viewed as enemies of peace.

It is impossible for a peace advocate to be an enemy of justice, or for a justice advocate to be an enemy of peace. That thinking should not exist. We must avoid such a perception,” he said.

He said his vision was for a Tanzania where every citizen is proud of their nationality, feels secure and has an equal opportunity to contribute to national development.

According to Dr Nchimbi, political, religious and ethnic differences should enrich the country’s diversity rather than divide its people.

“I want us to have a Tanzania where every Tanzanian feels proud of being where everyone feels safe in their own country and has the desire to contribute to national development. I want a country where we differ in ideology, political parties, religion and ethnicity, but embrace each other because of our Tanzanian identity,” he said.

He also called for greater tolerance of differing views, saying people should be free to engage in dialogue without being labelled as enemies.

“I wish that when I meet any activist, people recognise and appreciate each other based on the ability to think and persuade. People should not see me sitting with someone who has different views as a sign of hostility. They should see it as people discussing matters concerning their country peacefully,” he said.

Referring to activist Maria Sarungi, Dr Nchimbi said he hoped Tanzanians would view such engagements as constructive dialogue rather than political rivalry.

“If I am sitting with Maria Sarungi, people should say they are discussing issues concerning their country. There is no hostility, there is no animosity. That is the kind of nation I want us to build,” he said.

He urged Tanzanians to seize every opportunity to strengthen national unity and solidarity while upholding justice as the cornerstone of peace and sustainable development.