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Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Russian forces had captured almost 5,000 square km (1,930 square miles) of land in Ukraine in 2025 and that Moscow retained complete strategic initiative on the battlefield.

Russia’s 2025 gains would amount to nearly 1 percent of Ukraine’s land area, and the country controls nearly 20 percent in total. Putin, addressing a meeting with Russian top military commanders on his 73rd birthday, said Ukrainian forces were retreating in all sectors of the front.

He said Kyiv was trying to strike deep into Russian territory, but it would not help it to change the situation in the more than 3 1/2-year-old war. “At this time, the Russian armed forces fully hold the strategic initiative,” Putin told the meeting in northwestern Russia near Russia’s second-largest city of St.

Petersburg, according to a Kremlin transcript. “This year, we have liberated nearly 5,000 square km of territory – 4,900 – and 212 localities.

” Ukrainian forces, he said, “are retreating throughout the line of combat contact, despite attempts at fierce resistance.” Russia’s Defence Ministry on Tuesday reported the capture of two more villages along the front, which Ukraine’s top commander says now extends over 1,250 km (775 miles).

Ukraine’s military in August dismissed Russia’s recent offensives as a failure, with Moscow’s forces failing to capture a single major Ukrainian city this year. Ukrainian accounts say Kyiv’s troops have made gains in the Donetsk region, particularly around Dobropillia, a town near the key logistics hub of Pokrovsk.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has also said Ukrainian forces have regained ground in the border Sumy region, where Russia has established a foothold. Russian Army General Valery Gerasimov, chief of the General Staff of Russia’s armed forces, told the meeting of top commanders that Russian forces were “advancing in practically all directions.

” Ukrainian forces, he said, were focused on slowing the Russian advance. Gerasimov, overall commander of Russia’s war effort, said the heaviest fighting was gripping Pokrovsk and areas towards Dnipropetrovsk.

Moscow’s troops were moving on the key cities of Siversk and Kostyantynivka in the main theatre of the Donetsk region. Gerasimov said they were clearing Ukrainian forces from the city of Kupiansk, under Russian attack for months in Ukraine’s northeast, and were moving forward in Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions further south.

They were also progressing in setting up buffer zones in Sumy and Kharkiv regions in the north. In his remarks to the meeting, Putin said Russia’s objectives remained the same as when he launched its “special military operation” in February 2022, saying it was aimed at “demilitarising and denazifying” its smaller neighbour.

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Zanzibar. Family often shapes the path of generations, guiding children towards professions or roles reminiscent of their parents.

Lawyers raise lawyers, doctors raise doctors, and politicians raise politicians. Such has been the case for Mfaume Khamis Hassan, whose political ambitions are deeply rooted in his family’s legacy.

Mr Mfaume, now a contender for Zanzibar’s presidency in the 2025 General Election, hails from a family long involved in politics. Both his late father, Khamis Hassan Kombo, and mother, Miza Silima Khamis, were members of the Afro-Shirazi Party (ASP), which led the Zanzibar Revolution on January 12, 1964. Although they were not present in Zanzibar during the Revolution, they actively engaged in movements that toppled the Sultan’s regime, paving the way for the People’s Republic of Zanzibar before it united with the Republic of Tanganyika to form Tanzania.

Political engagement also influenced Mr Mfaume’s elder brother, Ali Khamis Hassan, a committed member of the Civic United Front (CUF), who worked on party mobilisation. Growing up in this environment planted the seeds for Mr Mfaume’s eventual political career.

Through him, the family’s activism evolved into leadership ambition, culminating in his bid for Zanzibar’s highest office: President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council. Early life and education Mr Mfaume was born on June 16, 1967 at Mnazi Mmoja Referral Hospital, Zanzibar.

He is the seventh child in his family. His education began at Kisiwandui Primary School and continued at Forodhani Primary School.

He later attended Haile Selassie Secondary School in Unguja, Zanzibar, completing his secondary education before embarking on military training. He joined Zanzibar’s Special Anti-Smuggling Unit known in Kiswahili as Kikosi Maalumu cha Kuzuia Magendo (KMKM) under a 15-year contract, serving from 1985 until his voluntary retirement in 2000. Political journey After leaving the military, Mr Mfaume pursued competitive politics rather than follow his parents’ path as loyal party supporters.

In 2002, he joined the National League for Democracy (NLD), quickly rising within the party ranks. Within six months, he was appointed Deputy Secretary-General for mainland Tanzania and later confirmed as Vice-Chairman in Zanzibar.

Following the death of NLD founder Dr Emmanuel Makaidi on October 15, 2015, Mr Mfaume assumed national leadership of the party. The 2025 General Election marks his second bid for Zanzibar’s presidency, having also contested in 2020. He has twice sought parliamentary office for Kiwajuni constituency in 2010 and 2015. Life outside politics Away from the political arena, Mr Mfaume is a farmer and livestock keeper, with experience in fishing and small-scale business.

He is married to three wives and has four children. His presidential campaign focuses on service to the people of Zanzibar, prioritising development, peace, and security.

Key areas include improved healthcare, better education, youth employment, and the elimination of Zanzibar’s marginalisation. Youth employment and social development Mr Mfaume places particular emphasis on youth employment, arguing that work prevents young people from falling prey to crime, substance abuse, and other social vices.

“If a young person has meaningful work, they have direction and income,” he says. “Leaving them idle is equivalent to endangering the nation.

” He promises that under his leadership, every young person in Zanzibar will have access to productive opportunities that generate income, while the government benefits from taxes collected from their economic activity. “This is achievable if Zanzibaris have faith in our vision,” he adds.

Mr Mfaume draws inspiration from Zanzibar’s first President, Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume, who mobilised youth into constructive activities to contribute to national development while steering them away from social harm. He intends to emulate this model, ensuring the islands’ youth are fully engaged in advancing Zanzibar’s progress.

Appeal for peace and unity As Zanzibar approaches the 2025 election, Mfaume urges citizens to maintain peace and unity. He calls on them to vote in large numbers and to resist being influenced by demonstrations intended to disrupt the islands’ stability.

“As a soldier, I understand the consequences when peace is disturbed,” he says. His message is clear: leadership is about harnessing the islands’ potential, particularly the energy and talent of young people, while safeguarding peace, development, and the nation’s future.

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Dar es Salaam. The case involving the alleged abduction of former Tanzanian Ambassador to Cuba, Mr Humphrey Polepole, is scheduled to come before the High Court in Dar es Salaam today for a preliminary hearing.

The case, filed as a habeas corpus petition, seeks a court order compelling authorities to produce Mr Polepole. His legal team, led by Advocate Peter Kibatala, filed the petition on his behalf under a certificate of urgency.

The respondents in the case are the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Attorney General (AG), the Regional Crimes Officer (RCO) and the Regional Police Commander (RPC) for Dar es Salaam. According to a court summons seen by The Citizen and confirmed by Advocate Kibatala, the matter has been scheduled for hearing before High Court Principal, Judge Salma Maghimbi, at the Dar es Salaam sub-registry on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 9:00 a.

m. “The matter has been called before Judge Maghimbi for directions.

Summons have already been issued to all parties,” said Advocate Kibatala. In the urgent petition, Kibatala stated that Mr Polepole was reportedly abducted on the night of October 6, 2025, by individuals believed to be police officers who allegedly stormed his residence in Ununio, Kinondoni District.

The petition claims that Mr Polepole has not been charged in any court and is being unlawfully detained at an undisclosed location, violating his constitutional rights. “The applicant’s welfare requires immediate attention and intervention, including confirmation of his safety and well-being,” reads part of the affidavit supporting the petition.

The legal team is requesting that the court direct the respondents to either release Mr Polepole on bail or formally charge him in a competent court. Advocate Kibatala further noted that Mr Polepole, a Tanzanian citizen, has served in various roles, including District Commissioner for Ubungo and Ambassador to Malawi, Cuba, and other Latin American nations.

He said that Mr Polepole voluntarily resigned from his ambassadorial post earlier this year, citing dissatisfaction with the state of governance in the country. Mr Kibatala’s affidavit states that Mr Polepole had previously expressed fears for his safety due to threats linked to his outspoken political views.

He further alleges that unidentified assailants broke into Mr Polepole’s Ununio residence on the night of October 6 and abducted him. “His brothers, Godfrey and Augustino Polepole, have confirmed the incident publicly through local media reports,” Kibatala stated.

He said that despite widespread concern, none of the respondents have disclosed Mr Polepole’s whereabouts or legal status, raising public anxiety. “I have reason to believe that the fifth respondent, the Dar es Salaam Zonal Police Commander, has knowledge of and authority over the applicant’s detention,” Kibatala asserted.

Reports of Mr Polepole’s abduction began circulating on social media on October 6 through a video clip shared by his brother Augustino, who said that unidentified individuals had raided the former envoy’s home and taken him to an unknown location. .

Jerusalem. A senior Hamas official said on Wednesday that negotiators from his Palestinian militant group and Israel had exchanged lists of prisoners and hostages who would be released should a deal be reached during the ongoing Gaza ceasefire talks in Egypt.

Israel hopes the talks will lead to the release or the recovery of the bodies of the remaining 48 hostages seized during the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attacks, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Once all hostages are released, Israel will release 250 Palestinians serving life sentences, plus 1,700 Gazans who were detained since the October 7 attacks, including all women and children.

For every Israeli hostage whose remains are released, Israel will release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans. Following are some of the most prominent Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

It is not yet clear if any of them will be released: ABDALLAH AL-BARGHOUTI Barghouti was sentenced to 67 life terms in 2004 by an Israeli military court for his involvement in a series of suicide attacks in 2001 and 2002 that killed dozens of Israelis. Barghouti prepared the explosive belts used in the attacks, including one on a Jerusalem Sbarro restaurant in which 15 people were killed, the Israeli army said.

A father of three, he was born in Kuwait in 1972. In 1996, he moved with his family to live in Beit Rima village near Ramallah in the West Bank. IBRAHIM HAMED Hamed, who was handed 54 life terms, was arrested in 2006 in Ramallah.

He is accused by Israel of planning suicide attacks that killed dozens of Israelis. Hamed, who had been on Israel’s wanted list for eight years before his arrest, was the top West Bank commander of the Izz el-Deen Al-Qassam Brigades, the Hamas military wing.

He holds a degree in political science from Birzeit University near Ramallah. While he was a fugitive, Israel detained his wife for eight months.

HASSAN SALAMA Born in Gaza’s Khan Younis refugee camp in 1971, Salama was convicted of orchestrating a wave of suicide bombings in Israel in 1996 that killed dozens of Israelis and wounded hundreds more. He was sentenced to 48 life terms in jail.

Salama said the attacks were a response to the assassination of Hamas bombmaker Yahya Ayyash in 1996. Salama was arrested in Hebron in the West Bank later that year. NON-HAMAS FIGURES: MARWAN AL-BARGHOUTI – FATAH A leading member of the Fatah movement that controls the Palestinian Authority, Barghouti is seen as a possible successor to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

He made his name as a leader and organiser in both of the Intifadas, or uprisings, waged by the Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip since 1987. He was arrested in 2002, charged with orchestrating gun ambushes and suicide bombings and sentenced to five life terms in 2004. Fatah officials have said that he set up the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the Fatah armed wing, on the orders of the first PA president, Yasser Arafat. AHMED SAADAT – PFLP Saadat, leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), was accused by Israel of ordering the assassination of Israeli tourism minister Rehavam Zeevi in 2001. Pursued by Israel, he took shelter at the Ramallah headquarters of Arafat.

Under a deal with the Palestinian Authority in 2002, Saadat stood trial in a Palestinian court and was incarcerated at a Palestinian Authority jail, where he was held under international supervision. The Israeli military seized Saadat in 2006 following the withdrawal of the foreign monitors, and put him on trial in a military court.

The charges against him included involvement in a militant group, weapons dealing and deadly attacks. However, the Justice Ministry decided there was not enough evidence to charge him with Zeevi’s assassination.

He was sentenced to 30 years in jail in 2008. .

Dar es Salaam. On any given day, Kariakoo is a controlled chaos.

Crowded pavements overflow with shoppers, handcart pushers yell for space as they ferry bales of clothes and sacks of rice, and the constant honk of vehicles competes with traders calling out their wares. The market stretches in every direction, a maze of wholesale shops, stalls, and warehouses that fuel the daily life of Tanzania’s commercial capital.

From electronics and textiles to spices, shoes, and household goods, Kariakoo remains the heartbeat of Dar es Salaam’s economy. But in recent years, the city has witnessed the rise of sleek shopping malls, air-conditioned complexes, and satellite business districts.

Places like Mlimani City in Ubungo, with its supermarkets, cinemas, and global brands, have introduced a modern shopping mall culture to Dar. The East Africa Business Centre, also in Ubungo, which was launched recently is trying to capture the wholesale trade with Chinese imports and electronics.

Smaller hubs in Mwenge, Sinza, and Manzese, as well as new neighbourhood mini-malls, have emerged to offer convenience closer to residential areas. Despite this wave of alternatives, Kariakoo’s dominance remains unshaken.

Its appeal stretches far beyond Dar es Salaam, into Tanzania’s hinterland and even across the borders of East and Central Africa. A market built on history Kariakoo’s supremacy cannot be understood without tracing its history.

The area itself takes its name from the “Carrier Corps” — the thousands of African porters recruited by the British during World War I to transport supplies. After the war, the colonial administration designated the area as a trading hub.

In the 1970s, President Julius Nyerere sought to formalize commerce in the bustling but chaotic market by commissioning the construction of the Kariakoo Market Corporation building. Designed by Chinese architects and engineers, the concrete structure with its distinctive honeycomb ventilation remains one of Dar es Salaam’s most recognizable landmarks.

When it opened in 1975, it became the largest covered market in East Africa. “Kariakoo was always more than a marketplace,” explains Martin Mbwana, former chairman of traders’ association.

“It became a symbol of urban growth, a centre of commerce, and an anchor for small traders and entrepreneurs during the ujamaa period. To this day, its reputation as the place where ‘everything is available’ holds true,” he adds.

The hub that never sleeps According to Mr Mbwana, that reputation has only grown over the years. Kariakoo today is not just a market but a vast ecosystem of trade.

Shops open early and often close late at night. Some sections, especially wholesale areas, operate almost round the clock as trucks unload goods destined for towns as far away as Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) or Kigali in Rwanda.

For traders like Josephine Mboma from Ndola, Zambia, Kariakoo is indispensable as it provides a gateway to manufacturers in other parts of the world. She travels to Dar at least once every two months to purchase bales of clothes, kitchenware, and cosmetics.

“Everything you want, you will find in Kariakoo–cheaper, faster, and in bulk,” she says while negotiating a deal for household goods. “Other places are good for certain products, but for serious business, Kariakoo is unmatched.

” The same sentiment is echoed by Emmanuel Niyonzima, a Burundian trader who deals in textiles. “In Bujumbura, if you ask, ‘Where did this fabric come from?’ the answer is always Kariakoo,” he laughs.

A regional artery Kariakoo’s reach is regional. Traders from Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, and even parts of Kenya and Uganda rely on it as a redistribution hub.

For many, Kariakoo provides a cheaper alternative to traveling directly to Dubai, Guangzhou, or Istanbul to source goods. “In Kariakoo, you are essentially accessing the global supply chain,” notes Mr Mbwana “Importers bring in containers through Dar es Salaam port, and Kariakoo acts as the clearing house.

It links the international wholesale market with the informal traders of East and Central Africa. That is why it is irreplaceable.

” On any given evening, lorries and buses loaded with goods depart Kariakoo, bound for Arusha, Mwanza, Mbeya, or border towns like Tunduma. From there, merchandise filters across frontiers, sustaining livelihoods along the way.

Competition rises And yet, Dar es Salaam has changed. The emergence of new commercial centres has diversified the city’s retail landscape.

Dar es Salaam’s commercial landscape has diversified rapidly over the past two decades, with new centres emerging to complement the city’s traditional markets. When Mlimani City opened its doors in 2007, it introduced modern mall culture to Tanzania, offering urban families not just a place to shop but also a weekend destination for leisure, complete with supermarkets, cinemas, and international brands.

In Ubungo, the East Africa Business Centre carved out a niche as a wholesale hub, attracting traders with its wide selection of electronics and fast-moving consumer goods. Other areas have developed their own specialties.

Mwenge, long known for its roadside artisans, established itself as the go-to destination for crafts and furniture, while Manzese evolved into a bustling marketplace where spare parts and affordable food draw steady crowds. In Sinza and other middle-class neighbourhoods, smaller plazas have sprouted, housing boutiques, pharmacies, and fast-food outlets that cater to the growing demand for convenience closer to residential areas.

Together, these hubs have reshaped the city’s retail ecosystem–broadening options for consumers while redefining the way Dar es Salaam shops and trades. These developments have chipped away at Kariakoo’s monopoly by offering convenience and a more organized shopping experience.

Congestion, limited parking, and the risk of petty crime in Kariakoo have driven some consumers toward these alternatives. Still, analysts argue that the new centres serve different niches rather than directly threatening Kariakoo.

“The alternatives are complementary,” says Mr Mbwana. “The malls cater to lifestyle shopping, while Kariakoo is about scale, bulk, and variety.

Both are necessary for a growing city.” Challenges Kariakoo must confront But Kariakoo’s supremacy is not without strain.

Both traders and shoppers often point to a set of persistent challenges that weigh heavily on the market’s daily operations. Congestion is perhaps the most obvious, with narrow streets perpetually clogged by traffic, handcarts, and crowds of buyers, slowing down both business and transport.

Security is another concern: while the market attracts thousands every day, it is also a hotspot for pickpocketing and occasional scams that discourage some visitors. Regulation and taxation add to the frustrations.

Traders complain of inconsistent enforcement of levies, with some accusing authorities of harassment or unfair practices. On top of this lies a widening modernization gap.

Whereas malls across the city provide air-conditioned order, electronic billing, and card payments, Kariakoo still runs largely on traditional bargaining, manual accounting, and cash transactions. Attempts to address these issues have been made, but progress has been uneven.

Proposals for electronic payment systems, tighter security, and infrastructure upgrades have surfaced several times, yet many of these plans have either stalled or failed to take root. As a result, Kariakoo continues to thrive on its own terms–dynamic and indispensable, but carrying the weight of challenges that remain unresolved.

Why it endures Yet despite these hurdles, Kariakoo endures and thrives. The reasons are both economic and cultural.

First, it remains the cheapest source of goods. Bulk buying and intense competition among traders drive prices down.

Second, it is the widest in variety, whether it is imported electronics, Congolese fabrics, or fresh cassava, Kariakoo has it. Third, it is deeply connected to regional supply chains, serving as a lifeline for small traders in neighbouring countries.

There is also an intangible pull. “Kariakoo is an experience,” says Severine Mushi, the current chairman of the traders’ association.

“You go there not just to buy, but to negotiate, to feel the energy, to see the real economy at work. In a mall you are just a customer.

In Kariakoo, you are part of the hustle.” The road ahead As Dar es Salaam grows into a megacity — with a population projected to surpass 10 million by 2030 — the question is not whether Kariakoo will survive, but how it will adapt.

Urban planners argue that modernization is inevitable if the market is to cope with increasing demand. Others fear that over-regulation could strip Kariakoo of the very dynamism that makes it special.

According to Mr Mushi though Kariakoo may not have the polished glass facades of Mlimani City or the organised parking of the East Africa Business Centre, but its unmatched blend of affordability, variety, and regional reach keeps it firmly on the throne of Tanzania’s commerce. “These are just extensions given the proximity of Kariakoo to all major facilities including the port of Dar es Salaam,” he says.

As he succinctly puts it: “You can build as many malls as you want. Kariakoo is not just a market — it is an institution.

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Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the CEO Roundtable of Tanzania (CEOrt) in a bid to enhance dialogue aimed at improving the business environment, boosting tax compliance, and supporting national revenue growth.

Speaking during a high-level meeting organised by the CEOrt on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, TRA Commissioner General Yusuph Mwenda said the authority was shifting from a forceful tax collection approach to one that promotes cooperation and facilitation. “Our direction now is to enable rather than to compel.

A modern tax system should make it easier for businesses to meet their obligations, grow, and create jobs,” said Mr Mwenda. “As we pursue the National Development Vision 2050, collaboration with the private sector through CEOrt is essential for building an inclusive and resilient economy.

” The meeting, which brought together senior TRA officials, CEOrt members, government representatives, and tax experts, focused on strengthening tax administration, identifying priority policy reforms, and promoting private-sector participation in shaping tax policies. Mr Mwenda noted that the government had prioritised improving the business climate, including the establishment of the National Tax Review Committee, which includes members from the CEOrt.

CEOrt board member David Nchimbi emphasised the need for transparent and predictable tax systems, saying they were key to attracting investors and accelerating sustainable development. “This meeting provides a vital platform for open dialogue between the government and the private sector, enabling practical policy reforms aligned with business realities,” said Mr Nchimbi.

CEOrt board chairperson David Tarimo said the discussions centred on critical issues such as tax assessments, compliance facilitation, and building mutual trust between TRA and the business community. “CEOrt will continue to act as a bridge for evidence-based dialogue between the private sector and the government.

Honest and respectful engagement fosters solutions that strengthen governance and business growth,” said Mr Tarimo. Participants commended TRA for continuing its digital transformation agenda, while urging fair and consistent interpretation of tax laws across all sectors.

The meeting took place as TRA reported robust revenue performance. In the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, domestic revenue collection reached Sh8.97 trillion–exceeding its target by over six percent.

CEOrt, which brings together more than 230 institutions and companies from various sectors, marks its 25th anniversary this year of championing private-sector development in Tanzania. MultiChoice Tanzania Managing Director and CEOrt member Jackline Woiso expressed optimism about ongoing cooperation between the private sector and the government, saying it would foster an enabling investment climate and promote inclusive, sustainable growth.

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Pemba. The United Democratic Party (UDP) presidential candidate, Ms Saumu Hussein Rashid, has pledged to create a better business environment for Pemba traders and entrepreneurs, making their work easier, more efficient, and profitable.

Speaking on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, during a visit to Tibirinzi Market in Chakechake, South Unguja, as part of his election campaign tour, Ms Rashid assured that if elected to lead Zanzibar, her government would provide low-interest loans to enable entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and contribute to the national economy. “Our aim at UDP is to open economic opportunities so that every Tanzanian can achieve stability and self-sufficiency,” he said, noting that many entrepreneurs fail to expand due to lack of capital.

“When I assume office, I will create a business-friendly environment where every entrepreneur can access capital to grow, helping them achieve independence,” she added. Ms Rashid promised that if elected, she will ensure better business conditions and work to provide affordable loans so that every entrepreneur can benefit.

She said, beyond addressing capital shortages, she would reduce taxes to lower the cost of doing business. “It is unacceptable to complain about high taxes when transporting goods.

I will significantly cut taxes to ease your work and strengthen businesses,” she said. Ms Rashid said her government would build industries in every region based on local economic activities, creating income opportunities for all.

She further promised improved infrastructure for Pemba’s traders, noting that close business ties between Pemba and Tanga. “We will build modern port facilities and provide contemporary boats to facilitate trade,” she said.

A trader, Mr Ali Khamis Ali, urged Ms Rashid to tackle taxation issues, saying they hinder business. He expressed confidence that reduced taxes and access to capital would empower traders.

His colleague, Mr Muhammed Juma Rehan, called for a modern, integrated market to gather all businesses in one location. “It is inconvenient for buyers to search for goods in different markets,” he said.

Earlier, after arriving at Pemba Airport, Ms Rashid visited Wawi Village to pay tribute at the grave of the late Vice-President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr Omar Ali Juma, offering prayers. She affirmed that her party values the sacrifices of the nation’s founding leaders who fought for justice and nation-building.

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Dar es Salaam. The Government of Tanzania has confirmed that it is engaging the United States through diplomatic channels following Washington’s decision to impose a visa bond requirement on Tanzanian nationals applying for short-term business and tourist visas.

The U.S.

Department of State announced that, effective October 23, 2025, Tanzanians seeking B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism) visas will be required to post a refundable bond ranging between $5,000 and $15,000 before travelling to the United States. The decision places Tanzania among seven African countries included in the visa bond pilot programme–alongside Malawi, Zambia, The Gambia, Mali, Mauritania, and SaPound o Tome and Principe.

According to the U.S.

State Department, the move is based on findings from the Department of Homeland Security’s 2024 Entry/Exit Overstay Report, which identified countries with relatively high rates of visa overstays. The bonds, intended to ensure compliance with U.

S. immigration rules, will be refunded in full once travellers return home within their authorised stay, or if they do not use the visa before it expires.

However, the amount will be forfeited if a traveller overstays or violates visa conditions. Applicants will be instructed by consular officers on how to post the bond through the U.

S. Treasury using the official DHS Form I-352. Payments made through any other channels will not be refunded.

In addition, visa holders covered by the new measure will be required to enter and exit the U.S.

through specific airports — Boston Logan International (BOS), John F. Kennedy International (JFK), and Washington Dulles International (IAD) — to facilitate compliance monitoring.

Tanzania’s response In a statement issued on October 8, 2025, the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports said the government had officially received communication from Washington on the new visa bond requirement. Government Spokesperson Gerson Msigwa said Tanzania remains committed to maintaining cordial relations with the U.

S. despite the new measure.

“The Government will continue to engage the United States through diplomatic channels to seek a fair, respectful, and mutually beneficial resolution,” said Mr. Msigwa.

“Our relationship with the U.S.

has been built on friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect for more than four decades.” He added that the measure comes at a time when both countries are already holding discussions on migration and immigration matters.

“We assure the public that the government will continue to handle this matter diplomatically and provide updates as discussions progress,” he said. Mr.

Msigwa further emphasised that the move should not be seen as a diplomatic setback, describing it instead as a temporary administrative step that could be resolved through continued dialogue. The government has urged Tanzanians planning to visit the United States to continue following standard visa application procedures through the U.

S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam or other designated missions abroad.

Under the new arrangement, applicants will only be required to post a bond after being directed to do so by a consular officer. Making payments in advance will not guarantee visa issuance and could result in financial loss.

A U.S.

State Department clarification noted that the visa bond pilot programme does not change visa eligibility requirements, but adds a financial assurance mechanism aimed at improving compliance with immigration laws. The visa bond initiative was introduced under Section 221(g)(3) of the U.

S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and implemented through a Temporary Final Rule (TFR).

It primarily targets non-immigrant visa categories with historically high overstay rates. Regional context Tanzania joins Malawi and Zambia, where the policy has been in force since August 2025, and The Gambia, where implementation began in October 2025. Analysts say the inclusion of several African countries reflects Washington’s growing focus on managing migration and improving compliance among short-term visitors.

Critics, however, argue that the measure could create financial and logistical hurdles for genuine travellers — including businesspeople, researchers, and tourists — who contribute to economic and cultural exchange between Africa and the United States. The Tanzanian government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding citizens’ interests abroad while preserving its long-standing partnership with the United States.

“This development will not alter Tanzania’s resolve to maintain and strengthen its good relations with the United States for the mutual benefit of both nations,” the official statement stressed. .

Shinyanga. The construction of a solar power generation project in Shinyanga Region, has reached 78.5 percent completion, marking progress in the first phase of producing 50 megawatts (MW).

The update was provided yesterday, by the Commissioner for Electricity and Renewable Energy at the Ministry of Energy, Mr Innocent Luoga, during his inspection visit to assess the project’s implementation and address any challenges encountered on site. Mr Luoga said at Ngunga Village in Talaga Ward, Kishapu District, that the government is satisfied with the progress of the project, which will add 50MW to the national grid and help to reduce power shortages by increasing electricity supply to citizens.

“Our current power sources are still limited, as we mainly depend on hydropower and natural gas. However, we are now diversifying through alternative sources such as solar, wind and geothermal energy,” said Mr Luoga.

He noted that expanding the country’s energy sources enhances national energy security, ensuring continued electricity supply even when water levels drop or gas production declines. Mr Luoga commended the government for allocating significant funds to the energy sector, which has enabled the successful implementation of projects such as the Ngunga solar plant.

He added that Shinyanga Region’s current electricity demand stands at about 102MW, and the completion of the Ngunga facility is expected to boost power availability and stability in the region. Project Manager Emmanuel Mbando said implementation began on December 8, 2023, and that the first phase — which will produce 50MW — is expected to be completed by December this year.

“All the required equipment for the project has already been delivered. What remains is to ensure the contractor speeds up the remaining work so that the first phase is completed by December,” said Mr Mbando.

The project’s consulting engineer, Mr Godwin Mpinzile, also expressed gratitude to the government for supporting the initiative, noting that it will bring significant benefits to the nation by providing reliable electricity and addressing existing power challenges. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s national football team, Taifa Stars, will tonight take on Zambia in their final Group E fixture of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar, with kickoff scheduled for 10pm.

Tanzanian time. The encounter carries high stakes for Taifa Stars, who not only aim to finish their qualifying campaign on a positive note but also keep alive their slim hopes of advancing to the CAF World Cup play-offs.

Morocco have already secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, the first time in history that three nations will jointly stage the global showpiece. However, Tanzania remain mathematically in contention for a play-off berth, depending on results from other groups.

Currently, Taifa Stars sit second in Group E with 10 points from seven matches, while Zambia occupy fourth place with six points from six games. Niger are third with three points from two matches, and Congo Brazzaville are bottom without a point after one fixture.

Congo Brazzaville will also host Morocco later today in another group encounter. Head coach Hemed “Morocco” Suleiman expressed confidence in his squad’s readiness, noting that preparations have gone according to plan.

“Everything is okay in camp; every player is eager and motivated to face Zambia. They are in good shape, and I believe we will come out with smiling faces,” he said.

Statistics show that the two nations have met nine times since 2009, with Taifa Stars winning twice, Zambia three times, and four matches ending in draws. Tanzania claimed victory in their most recent meeting, a 10 win at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on June 11 in the same qualification campaign.

Taifa Stars’ mathematical route to the play-offs Despite their position in the standings, Tanzania still have a mathematical chance of reaching the CAF World Cup play-offs. This follows a CAF adjustment that will see six points deducted from all other runners-up teams to equalize the number of matches after Eritrea’s withdrawal reduced Group E to five teams instead of six.

The deduction creates a fairer comparison across all groups and keeps Tanzania’s hopes faintly alive, though much will depend on other teams dropping points in their remaining fixtures. As things stand, Gabon lead the runners-up standings with 19 points, followed by Madagascar and DR Congo (16 each), Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Namibia, and Uganda (15 each), South Africa (14), and Tanzania (10).

According to the qualification format, the four best runners-up across all groups will progress to the CAF play-offs, which will determine Africa’s sole representative in the inter-confederation play-offs. The inter-confederation stage will feature six teams, one each from AFC, CONMEBOL, and OFC, two from CONCACAF, and one from CAF.

The four lowest-ranked teams will meet in two single-leg knockout games, with the winners facing the two highest-ranked teams for the final two World Cup slots. .