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Articles by Charles Kombe
Tanzania Gears Up to Host AFCON 2027
Embed The code has been copied to your clipboard. width px height px No media source currently available 0:00 0:01:50 0:00 Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda have been chosen to host the Africa Cup of Nations, or the AFCON tournament in 2027. It's a unique opportunity for these nations to raise both their profiles and tourist dollars. Charles Kombe reports from Dar es Salaam. Share Tanzania Gears Up to Host AFCON 2027
Tanzania Gears Up to Host AFCON 2027
Embed The code has been copied to your clipboard. width px height px No media source currently available 0:00 0:01:50 0:00 Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda have been chosen to host the Africa Cup of Nations, or the AFCON tournament in 2027. It's a unique opportunity for these nations to raise both their profiles and tourist dollars. Charles Kombe reports from Dar es Salaam. Share Tanzania Gears Up to Host AFCON 2027
Tanzania Promotes Natural Gas
Tanzanian authorities are promoting an initiative focused on lowering carbon emissions by encouraging motorists to switch from gasoline-powered vehicles toones running on compressed natural gas (CNG). For VOA, reporter Charles Kombe took to the streets of Dar es Salaam to talk to drivers who accept the government initiative with hopes that it will help them save money.
Tanzania Urges Drivers to Shift to Compressed Natural Gas
Tanzania’s government is encouraging drivers to switch from putting gasoline in their tanks to compressed natural gas (CNG). This initiative aims to lower carbon emissions that cause global warming. As Charles Kombe reports from Dar es Salaam, some drivers are also hoping the switch will save them money in the long run. Camera: Rajabu Hassan
East Africa: Peace Talks Between Ethiopian Government, OLA Continue in Tanzania
East Africa: Peace Talks Between Ethiopian Government, OLA Continue in Tanzania By Charles Kombe Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — Peace talks between Ethiopia's federal government and the rebel Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) have started in Tanzania's semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar. The talks, which began April 24, 2023, and are being mediated by Kenya and Norway, come at a critical time for Ethiopia, which has experienced a rise in ethnic tensions and violence in recent years.
Peace Talks Between Ethiopian Government, OLA Continue in Tanzania Original
Peace talks between Ethiopia's federal government and the rebel Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) have started in Tanzania's semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar. The talks, which began April 24, 2023, and are being mediated by Kenya and Norway, come at a critical time for Ethiopia, which has experienced a rise in ethnic tensions and violence in recent years.
Muslims in Tanzania Say Food Price Increases Impacting Ramadan
The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. As Muslims in Tanzania observe the month of Ramadan, they are facing increased food prices and uncertainty of supplies. Charles Kombe spoke to residents in Dar es Salaam and has this story.
Increasing Food Prices Threaten Ramadan Celebrations in Tanzania
Millions of Muslims around the world are observing Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. However, increasing food prices and uncertain supplies are making observations a challenge. From Dar es Salaam, VOA reporter Charles Kombe has more on the changes for this holy month.
VP Harris Praises Tanzania's President for Strengthening Democracy Original
Human rights activists are voicing appreciation for U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris's recognition of efforts by Tanzania’s president to strengthen democracy in the country. In Dar es Salaam on Thursday, Harris oversaw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two countries, covering a range of issues. In a joint press briefing at Dar es Salaam State House, Harris hailed President Samia Hassan.
Harris Visit to Tanzania Comes Amid Improved Relations Under Hassan
The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris's visit to Tanzania this week comes as relations have greatly improved under President Samia Suluhu Hassan. While late President John Magufuli pursued China-backed megaprojects and cracked down on critics, Hassan has promised to let democracy flourish. Charles Kombe reports from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Videographer: Rajabu Hassan
Marburg Virus Spreads in Tanzania, Health Officials on High Alert Original
Tanzania's Ministry of Health has confirmed five people died in a first-ever Marburg virus outbreak near the border with Uganda. The virus causes a severe hemorrhagic fever and is deadlier than the related Ebola virus, which was first suspected in the deaths. Tanzanian health officials say they are working to contain the Marburg outbreak. Tanzania’s health minister, Ummy Mwalimu, said the mysterious and deadly outbreak in its northwest Kagera region was caused by the Marburg virus.
Tanzania Sends Relief to Cyclone-Hit Mozambique Original
Tanzania has started to dispatch food aid and self-storage equipment to neighboring Mozambique to help thousands of people affected by tropical cyclone Freddy. More than 190 people are feared to have died, at least 584 have been injured, and 37 have been reported missing in the country.
Unidentified Illness Kills Five in Tanzania, Sparks Ebola Fears
Health officials in Tanzania are investigating an illness that killed five people in the country's northwest with Ebola-like symptoms, raising fears that it could be the deadly virus. Tanzania’s Ministry of Health late Thursday issued a statement saying seven people in northwest Kagera region showed symptoms such as fever, vomiting, bleeding and kidney failure. The ministry sent audio comments by Chief Medical Officer Tumaini Nagu to media.
Tanzania: Opposition Welcomes President's Pledge to Restore Competitive Politics
Dar es Salaam — Tanzania's opposition has welcomed President Samia Suluhu Hassan's pledge to restore competitive politics and review the country's constitution. The longstanding demands from the opposition were ignored by her predecessor, the late John Magufuli. The president made the remarks Wednesday at an opposition gathering celebrating International Women's Day, where she was invited as the guest of honor.
Tanzanian Opposition Holds First Rallies in 6 Years After Ban Lifted
Tanzania's opposition Chadema party held its first public rally in six years this week, after the government lifted a ban on such gatherings. Despite the restored right to rally, critics doubt Tanzania's Party of the Revolution, the second-longest ruling party in Africa, will stop squeezing opponents and say a change in law is needed. Charles Kombe reports from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. VOA footage by Rajabu Hassan.
Tanzania Opposition Leader Tundu Lissu Returns From Exile
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — Tanzania opposition leader Tundu Lissu has returned to the country from self-imposed exile in Belgium, where he had lived since surviving an assassination attempt in 2017 when he was shot 16 times. The outspoken politician arrived at Dar es Salaam airport Wednesday and was welcomed by hundreds of supporters, with many clapping and cheering.
Tanzania Opposition Leader Tundu Lissu Returns From Exile Original
Tanzania opposition leader Tundu Lissu has returned to the country from self-imposed exile in Belgium, where he had lived since surviving an assassination attempt in 2017 when he was shot 16 times. The outspoken politician arrived at Dar es Salaam airport Wednesday and was welcomed by hundreds of supporters, with many clapping and cheering.
Body of Tanzanian Killed in Russia’s War on Ukraine Heads Home for Burial
The body of 33-year-old Tanzanian Nemes Tarimo, who was killed fighting for Russia in Ukraine, is returning home for burial. Tanzania says Tarimo agreed to fight for the Wagner Group in exchange for being released from a Russian prison, the second African known to have died that way. During a press briefing, Tanzanian Foreign Minister Stergomena Tax said Tarimo’s body was on its way home early Tuesday from Russia.
Tanzanian Student Killed in Battle in Ukraine
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — The family of a Tanzanian student who was in prison in Russia says it has confirmation that he was killed fighting for Russia's Wagner Group of mercenaries in Ukraine. Tanzanian media reported that Nemes Tarimo, 33, had been arrested on drug-related charges in Russia and was told he'd be released if he fought in Ukraine. Tarimo's relatives said that in late December, they received information about his death from some of his friends in Russia.
Tanzanian Student Killed in Battle in Ukraine Original
The family of a Tanzanian student who was in prison in Russia says it has confirmation that he was killed fighting for Russia's Wagner Group of mercenaries in Ukraine. Tanzanian media reported that Nemes Tarimo, 33, had been arrested on drug-related charges in Russia and was told he'd be released if he fought in Ukraine. Tarimo's relatives said that in late December, they received information about his death from some of his friends in Russia.
Tanzania's Government Lifts Ban On Political Rallies
Dar es Salaam — Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has lifted a six-year-old ban on political rallies. Her predecessor, the late John Magufuli, banned public rallies in 2016, one year after he came to power, saying they could escalate into violence. The president made the remarks at State House Tuesday during a meeting with leaders of political parties. "Our responsibility is to protect you to hold political rallies peacefully, finish well and leave safely, the president says.
Tanzania’s Government Lifts Ban on Political Rallies
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has lifted a six-year-old ban on political rallies. Her predecessor, the late John Magufuli, banned public rallies in 2016, one year after he came to power, saying they could escalate into violence. The president made the remarks at State House Tuesday during a meeting with leaders of political parties. “Our responsibility is to protect you to hold political rallies peacefully, finish well and leave safely, the president says.
Tanzania: Shrinking Ice Cap On Kilimanjaro Threatens Tourism in Tanzania
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania — U.N. experts say the ice cap on Africa's biggest peak, Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro, is among world-famous glaciers predicted to melt by 2050 due to climate change. Julius Keyyu of the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, who has participated in various studies on Mount Kilimanjaro, said it is true, the glacier atop the mountain is shrinking. Some studies have shown the glacier has shrunk by 80 percent since the early 20th century.
Shrinking Ice Cap on Mount Kilimanjaro Threatens Tourism in Tanzania
U.N. experts say the ice cap on Africa's biggest peak, Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro, is among the famous glaciers predicted to melt by 2050 because of climate change. While scientists are looking into whether they can halt the melting, those who depend on the mountain for tourism worry about the future. Charles Kombe reports from Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.
Shrinking Ice Cap on Kilimanjaro Threatens Tourism in Tanzania Original
U.N. experts say the ice cap on Africa's biggest peak, Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro, is among world-famous glaciers predicted to melt by 2050 due to climate change. Julius Keyyu of the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute who has participated in various studies on Mount Kilimanjaro, said his research has revealed that the glacier has shrunk by 20 percent.
In the Ring Tanzania’s Next Generation of Fighters
Men's boxing in Tanzania has enjoyed its share of international success with boxers such as Hassan Mwakinyo and others. Now, though the sport remains largely unpopular among women, trainers are stepping in the ring to inspire and empower future generations of female fighters. Charles Kombe reports from Dar es Salaam.
Tanzania’s Commercial Capital Struggling With Water Shortage
It’s been a month since Tanzania’s commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, put residents on water rations after a drop in the city’s main water source, the Ruvu River. Authorities say the water supply problem is beyond their control, but critics see it as a failure to manage resources. Charles Kombe reports from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Camera: Rajabu Hassan.
Tanzania Government Criticized for Emergency Response to Deadly Plane Crash
Opposition politicians in Tanzania are criticizing the government for its emergency response to a plane crash Sunday in Lake Victoria that left 19 people dead, including the pilots. Authorities say they were communicating with the pilots immediately after the Precision Air plane crashed on its way from Dar es Salaam to the Kagera region. Fisherman were among the first responders to the scene, where they used their small boats to try to rescue people on the plane.
Report: Tanzania's Elephant Population Recovering Original
Tanzania's Ministry of Tourism released a census this week showing the country's elephant population has stabilized. Tanzania's elephants were among the hardest hit by poaching in Africa, with numbers dropping 60 percent between 2009 and 2014. But authorities say joint efforts with conservation groups and local communities have drastically reduced poaching and helped to attract tourist dollars.
Tanzania Deploys Army to Fight Fire on Mount Kilimanjaro Original
Tanzania’s army has deployed hundreds of troops to help firefighters who have been battling a blaze on Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, for almost two weeks. Tanzania's National Parks Authority says the fire has destroyed hundreds of hectares of the mountain's forests. Tanzanian tour operators and porters worry their trade will dry up if the fire is not soon brought under control.
Drought Weighs on Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam
Residents in Tanzania’s commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, are struggling with water shortages after authorities announced rationing because of a drop in the level of the city’s main water source, the Ruvu River. Dar es Salaam's water authorities said they would shut off piped water to the city's nearly 6 million people every other day until water levels recover.
Tanzania, Kenya Agree to Fast-track Construction of Gas Pipeline Project
The presidents of Tanzania and Kenya have agreed to fast-track construction of a natural gas pipeline designed to increased trade and lower energy costs for both countries. The decision was reached Monday in bilateral talks in Dar es Salaam led by Tanzanian President Samia Hassan and Kenyan President William Ruto, during a two-day visit.
Critics Say Chinese Ruling Party Training School Could Weaken African Democracy
Members of Tanzania's ruling party are among politicians from six African countries who recently attended the first session of a Chinese Communist Party training school. The school was built to strengthen Chinese outreach to African countries. But critics say the training undermines efforts to advance democracy in Africa by promoting Beijing’s model of one-party rule. Charles Kombe reports from Kibaha, Tanzania.
Maasai in Tanzania Move to New Homes Amid Eviction Effort
Tanzanian authorities say violent clashes on June 10 between police and ethnic Maasai people they were trying to evict from a conservation area left one officer dead and scores of Maasai shot and wounded. While rights groups have condemned Tanzanian authorities for what they call unlawful evictions, some Maasai families say they had no choice but to move from their ancestral home to a reservation 600 kilometers away. Saiboku Laizer, 63, has found a new home in eastern Tanzania’s Handeni township.
Tanzania Seeking to Join Exporters of Liquified Natural Gas
Dar es Salaam — Tanzania is stepping up efforts to join the club of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exporters, as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine spurs Europe to look for new energy sources. Tanzania says investments in its first LNG project could reach $40 billion. The Tanzanian government said it planned to conclude talks in June with a group of foreign oil and gas companies led by Norway’s Equinor on developing a liquified natural gas terminal.
Tanzania Drops Terrorism Case Against Main Opposition Leader Freeman Mbowe
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — Tanzanian prosecutors have dropped terrorism charges against opposition leader Freeman Mbowe and three others who were released Friday after being held for eight months. Tanzanian police arrested the four last year in the port city of Mwanza where Mbowe was to address a meeting to discuss constitutional reforms.
Tanzania Drops Terrorism Case Against Main Opposition Leader Freeman Mbowe
DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA — Tanzanian prosecutors have dropped terrorism charges against opposition leader Freeman Mbowe and three others who were released Friday after being held for eight months. Tanzanian police arrested the four last year in the port city of Mwanza where Mbowe was to address a meeting to discuss constitutional reforms.
Tanzania's Zanzibar Island Helps Ukrainians Stranded By Russia's Invasion
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania — Authorities in Tanzania's semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar are helping at least 900 Ukrainian tourists who were left stranded after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Zanzibar's President Hussein Mwinyi on Monday said they were helping about 900 Ukrainians who were there on vacation when Russia invaded their country last week.
Tanzania’s Zanzibar Island helps Ukrainians stranded by Russia’s invasion
By Charles Kombe | Voice of America DAR ES SALAM, TANZANIA — Authorities in Tanzania’s semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar are helping at least 900 Ukrainian tourists who were left stranded after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Zanzibar’s President Hussein Mwinyi on Monday (Feb. 28) said they were helping about 900 Ukrainians who were there on vacation when Russia invaded their country last week.
Tanzania Court Says Leader of Main Opposition Party Must Stand Trial
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — A Tanzanian court has ruled the leader of the opposition Chadema party and three other defendants must stand trial on terrorism charges. The party says the allegations are politically motivated. The decision was handed down Friday by Judge Joachim Tiganga, from the High Court’s Division of Corruption and Economic Sabotage. Tiganga said that from the evidence, it appears the defendants have a case to answer.
Tanzania: Applause in Tanzania After President Meets Exiled Opposition Leader in Belgium
Dar es Salaam — Tanzanian political figures are applauding after President Samia Suluhu Hassan met in Brussels Wednesday with opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Lissu has lived in Belgium since a 2017 assassination attempt. He returned to Tanzania in 2020 to run for president but fled the country again after protests against his election loss and what he said were threats to his life.
Applause in Tanzania After President Meets Exiled Opposition Leader in Belgium
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — Tanzanian political figures are applauding after President Samia Suluhu Hassan met in Brussels Wednesday with opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Lissu has lived in Belgium since a 2017 assassination attempt. He returned to Tanzania in 2020 to run for president but fled the country again after protests against his election loss and what he said were threats to his life.
Tanzania: Media in Tanzania Relieved As Govt Lifts Ban On Four Newspapers
Dar es Salaam — Tanzanian media have welcomed the government's decision to lift a ban on four newspapers that was imposed by the late President John Magufuli. The government of President Samia Hassan issued new publishing licenses this week to newspapers Mwanahalisi, Mawio, Mseto, and Tanzania Daima. The latter is owned by opposition leader Freeman Mbowe, who is behind bars, facing economic charges.
Media in Tanzania Relieved as Government Lifts Ban on Four Newspapers Original
Dar es Salaam — Tanzanian media have welcomed the government's decision to lift a ban on four newspapers that was imposed by the late President John Magufuli. The government of President Samia Hassan issued new publishing licenses this week to newspapers Mwanahalisi, Mawio, Mseto, and Tanzania Daima. The latter is owned by opposition leader Freeman Mbowe, who is behind bars, facing economic charges.
Tanzanian Woman Learns Boxing to Fight Gender-Based Violence
The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. As cases of gender-based violence have increased in Tanzania during the pandemic, some women are learning ways to fight back — including using their fists. Charles Kombe in Dar es Salaam explains. Camera: Rajabu Hassan Produced by: Rob Raffaele
Afrique: Une femme ministre de la défense en Tanzanie, une première
La première femme présidente de Tanzanie, Samia Suluhu Hassan, a nommé une femme, Stergomena Tax, au poste de ministre de la Défense. C'est la dernière en date d'un certain nombre de nominations de femmes à des postes gouvernementaux de premier plan. Cette nomination fait partie du deuxième remaniement ministériel auquel Hassan a procédé depuis le décès de son prédécesseur, John Magufuli, au début de l'année.
Tanzania's Female President Appoints Woman as Defense Minister
DAR ES SALAM, TANZANIA - Tanzania's first female president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, this week named a woman as defense minister — the latest in a number of appointments of women to top government posts. The appointment came as part of the second Cabinet reshuffle Hassan has made since the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, earlier this year.
Tanzania's Female President Appoints Woman as Defense Minister
DAR ES SALAM, TANZANIA — Tanzania's first female president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, this week named a woman as defense minister — the latest in a number of appointments of women to top government posts. The appointment came as part of the second Cabinet reshuffle Hassan has made since the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, earlier this year.
Tanzania Opposition Condemns Arrest of Chadema Party Members
DAR ES SALAAM - Opposition and rights activists in Tanzania have condemned the arrest of several members of the country's main opposition Chadema party, who were to hold a forum to discuss constitutional reforms. The action happened while Chadema leader Freeman Mbowe remains behind bars facing terrorism-related charges that his party has branded a bid by President Samia Suluhu Hassan's government to silence the opposition.
Tanzanian Police - Gunman Who Killed 4 Last Week Was 'Terrorist'
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — Police in Tanzania say the gunman who killed three police officers and a security guard during a shootout August 25 was a terrorist on a suicide mission. Speaking with reporters Thursday, the director of Criminal Investigations, Camillius Wambura, identified the gunman as Hamza Mohamed, a 33-year-old Dar es Salaam resident. Mohamed was shot dead by police after he killed four people, including three police officers, a week ago in Dar es Salaam.
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