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Articles by Christopher Kidanka
East Africa pushes for unified climate voice ahead of COP31
East African countries are converging on a common climate position ahead of COP31, the UN’s 31st climate conference, with farmers and regional experts calling for adaptation, climate finance and smallholder resilience to anchor the region’s global climate agenda. The push comes as the East African Community (EAC) develops its Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2036 and finalises regional priorities for COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye.
East Africa farmers demand direct climate finance in new EAC plan
Smallholder farmers and civil society organisations across East Africa are calling for the new EAC Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2036 to put climate finance within farmers’ reach, give farmers a stronger voice in decision-making, and turn regional climate commitments into practical action at farm and community level.
Tanzania warns EAC seed bill threatens farmers’ rights, indigenous seed systems
Tanzania has urged the East African Community (EAC) to overhaul its proposed regional seed law, warning that efforts to create a common seed market could undermine smallholder farmers, indigenous seed varieties and traditional systems for conserving and exchanging seed.
EAC faces implementation test as agriculture spending falls short of Kampala targets
East African countries risk missing the ambitious goals of the Kampala Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Declaration unless governments substantially increase investment in agriculture and improve public spending, a regional assessment has warned.
Burundi leads EAC in agricultural budget, but implementation remains the test
Burundi now stands as the East African Community’s top performer in agriculture budgeting. This achievement puts Burundi ahead of regional partners amid governments’ growing pressure. To translate agricultural commitments into real improvements in food security and livelihoods.
Former Bank of Tanzania governor Benno Ndulu dies aged 71
Summary He led the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) from 2008 to 2018. Advertisement By CHRISTOPHER KIDANKA Benno Ndulu, the former governor of Tanzania’s Central Bank, died on Monday while receiving treatment at Hubert Kairuki Memorial Hospital in Dar es Salaam. Prof Ndulu, 71, was admitted for more than 10 days before he died, his personal assistant Msafiri Nampesya said. Funeral arrangements are taking place at his Mbweni residence in Dar es Salaam, he added. Prof Ndulu was born in January 23, 1950.
Tanzania: Unity in Zanzibar Complicates Future ICC Probe
The decision by Zanzibar's main opposition party the Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT-Wazalendo) to join the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi to form a government of national unity, will complicate its role in any future investigation by the International Criminal Court into alleged atrocities during the October election.
Tanzania Arrests Youth Recruited By Somali Militants
The breakaway faction of Somalia militants, Ahlu Sunna wa Jama, is recruiting youth in southern Tanzania to train and join terror cells in Mozambique. Ahlu Sunna wa Jama -- moderate Sufis opposed to the mainly Sunni radical Islamist groups -- has been operating in the region since 2005.
Tanzania: Lissu - I Will Use My Time Abroad to Tell the World the Story of Tanzania
Tanzanian opposition leader in exile Tundu Lissu spoke with Christopher Kidanka on mass action and democracy Inspector General of Police Simon Sirro has said that you can return home and your safety will be guaranteed. He says he will provide protection for you and your family. Are you ready to return? The IGP cannot be trusted. I already had police protection for the 60 days that I campaigned and it was immediately withdrawn after the election. A day later I received death threats.
Tanzania arrests youth recruited by Somali militants
Summary In 2018, Tanzania police were on high alert following rising concerns that young fighters were travelling to northern Mozambique to join the insurgency and participate in criminal activities. Advertisement By CHRISTOPHER KIDANKA The breakaway faction of Somalia militants, Ahlu Sunna wa Jama, is recruiting youth in southern Tanzania to train and join terror cells in Mozambique.
Chadema special seats MPs could lose party backing
Summary On November 24, Speaker of the National Assembly Job Ndugai swore in 19 Chadema women as special seats parliamentarians. However, Chadema Secretary General John Mnyika said the party did not present nor propose, neither did party chairman Freeman Mbowe endorse them.
LISSU: I will use my time abroad to tell the world the story of Tanzania
Summary As a citizen of Tanzania who has survived an assassination attempt by still unknown people, and after specifically requesting protection before returning, I should have been given protection as a matter of right. Advertisement By CHRISTOPHER KIDANKA Tanzanian opposition leader in exile Tundu Lissu spoke with Christopher Kidanka on mass action and democracy Inspector General of Police Simon Sirro has said that you can return home and your safety will be guaranteed.
Tanzania: Brace for Harder Times, Lissu Tells Opposition
Tundu Lissu has warned the opposition in Tanzania to brace for hard times ahead as President John Magufuli's administration has nothing to lose and the crackdown on opposition is likely to intensify in the next five years of its rule. The Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema) deputy chairman was addressing the media via Zoom from Belgium on Monday.
Brace for harder times, Lissu tells Tanzania opposition
Summary Chadema is campaigning internationally for sanctions against the Tanzania administration. Advertisement By CHRISTOPHER KIDANKA Tundu Lissu has warned the opposition in Tanzania to brace for hard times ahead as President John Magufuli's administration has nothing to lose and the crackdown on opposition is likely to intensify in the next five years of its rule. The Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema) deputy chairman was addressing the media via Zoom from Belgium on Monday.
Tanzania Election - Ruling CCM Confident of Extending Stay in Power
Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM), one of the longest-ruling parties in Africa, boasts of having more than 18,000,000 loyal members and who are most likely to vote for the parties' candidate this week. Former CCM publicity secretary Nape Nnauye said elections are about numbers and the party is confident of victory despite wounds of division within the party ranks.
Can rivals defy the odds and restrictions to upset Magufuli?
Summary Despite the narrowed space for their activities in the past five years, opposition candidates have run vigorous and well-attended campaign rallies. Voters face a clear choice - Magufuli's development-without-dissent or Lissu's pledge of free enterprise and rights. The election remains CCM’s to lose. Critics see a very thin line between the State and CCM, which enjoys an array of functionaries and party cadres in official positions across the country, including in the electoral commission.
Tanzania: Electoral Body Suspends Tundu Lissu's Presidential Campaign
Tanzanian main opposition presidential candidate Tundu Lissu has been suspended from election campaign activities for seven days after he was accused of making seditious statements during one of his rallies. In a statement on Friday, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) said Mr Lissu will remain suspended effective October 3, 2020, for breaching the elections code of ethics.
Tanzania electoral body suspends Tundu Lissu's presidential campaign
Summary The National Electoral Commission (NEC) said Mr Lissu will remain suspended effective October 3, 2020, for breaching the elections code of ethics. Mr Lissu is alleged to have claimed that President John Magufuli had convened a meeting with elections returning officers in the capital Dodoma to plot on the elections.
Tanzania: Cash-Strapped Tanzania Opposition Turns to Friends, Businessmen for Polls Funding
Cash-strapped Tanzanian opposition parties have stepped up their fund-raising efforts to finance their campaigns as they face the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi, which enjoys a solid financial base. The Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT-Wazalendo) says it has a huge deficit in its Tsh13 billion ($5.6 million) presidential, parliamentary and councillorship campaigns budget, which it is seeking to plug through open as well as clandestine tactics.
Tanzania: Aide of Opposition Presidential Candidate Bernard Membe Arrested
An aide to Tanzania's presidential candidate Bernard Membe was taken into custody by police on Tuesday with news of his arrest only emerging on Wednesday afternoon. The former Minister of Foreign Affairs is the flagbearer of the opposition party Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT-Wazalendo). Mr Membe, along with his aide Jerome Luanda, arrived from Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, on Tuesday, where he was rumoured to have fled following his impromptu departure.
Private sector role a major divide for Tanzania political parties
Summary Chadema pledges a friendly tax regime, ACT Wazalendo emphasises citizen welfare, and CCM says it will stay on course. Chadema has so far proposed the most divergent ideas, pledging to pioneer a friendlier tax regime with relief and a payers’ Bill of Rights, a first in Tanzania’s administration.
Aide of Tanzania opposition presidential candidate Bernard Membe arrested
Wednesday, September 16, 2020 Photo credit: File | The Citizen By CHRISTOPHER KIDANKA What you need to know: Jerome Luanda spent the night in police custody for yet to be known reasons. Membe and Luanda had arrived from Dubai at the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam.\ Membe said immigration officials conducted extensive screening on their luggage.
Final send-off for ex-Tanzania president Benjamin Mkapa
Summary Former president Benjamin Mkapa has been laid to rest in his home village of Lupaso, southern Tanzania on Wednesday. Advertisement By CHRISTOPHER KIDANKA Former president Benjamin Mkapa has been laid to rest in his home village of Lupaso, 30km from Masasi town in southern Tanzania.
Magufuli leads mourners in Mkapa farewell, renames stadium
Summary In a tearful tribute, Dr Magufuli renamed the 60,000-seater Uhuru Stadium after the late president who spearheaded its construction during his reign. Mkapa, ruled the country as the third president from 1995 to 2005, has been lying in state at the stadium since Sunday, July 26, to allow Tanzanians to pay their last respects. He will be buried in his home village of Lupaso, Mtwara in southern Tanzania on Wednesday.
Tanzania: Former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa Dies
Benjamin William Mkapa is no more. The former Tanzanian president has died aged 81. President John Magufuli made the announcement on Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC) on July 24, saying Mkapa died at a Dar es Salaam Hospital where he was receiving treatment. "I call on all Tanzanians to receive the news of his death and to pray for Mzee Mkapa. More information will be released but Mzee Mkapa is no more," he said in the brief television statement.
Tanzania sets October 28 date for elections
Summary The National Electoral Commission (NEC) Chairman Semistockles Kaijage also announced that campaigns for both the presidential and parliamentary elections will run for two months, ending on the eve of the 2020 general election. Advertisement By CHRISTOPHER KIDANKA Tanzanians will go to the polls to vote in presidential and local elections on October 28, the electoral commission has announced.
Tanzania: U.S. Official Ends Dar Tour of Duty, a Month After Travel Advisory
US Charge d'Affaires to Tanzania Dr Inmi Patterson has bade farewell to Tanzanians in a video message on the embassy's official Facebook page, saying she will be leaving the country soon. In her farewell speech, delivered in Kiswahili, Dr Paterson said that during her tour of duty she had an opportunity to know the country better because she visited many parts of the country.
US official ends Dar tour of duty, a month after travel advisory
US official ends Dar tour of duty, a month after travel advisory Sunday June 21 2020 Dr Inmi Patterson, outgoing US charge d’affaires at a past event. PHOTO | COURTESY In Summary Dr Patterson’s farewell message comes almost four weeks after Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned her after the US Embassy issued travel advisory saying Tanzania’s Covid-19 situation was alarming.
Tanzanian Justice Minister Augustine Mahiga dies at 74
Tanzanian Justice Minister Augustine Mahiga dies at 74 Friday May 1 2020 Tanzania's Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Dr Augustine Mahiga Advertisement By CHRISTOPHER KIDANKA Tanzania's Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Dr Augustine Mahiga has died at the age of 74, the Presidency announced on Friday. Mahiga was pronounced dead on arrival at a hospital in the capital Dodoma after he fell ill at his home, President John Magufuli said in a statement.
Tanzanian Justice Minister Augustine Mahiga dies aged 74
Tanzanian Justice Minister Augustine Mahiga dies aged 74 Friday May 1 2020 Tanzania's Constitutional and Legal Affairs Minister Augustine Mahiga, He died on May 1, 2020. PHOTO | UN In Summary •Augustine Mahiga was pronounced dead on arrival at a hospital in Dodoma after short illness. Advertisement By CHRISTOPHER KIDANKA More by this Author Tanzania's Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Dr Augustine Mahiga has died at the age of 74, the Presidency announced on Friday.
Africa: Don't Give Continent Loans, Write-Off Debts, Magufuli Says
Tanzanian President John Magufuli has urged the World Bank and other international lenders to write off debts to African countries, instead of giving loans for fighting the coronavirus outbreak. Speaking on Wednesday during a briefing on the coronavirus pandemic from his Chato home in western Tanzania, President Magufuli said the country pays about Tsh700 billion ($300.9 million) to international lenders annually, an amount that can boost the fight against coronavirus.
Don’t give Africa loans, write-off debts, Magufuli says
Don’t give Africa loans, write-off debts, Magufuli says Thursday April 23 2020 Tanzanian president John Pombe Magufuli. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP In Summary •Speaking on Wednesday during a briefing on the coronavirus pandemic from his Chato home in western Tanzania, President Magufuli said the country pays about Tsh700 billion ($300.9 million) to international lenders annually, an amount that can boost the fight against coronavirus.
Africa: Customise Lockdowns in Africa - WB
The World Bank has warned against sub-Saharan economies implementing similar lockdowns as those being employed in developed economies. The Bank's Africa Pulse report titled Assessing the Economic Impact of COVID-19 and Policy Response to Sub Saharan Africa, the Bretton-Woods institution says economic policies implemented in sub-Saharan Africa should be different from those adopted in developed Western countries and middle-income countries.
Tanzania Politics Hit By Closures
As Tanzania moved to limit social gatherings, the biggest hit has been political and affected the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi. The government shut down schools and universities and banned religious gatherings, internal and public party meetings for 30 days, with workers encouraged to work from home whenever possible. This also effectively stopped, for the first time since 1964, the annual Uhuru Torch Race across the country.
Tanzania politics hit by closures
Tanzania politics hit by closures Saturday March 21 2020 A worker checks the temperature of travellers at the border post with Kenya in Namanga, northern Tanzania, on March 16, 2020, on the day Tanzania confirmed the first case of the covid-19. PHOTO | FILBERT RWEYEMAMU | AFP In Summary The government shut down schools and universities and banned religious gatherings, internal and public party meetings for 30 days.
Tanzania: Eyes Turn to Zanzibar as Election Nears
As Tanzania prepares for a general election this year, Zanzibar, a hotbed of opposition politics, seems to be receiving attention from both development partners and the government in Dar es Salaam. Last week, President John Magufuli held a closed-door meeting with three Zanzibari opposition leaders--five-time presidential contestant Seif Shariff Hamad, Ibrahim Lipumba and James Mbatia, the latter two being leaders of Civic United Front (CUF) and NCCR-Mageuzi respectively.
Eyes turn to Zanzibar as election nears
Eyes turn to Zanzibar as election nears Saturday March 7 2020 A woman casts her ballot at a polling station in Stone Town, Zanzibar on March 20, 2016 for presidential and legislative elections. PHOTO | DANIEL HAYDUK | AFP In Summary Last week, President John Magufuli held a closed-door meeting with three Zanzibari opposition leaders but the agenda of the meeting was not made public.
FANTI: Long-time EAC, EU partnership remains solid
By CHRISTOPHER KIDANKA More by this Author The EU envoy to Tanzania Manfredo Fanti, sent to Dar after a 2018 falling out over rights concerns, spoke to Christopher Kidanka on the new ties. The EU tried in introduce Economic Partnership Agreement with East Africa but some countries especially Tanzania were skeptical. What is your take on that? Is there Plan B for EPA?
Tanzania: Silence in Tanzania Over Ban On Makonda
The government of Tanzania has remained silent over a recent action by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo banning Paul Makonda, the Dar es Salaam regional Commissioner from entering the US. Mr Makonda, a close ally of President John Magufuli, has been in the news over his abrasive leadership style and controversial orders. Last year, he said he would conduct a door-to-door search of gays in the city. Mr Pompeo's statement linked Mr Makonda to gross human rights violations including right to life.
Silence in Tanzania over ban on Makonda
Silence in Tanzania over ban on Makonda Saturday February 8 2020 Dar es Salaam’s Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda. FILE PHOTO | NMG In Summary Paul Makonda has been in the news over his abrasive leadership style and controversial orders. Last year, he said he would conduct a door-to-door search of gays in the city.
Tanzania: Opposition, Civil Society Join Forces to Demand Reforms Ahead of Dar Polls
Two major opposition parties in Tanzania are planning a grand coalition with civil society to push for reforms ahead of this year's election. It could be seen too little, too late, but for Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema) and ACT-Wazalendo, any positive and progressive move matters. In the countdown to last November's civic elections, the opposition failed to make impact partly due to the ban of open-air political rallies and intimidation.
Opposition, civil society join forces to demand reforms ahead of Dar polls
By CHRISTOPHER KIDANKA More by this Author Two major opposition parties in Tanzania are planning a grand coalition with civil society to push for reforms ahead of this year’s election. It could be seen too little, too late, but for Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema) and ACT-Wazalendo, any positive and progressive move matters. In the countdown to last November’s civic elections, the opposition failed to make impact partly due to the ban of open-air political rallies and intimidation.
EAC threatens to suspend Burundi as rivals battle to control capital
advertisement By MOSES HAVYARIMANA, TREVOR ANALO and CHRISTOPHER KIDANKA Summary The majority of Burundians in the countryside are unaware of what is going on in the country as pro-government forces successfully attacked and took off-air all independent radio stations early Thursday morning. In the wake of the midday shelling, RTNB also went off-air. Confusion still reins in Burundi over the success or failure of the coup led by former general Godefroide Niyombare.
Catholics urge Tanzania opposition not to boycott polls
By BOB KARASHANI More by this Author By CHRISTOPHER KIDANKA More by this Author The Catholic church has entered the electoral fray with the president of Tanzania Episcopal Conference Archbishop Gervas Nyaisonga urging those who “uphold Catholic values” not to boycott elections. This follows the boycott by opposition political parties of civic elections scheduled for November 23.
Tanzania: Could Tanzania's Magufuli Second Term Bid Face Opposition?
By Christopher Kidanka and Erick Kabendera Influential cadres within Tanzania's ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party are fighting against allegations of plotting to block President John Magufuli from seeking a second term in 2020. Former CCM secretaries-general Abrahman Kinana and Yusuf Makamba last week issued a letter alleging a plot by powerful people in government seeking to frame former CCM and government leaders for treason.
Could Tanzania's Magufuli second term bid face opposition?
By CHRISTOPHER KIDANKA More by this Author By ERICK KABENDERA More by this Author Influential cadres within Tanzania’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party are fighting against allegations of plotting to block President John Magufuli from seeking a second term in 2020. Former CCM secretaries-general Abrahman Kinana and Yusuf Makamba last week issued a letter alleging a plot by powerful people in government seeking to frame former CCM and government leaders for treason.
Tanzanian Court Annuls Presidential Appointees' Role in Elections
By Christopher Kidanka A Tanzanian court has repealed a law that gives presidential appointees powers to become returning officers on behalf of the electoral agency during election. High Court judges Atuganile Ngwala, Dr Benhajj Masoud and Firmin Matogolo on Friday ruled sections 7(1) and 7(3) of the National Elections Act 2010 are unconstitutional and contravenes the independence of the National Electoral Commission (NEC).
Tanzanian court revokes presidential appointees' poll oversight role
Tanzanian court revokes presidential appointees' poll oversight role Friday May 10 2019 Security workers carry ballot boxes at a polling station in Dar es Salaam on October 26, 2015. A Tanzanian court has repealed a law allowing presidential appointees to oversee elections. PHOTO | DANIEL HAYDUK | AFP In Summary High Court judges rule sections of the National Elections Act 2010 unconstitutional and contravenes the independence of the electoral agency.
Tanzanian Tycoon Reginald Mengi Dies Aged 75
By Harry Misiko, Christopher Kidanka Tanzanian billionaire, business mogul, author and philanthropist Reginald Mengi has died aged 75. Two of his media outlets, ITV and Radio ONE, on Thursday morning confirmed that Mr Mengi, the chairman of Confederation of Tanzania Industries, IPP Gold Ltd, passed on in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The author of the book I Can, I Must, I Will, is one of the richest people in Tanzania. The autobiography will hit the shelves in July.
Tanzanian tycoon Reginald Mengi dies aged 75
In Summary His death comes five months after he announced investments in IPP Automobile, a car assembly plant, and the mobile phone sector. In November, the billionaire signed a deal with a South Korean firm to establish a vehicle assembly plant at Kurasini by September 2019. The $10 million plant is a joint venture between with IPP Automobile Company Ltd and Youngsan Glonet Corporation.
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