Tanzania presidential election to be held on October 28

Electoral commission says campaigns to kick off on August 26 and end October 27. Tanzania’s election commission has set October 28 as the date for the country’s highly anticipated presidential election. In a statement released on Tuesday, the body said the election campaign would run from August 26 to October 27. President John Magufuli... Read More

Miner to millionaire: Man sells largest-ever Tanzanite gems for $3.3M

A small-scale mining boss in Tanzania just hit the mother lode after his operation found two massive hunks of Tanzanite, an ultra-rare gemstone that earned him a whopping payout of US$3.3 million. Saniniu Laizer, 52, acquired the two stones last week and sold them to the government at an event in Manyara, northern Tanzania, on Wednesday. His... Read More

Tanzania’s Magufuli to seek re-election in October vote

Tanzanian President John Magufuli said Wednesday he would seek re-election in October, after a first term marked by accusations of narrowing freedoms and growing authoritarianism. Magufuli, who was elected in 2015, picked up nomination forms to start his bid to be chosen as his party’s candidate, as he comes under mounting criticism for allegedly... Read More

Shot, axed, tasked: Lissu to challenge for Tanzania presidency

A former Tanzanian lawmaker and leading member of the main opposition Chadema has announced presidential ambitions ahead of polls expected in October. Tundu Lissu has had a tough last few years in the country’s rigid political terrain but seems motivated enough to challenge incumbent John Magufuli who is seeking re-election. Lissu made the announcement... Read More

Tanzania opposition leader hospitalized after attack by unknown assailants

Tanzania’s main opposition leader was attacked by unidentified assailants as he entered his home late at night, officials with his party said Tuesday, just months ahead of a general election and as opposition figures face alleged harassment. Freeman Mbowe, the leader of the opposition in parliament and chairman of the Chadema party, was rushed... Read More

‘God will help us,’ Tanzania president ‘rejects’ virus lockdown

At a time when countries have imposed and are easing lockdowns in the fight against COVID-19, Tanzanian president John Magufuli insists there will be no such thing as lockdown in the east African nation. During an address to a church congregation over the weekend, Magufuli stressed that when the neighbours are done with their lockdowns,... Read More