Good morning!The Chanzo is here with a rundown of major news stories reported in Tanzania on July 24, 2024.

Tanzania and China to conduct joint military exercises

Three warships from China have arrived at the Port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania for joint military exercises between the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) and the Chinese military, marking 60 years of cooperation between China and Tanzania.

Speaking to the press on July 24, 2024, the Commander of the Tanzanian Navy, Ameir Ramadhan Hassan, said he believes the arrival of these Chinese soldiers will allow them to learn many things because China has advanced militarily and economically. He added that this current exercise will involve all units of the Tanzanian army.

“We are learning from them, and we believe and trust that these exercises will enhance our military capability. These exercises will involve all units of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force, including air, naval, and ground forces, unlike previous exercises that only involved special units,” Hassan said.

The warships docked in the country just one day after a Chinese hospital ship that had been providing medical treatment for seven days departed. The hospital ship had arrived in the country and docked at the Port of Dar es Salaam on July 16, 2024.

This marks the fourth time joint exercises have been conducted between Tanzania and China in the last ten years. The first was in 2014 in Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam. The second exercise named ‘Sincere partners 2019’ took place in 2019/2020 in Mapinga, Pwani Region, and the third, named ‘Transcend-2023’ was in September of last year.

Unlike previous years, this year’s exercises are unique as they will include celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the TPDF and 60 years of cooperation between Tanzania and China. China has been Tanzania’s military partners since the early 1960s providing arms and training to the Tanzania forces.

US Under Secretary John Bass meets Tanzania’s Minister of Defense

Tanzania Minister of Defense and National Service, Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax met the U.S. Under Secretary John Bass at the ministry offices in Dar es Salaam on July 24, 2024.

The statement from the Ministry says Tanzania has assured Bass that the country will continue to cooperate with the U.S. in key areas that are beneficial to both countries.

On the other hand, the statement says, Bass explained his visit to Tanzania focused on strengthening the relationship between the U.S. and Tanzania.

Tanzania hit a milestone in critical minerals as Lifezone Metals produced the first refined metals

Tembo Nickel, through its parent company Lifezone Metals, has made history in Tanzania by producing  a refined nickel, copper, and cobalt for the first time from the Kabanga Nickel Project in Ngara, Kagera.

According to a statement released by the Minister of Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, on July 24, 2024, this production marks the first occurrence in nearly five decades since the discovery of these minerals in the Kabanga area.

“With these achievements, Tembo Nickel is laying a solid foundation for its Multi-Metal Refinery Plant, which will be located in Kahama, Shinyanga. The plant will produce high-quality minerals obtained sustainably right here in Tanzania. The Mining Commission has already issued the necessary licences, leading to the commencement of initial construction steps,” the statement said.

The statement further noted that this is a significant step towards making Tanzania one of the world’s leading producers of Class 1 nickel and other strategic minerals. In his remarks, Mavunde stated that Tanzania is ready to embrace responsible and innovative mining investments that prioritize adding value to the country and sustainable development.

Tanzania and the US to ensure fair elections

Tanzania and the United States have agreed to continue strengthening their relationship in political matters, particularly in elections, to ensure that citizens can exercise their right to choose their preferred leaders.

Speaking to the press via Zoom on July 24, 2024, US Deputy Secretary of State for Political Affairs John Bass, who was on a three-day visit to Tanzania and Chad, stated that his discussions with senior Tanzanian government officials focused on enhancing the already existing relationship in the areas of politics, economics, and health.

“The main purpose of my visit was to understand Tanzania’s priorities. As you know, in the coming months, both our countries will be heading into elections. Along with strengthening the relationship between our governments, we are ensuring that people in our countries have the opportunity to make their voices heard at the ballot box,” he said.

He also added that in the economic sector, they discussed with government leaders the enhancement of Tanzanian welfare and the promotion of a green economy aimed at reducing environmental degradation and investment in strategic minerals.

“We assessed the investments we have made here in Tanzania, especially under the current administration, and looked at opportunities to increase our cooperation and strengthen our relationship in security, economic challenges, and investment in strategic minerals and technology within the green economy,” he said.

Four in custody for spreading fake news regarding child kidnapping

The Police Force in the Pwani Region is holding four individuals, including the Chairman of Kwazoka Village, over allegations of fabricating and disseminating false information on social media.

The Pwani Region Police Commander, Pius Lutumo, said on July 24, 2024, that the incident occurred in Vigwaza Kwazoka, within the Chalinze Police District. The suspects are accused of recording and spreading a short video clip in which they falsely claimed that a Noah vehicle was roaming in various areas abducting children and that two primary school children from Vigwaza had already been kidnapped.

Lutumo clarified that the police investigated the report and found it to be false. The false information quickly spread to Mtongani Primary School in Mlandizi, causing panic among parents, teachers, and students.

The Pwani Region Police stated that considering the harm caused by such rapid spread of falsehoods, they will not turn a blind eye. Those involved will be arrested, go through the legal process, and be brought to court.

Following a series of incidents involving kidnapping and disappearances there is an increasing panic among Tanzanians which has led to sporadic spreading of misinformation on the internet, in most cases from frustrated parents and guardians.

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