Good morning! The Chanzo is here with a rundown of major news stories reported in Tanzania on February 18, 2025.
Mwanza RC Urges Police, CHADEMA and Family to Act on Reported Abduction of Youth Leader
The Mwanza Regional Commissioner has urged law enforcement agencies, particularly the Tanzania Police Force, to investigate reports of the abduction of Aman Mohamed Manengelo, the Regional Secretary of the CHADEMA Youth Council (BAVICHA) in Mwanza.
Speaking at the launch of the “Samia Legal Aid” campaign in Mwanza, Regional Commissioner Mtanda called on CHADEMA leaders and Manengelo’s family to cooperate with the police to facilitate the ongoing investigation.
“I urge the Mwanza Police and security agencies to take swift action regarding the individual reported missing. I cannot confirm it as an abduction since I lack concrete evidence of such,” Mtanda stated.
Reports indicate that Manengelo, 30, a resident of Misasi in Misungwi District, was taken by four unidentified individuals on the night of February 14, 2025, while at the home of his friend, Jovin Thomas, who is also the BAVICHA Chairman for Misungwi District.
Following the reports, CHADEMA youth leaders in Mwanza announced demonstration plans to the regional commissioner office to demand answers about their missing leader. They expressed concerns that the situation could mirror a similar case involving a CHADEMA youth leader in Temeke, Dar es Salaam, Deus Soka and his colleague who have been missing for months.
Addressing CHADEMA’s planned visit to his office, Mtanda welcomed the youth leaders, emphasizing that government offices are open to everyone. However, he urged CHADEMA officials to come themselves instead of mobilizing their supporters.
“I welcome you all; this is your government. Any citizen with concerns is welcome to raise them with us. However, I advise you to come in an orderly manner. How you present yourselves will determine how you are received and assisted. Let me assure you, the sixth-phase government has no intention of abducting anyone, whether from CHADEMA or the business community. We have no conflict with anyone,” Mtanda reassured.
Tanzania Pledges to Strengthen Cooperation with the EU, Expresses Satisfaction with Trade Relations
Tanzania’s Prime Minister, Kassim Majaliwa, held discussions with the European Union (EU) Ambassador, Christine Grau, at his office in Dar es Salaam, reaffirming the country’s commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties with the EU.
Prime Minister Majaliwa emphasized that the government’s goal is to ensure continuous growth in trade and investment between Tanzania and the EU, given its significant benefits to the Tanzanian economy.
“The European Union has invested approximately €3 billion in Tanzania. This investment has greatly contributed to job creation and tax revenue generation,” Majaliwa stated.
He also acknowledged the EU’s role in supporting various development programs in Tanzania.
“Between 2021 and 2027, the European Union has allocated €703 million to support different development initiatives in Tanzania,” he added.
Additionally, the EU has been actively supporting civil society organizations (CSOs) in Tanzania. Recently, it committed TZS 17.8 billion (€6.5 million) to strengthen Tanzania’s civil society, focusing on key areas such as good governance, media freedom, youth empowerment, and public financial accountability.
CTI Calls for Stronger Action Against Illicit Alcohol in Tanzania
The former Chairman of the Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI), Paul Makanza, has emphasized that the fight against illicit alcohol in Tanzania is a crucial effort to protect citizens’ lives, safeguard government revenue, and foster a fair business environment.
Makanza, a seasoned Corporate Affairs Director, has called for immediate action from the government and other stakeholders to address this pressing issue.
He made these remarks during a CTI-organized Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on tackling the challenges of illicit alcohol in Tanzania.
The discussion brought together key industry players, policymakers, and regulatory authorities, including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Home Affairs, Fair Competition Commission (FCC), and Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS).
Makanza pointed out that illicit alcohol not only poses serious public health risks but also fuels social problems and weakens the formal sector, which significantly contributes to the economy.
“We need to strengthen the enforcement of laws and policies while increasing public awareness to ensure a responsible and sustainable alcohol industry that positively contributes to Tanzania’s development,” Makanza stated.
Reports, including the Organized Crime Index 2023 for Tanzania, have indicated that counterfeit goods, including illicit alcoholic beverages, are flooding the market, undermining economic growth by evading tax obligations.
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