Good morning! The Chanzo is here with a rundown of major news stories reported in Tanzania on March 12, 2025.
The DRC crisis: A test for Africa in a shifting geopolitical landscape. So far, things are not looking good
The rules of engagement between nations and international cooperation are evolving. At present, there are at least three major geopolitical centers shaping global interactions.
First, the Russia-Ukraine war and ongoing efforts at peacebuilding are redefining the power dynamics in Europe. Second, the Israel-Palestine conflict, particularly with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to turn Gaza into a real estate hub, poses a significant challenge for the Arab nations.
While it does not receive the same level of international attention, the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a crucial test for Africa’s ability to navigate this shifting geopolitical scene. Multiple global powers including the U.S., China, the EU, the U.K., and other European nations have vested interests in the DRC. Additionally, within Africa, more than ten countries are involved in one way or another.
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Tanzania’s media reminded to promote candidates’ and citizens’ voices during elections
Radio stations across Tanzania performed poorly in promoting candidates’ and citizens’ voices in the November 27, 2024, local government elections, the 2024 Yearbook on Media Quality in Tanzania revealed during its launching ceremony Wednesday.
The study, titled Where Are the Candidates’ and Citizens’ Voices? Scrutiny of Radio Stations’ Coverage of 2024 Local Government Elections in Tanzania, was conducted by the School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC) of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM).
Its findings show that out of 992 news and programmes reviewed from 35 radio stations across Tanzania, the most used source groups were political parties (37 per cent), followed by the executive government and its agencies (27 per cent), local government authorities (22 per cent), ordinary citizens (20 per cent) and party candidates (13 per cent).
“The radio stations under review covered the candidates and their policies less than other issues,” states the study funded by the Swiss Embassy and the British High Commission in Tanzania. “Yet, media coverage of candidates’ policies allows citizens to make the right choices on election day.”
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TRA highlights efforts to improve the business environment and curb tax evasion
The Commissioner General of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), Yusuph Mwenda, has stated that in ensuring a conducive and fair business environment, the authority is committed to combating tax evasion.
Speaking about TRA’s achievements over the past four years under President Samia’s leadership, Mwenda said that controlling tax evasion will create equal and favorable business conditions for those who comply with tax laws.
“I want to take this opportunity to tell taxpayers who comply that we have been actively fighting tax evasion and taking various measures. Some deliberately evade taxes, and we have taken action against them. For example, over the past four years, we have prosecuted 77 taxpayers who attempted to evade taxes,” said Mwenda.
Mwenda urged Tanzanians and businesspeople not to engage in purchasing fake receipts to reduce their tax liability, warning that no one will escape detection, as tax violations will be uncovered.
He further explained that TRA has been arresting individuals involved in counterfeiting electronic tax stamps, diverting goods meant for export (dumping), undervaluation, and misusing granted tax exemptions.
Highlighting TRA’s achievements, Mwenda stated that over the past four years, revenue collection has increased by 78 percent, a growth attributed to increased public awareness about tax payment and various government reforms aimed at improving TRA’s operational efficiency.
Tanzania issues travel advisory to prevent further spread of Mpox
Following the confirmation of first Mpox cases in Tanzania, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Seif Shekalaghe issued a travel advisory on March 11, 2025.
The advisory outlines measures to prevent the spread of the Mpox virus, which the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in August 2024.
The guidelines are based on the 2005 International Health Regulations (IHR) and require all travelers and border workers to follow preventive and control measures to curb the spread of the disease.
“Travelers and border workers must observe hand hygiene, maintain at least a one-meter distance from others, and report any suspected symptoms by calling the toll-free number 199, notifying the border health office, or visiting the nearest health facility,” the guidelines state.
“At border points, all travelers will undergo initial health screening, including body temperature checks, and those found with fever or rashes will undergo further medical examinations.”
Additionally, “anyone who has been in contact with Mpox patients will be advised to monitor their health and report to the nearest health facility or call the toll-free number 199 if they develop symptoms of Mpox.”
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