Good morning! The Chanzo is here with a rundown of major news stories reported in Tanzania over the weekend.
Tanzania’s Ruling Party Spokesperson, Amos Makalla, Under Fire for Claiming Opposition is Plotting a Biological Attack to Spread Ebola and Mpox Viruses to Disrupt Election
Amos Makalla, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Secretary for Ideology, Publicity, and Training, is under fire for suggesting that the opposition party, CHADEMA, is raising funds to ‘acquire’ Mpox and Ebola viruses for a biological attack to disrupt the country’s election.
“CHADEMA is collecting funds under the pretext of mobilizing the public to reject the elections and halt the electoral process, but there is a hidden agenda. These people, especially senior leaders whose families are not in Tanzania, intend to use the funds raised by the tone-tone campaign to ‘purchase’ Ebola and Mpox viruses and bring them to Tanzania to spread, to ensure that the elections do not take place,” Makala said during a rally in Simiyu on Saturday, March 22, 2025.
“This is a secret plan they are coordinating, they have already met with some people, and the fundraising they are conducting is aimed at acquiring these viruses. Their intention is that as the election approaches, as months nears, people in Tanzania will fall sick with Ebola and Mpox. This is a dangerous matter. Those of you who are contributing to ‘tone-tone’ are funding the purchase of Ebola viruses so that they can be introduced into Tanzania,” Makalla emphasized.
Makalla was referring to the CHADEMA tone-tone campaign, a fundraising initiative launched by the CHADEMA party on February 28, 2025, aimed at ensuring the party members and supporters finance the party especially its no-reform, no-election agenda, where the party maintains it is going to stop the planned October 2025 election, due to unfair electoral ground and repeated violence against its members.
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President Samia Urges Tanzania to Be Cautious Against Climate Change, Global Politics Threatening Water Accessibility
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, while launching the 2025 edition of the National Water Policy 2002 at the national celebrations of World Water Day held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Mlimani City, Dar es Salaam, has called on Tanzania to be cautious of the effects of climate change, and shifting global political dynamics.
She stated that looking ahead, the government had to revise the Water Policy following consultations among stakeholders, including those from the water, agriculture, planning, and investment office involved in drafting the country’s development vision.
“For a country to progress well, you must look at both the present and the future,” said President Samia. “There are issues related to climate change, which will significantly affect our access to water and impact water sources. Water is becoming a crucial political issue globally, so we must start addressing this now and prepare for the future.”
President Samia emphasized that ensuring sustainable water availability requires cooperation between the government and citizens, particularly in protecting water sources and maintaining water infrastructure, which has been built at a high cost.
“It is not the sole responsibility of the Ministry of Water; it is everyone’s duty. Local government councils, villages, and individuals must all be involved to ensure reliable water services,” she stressed.
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CHADEMA Launches ‘No Reforms, No Election’ Campaign, Reaffirms Demand for Major Electoral Reforms
Tanzania’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, held a large public rally yesterday in Mbeya, the southern highlands city, to launch an operation based on its slogan ‘No Reforms, No Election,’ which calls for major changes in the electoral system.
The rally was attended by top national leaders of the party, including CHADEMA Chairman Tundu Lissu, Vice Chairman John Heche, and members of the central committee, such as Nyasa Zone Chairman Joseph Mbilinyi and CHADEMA Youth Wing (BAVICHA) Chairman, Lawyer Deogratius Mahinyila.
Speaking about past local government elections in 2014, 2019, and 2024, CHADEMA Chairman Tundu Lissu told supporters at the rally that there was no longer a possibility for elections to be free and fair.
“My fellow citizens, let’s be honest with ourselves. With this system, we will not get anywhere. We must change the electoral process,” Lissu said. “The issues that need to be changed are well known. Judge Nyalali pointed them out as far back as 1991.”
Lissu stated that the Electoral Commission must be reformed, and public servants appointed by the President should not be part of the commission. He also emphasized the need for a fair campaign system, a proper candidate registration process to prevent arbitrary disqualifications, and clear procedures to ensure that party agents and candidates can be sworn in and perform their duties freely. Additionally, security forces should not interfere in the electoral process.
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Wasira Warns Kagera Local Government Leaders Against Illegal Immigrants Acquiring Land
The Vice Chairman of CCM for Mainland Tanzania, Stephan Wasira, has warned village and sub-village leaders in Kagera region against allowing foreigners to settle in their areas illegally, stating that this poses a future threat to the country.
Wasira made these remarks while addressing CCM members and leaders in Karagwe and Kyerwa districts in Kagera region on Sunday, March 23, 2025. This came after receiving complaints from residents about foreigners entering illegally and acquiring land.
“If you allow them to enter without proper procedures and establish permanent settlements, removing them later will result in conflict. Then, people will claim that there is internal conflict among Tanzanians, whereas in reality, it will be a conflict between foreigners and Tanzanians who have lost their land,” said Wasira.
He emphasized that Tanzania has no problem with foreigners, and their home countries are friendly nations. However, they must enter the country legally, just as Tanzanians would be sent back if they entered those nations without proper documentation. He gave an example, noting that some neighboring countries have less land than a single region in Tanzania, such as Kagera.
“If you allow your land to be occupied just because you think it is vast, remember that the population keeps increasing while the land remains the same. Ensure that these foreigners are not given land and do not enter the country without legal procedures,” Wasira stressed.
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