Good morning! The Chanzo is here with a rundown of major news stories reported in Tanzania on May 19, 2025.
President Samia Challenges Globalization Promises in Tanzania’s New Foreign Policy Rollout
President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, on Monday launched the 2001 Foreign Policy revised edition of 2024 at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam, citing sweeping global changes over the past two decades as the main reason for the policy overhaul.
President Samia stated that ongoing global political and economic shifts are forcing developing nations like Tanzania to reassess their foreign policies to remain relevant and better prepared for emerging risks.
She noted that the once-stable and predictable global supply chains have been significantly disrupted due to economic conflicts and wars in Europe and the Middle East, resulting in food and fuel insecurity worldwide.
“This situation has led major global powers to scramble to dominate and control sources of strategic energy and mineral resources critical to the green energy transition,” President Samia explained.
She warned that the rise of economic wars has ushered in monopolistic practices, weakening the global trade system and undermining fair competition.
“The emergence of trade wars has led to monopolies and protectionism, eroding the principles of global commerce and shaking the foundation of our promised globalization,” she said.
Tundu Lissu Treason Case Hearing – May 19, 2025: Court Maintains Open Court, Investigation Still Incomplete
The treason case against the leader of Tanzania’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, proceeded today, May 19, 2025, at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court before Principal Resident Magistrate-in-Charge, Franco Kiswaga. The prosecution informed the court that the investigation is in its “final stage”, a statement the court said was “not enough to help the court.”
Unlike the previous hearing, members of the public were allowed to participate today. From early morning, people gathered around the court, waiting for the gate to open. In contrast to earlier sessions, when police arrested individuals attending the proceedings, today the police facilitated entry. Around 8:00 a.m., people queued for inspection and were allowed into the court.
The chairman of CHADEMA is facing two charges at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court: treason and publishing false information. The treason case is currently in the committal stage at Kisutu, after which it will be transferred to the High Court for trial.
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Lissu Treason Hearing Takes an African Shape with Former Chief Justices and Regional Lawyers in Attendance: ‘We Are Regressing in EA ’- Justice Maraga
The treason hearing of the leader of Tanzania’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, Tundu Lissu, has attracted significant regional attention following the attendance of prominent African lawyers, activists, and legal personnel. Two former Kenyan Chief Justices, David Maraga and Willy Mutunga, were in the country to attend the hearing, as well as several other human rights activists and lawyers in the Eastern region.
Lissu, the Chairman of the opposition party CHADEMA, is facing two charges at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court: treason and publishing false information. The treason case is currently at Kisutu for committal proceedings, after which it will be transferred to the High Court for trial.
While Justice David Maraga was able to enter the country and participate in the hearing, Justice Willy Mutunga was held at the Airport and later deported, together with two Kenyan activists, Hussein Khalid and Hanifa Adan.
The leader of Kenya’s People’s Liberation Party (PLP), Martha Karua, also arrived in the country on Sunday, but he was also denied entry alongside Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Council member Gloria Kimani and member of the Pan-African Progressive Leaders Solidarity Network Lynn Ngugi. Justice Maraga, who was able to participate in the hearing, had a brief exchange with Tundu Lissu.
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President of Namibia to Visit Tanzania on Two-Day Official Visit
The President of Namibia, Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, will arrive in Tanzania today for a two-day official visit, which will conclude on May 21, 2025.
In a statement, the Tanzanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that the visit reflects the long-standing friendship, solidarity, and cooperation between Tanzania and Namibia.
President Netumbo is expected to hold bilateral talks with the President of Tanzania and address the press. She will also attend an official dinner hosted by the Tanzanian President, visit the African Liberation Heritage Centre in Dar es Salaam, and later deliver a public lecture at the University of Dar es Salaam.
Activist Boniface Mwangi and Lawyer Agather Atuhaire from Uganda Arrested in Dar
Renowned Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and lawyer Agather Atuhaire from Uganda remain in police custody following their arrest on Monday, May 19, 2025. The two activists were in the country to attend the treason trial of the leader of Tanzania’s main opposition party, Tundu Lissu
In its statement, the Tanzania Human Rights Defender Coalition said Mwangi and Atuhaire are being held at the Central Police Station in Dar es Salaam.
“Mr. Mwangi was arrested on allegations of providing false information to gain entry into the country. He arrived in Tanzania on May 18, 2025,” the statement from THRDC noted.
“The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC), in collaboration with the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) and the East Africa Law Society (EALS), has been providing legal representation to both Mr. Mwangi and Ms. Atuhaire. However, as of today, the two remain in custody and have not been deported despite Mr. Mwangi having a scheduled return flight tonight,” the statement continued.
Tanzanian authorities have yet to disclose the reason for the arrest of the two activists; however, the Tanzanian president has issued a warning to regional activists for meddling in Tanzania’s internal affairs. Speaking during the launch of the new Tanzania foreign policy on May 19, 2025, the Tanzanian president directed security organs to look into the matter.
“We have started to see a trend of activists within our region invading and interfering with our affairs here. Now that they have been contained in their own countries, they should not come here and mess things up for us. Let us not give them a chance, they already ruined their own countries, they already caused chaos there,” President Samia said.
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TIRA’s Role in Reshaping Tanzania’s Insurance Sector: A Look at Key Milestones
The insurance sector is a vital pillar of Tanzania’s financial system, providing individuals, businesses, and institutions with the tools to manage risk, ensure financial protection, and build economic resilience.
A well-functioning insurance industry contributes to economic growth, promotes investment, facilitates credit access, and protects livelihoods against unforeseen losses.
To ensure that the sector operates fairly, efficiently, and sustainably, the government established the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (TIRA) under the Insurance Act, Cap 394. TIRA is charged with the responsibility to regulate, supervise, and develop the insurance industry in both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Over the past several years, the insurance industry in Tanzania has undergone significant transformation. Under TIRA’s oversight and guided by strategic policy direction, the sector has expanded in terms of access, innovation, regulatory integrity, and market resilience. This brief analysis highlights key milestones and performance indicators reflecting the growth and reform journey of Tanzania’s insurance sector from 2021 to 2024.
Key milestones
In the past four years, the number of registered insurance service providers increased from 993 in 2021 to 2,208 in 2024, marking a 122.4 per cent growth. This significant increase was partly driven by the introduction of new categories of registrants that were not previously licensed by the Authority. These include 130 registered Health Service Providers (HSPs), 128 licensed Automotive Repairers and Mechanics (ARMs), and 17 licensed Digital Insurance Providers, all of whom are now formally integrated into the regulated insurance ecosystem.
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