Good morning! The Chanzo is here with a rundown of major news stories reported in Tanzania on November 17, 2025
Samia’s New Cabinet Signals Preservation of the Status Quo, Prioritizing Loyalty and Moderating Political Ambitions
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced her new cabinet following the contentious October 29 election. With 27 ministers and 29 deputies, the cabinet introduces new faces, mostly political lightweights, while the remaining experienced members are those whose loyalty to the president has been firmly established, including some whose survival depends on her continued success.
The new cabinet marks the exit of former Deputy Prime Minister Dotto Biteko, a figure who had managed to maintain an independent identity and reputation as a clean politician whose influence had been steadily rising. It also removes Hussein Bashe, a minister heavily mentioned during the CCM primaries and considered a close ally of the Vice President, as well as Jenista Mhagama, one of the CCM’s long-standing heavyweights. Others dropped include Innocent Bashungwa, once seen as a rising star before later being seen to be overwhelmed as he was rebranding to being the boogeyman for the opposition, and made efforts to channel Tanzania’s police spirit against demonstrations and criticism of the government. Others who were left out are Pindi Chana, Selemani Jafo, and Damas Ndumbaro. Read the full article here.
Chakwera Speaks After Appointment by Commonwealth for Tanzania’s Mediation Effort
Former President of Malawi, Dr Lazarus Chakwera, has addressed the press on Monday, November 17, 2025, following his appointment by the Commonwealth Secretary-General as a Special Envoy to Tanzania.
“I have informed the Commonwealth Secretary General of my acceptance of the mission provided that the Tanzanian Government welcomes my engagement as a neighbour and friend who stands for the promotion of peace in this country and every country in our region,” Chakwera told members of the press. Read the full article here.
Op-Ed: Gen Z vs Government: The Difficult Deal and the Potential Outcome
In her recent address to Parliament, President Samia Suluhu Hassan did something no government leader has done since the October 29 election crisis erupted: she openly acknowledged that Tanzanians died during the election-related violence. It was a rare moment of candour in a season dominated by denials, accusations, and grief.
More importantly, she promised action – an inquiry commission, reconciliation talks, and a new political opening aimed particularly at the angry and disillusioned youth now referred to collectively as Gen Z.
Her words were not empty. She pledged a new constitution, creation of a dedicated youth ministry, and, notably, offered amnesty to hundreds of arrested protesters across the country, an appeal packaged in maternal language, calling on the country to heal.
But in Tanzania’s deeply polarised moment, presidential promises collide with deep public scepticism. Can the nation heal?
Read the full article here.
Op-Ed: The Mindset Blocking Tanzania’s Future
n 2017, I had an opportunity to put Tanzania on the global cultural map. In partnership with the British Model Flying Association (BMFA), we planned to host an international Broadcast, Film, and Music Africa conference in Dar es Salaam.
This was no small affair. The three-day event was set to bring together major international broadcasters like CNN, BBC, and Al Jazeera, alongside world-renowned music and film producers.
Over 600 participants would have injected an estimated US$3 million into our economy—a boon for hotels, curio sellers, and the entire food value chain. Beyond the immediate cash infusion, it promised to open doors for our local talent and create thousands of jobs in the creative sector. Read the full article here.
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