China’s recent announcement to eliminate tariffs on imports from all African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations presents a rare opportunity for Tanzania to expand its export base, diversify its economy and build stronger trade ties with one of the world’s largest markets. This is a particularly timely opportunity, given the imposition of tariffs…
A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, either by a blockage (ischaemic stroke) or bleeding (haemorrhagic stroke). Without oxygen-rich blood, brain cells begin to die within minutes, making stroke a true medical emergency. Globally, stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability—and in many…
Now that Israel and Iran are observing a ceasefire, Africa and the world can breathe a sigh of relief perhaps we as Africans can begin to voice our views. The greatest lesson from the nearly two-week conflict is that nothing surpasses diplomacy in resolving global disputes. The world held its breath, fearing that the war…
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were yesterday expected to sign a peace deal. It promises an end to hostilities, respect for borders and a separation of armed groups. But here’s the catch: It’s being brokered by the United States and observed by Qatar. Not by the African Union (AU). Not by the…
Driving past Makumira, a suburban area along the Arusha–Moshi highway, always brings back memories of some of the great and historically significant figures of our country. This was equally true some 30 years ago when I used to make that journey at least twice a week. It was in 1994–95, when I was running errands…
In a nation known for poetic revolutions and revolutionary poets, few figures straddled the pulpit and podium quite like Sheikh Kaluta Amri Abeid. A name so nice, they said it twice—and still managed to confuse half the population. Yes, he’s the one not from Zanzibar. And no, he’s not Karume, though history students and wedding…
Those are the words of Dean Brackley who says that a university or any institution of higher learning should be a centre of knowledge and reflection on those who live in poverty and powerlessness. It is like saying that the reason for its existence resides outside the university, in the lives of the poor and…
Born in Kamirithu, Kenyan supersonic writer Ngugi Wa Thiong’o, passed aged 87 in Georgia, USA. I first read Ngugi’s works while in Form Three (1971) at Ilboru. Back then he was known as James Ngugi. The two novels we did across secondary schools were “The River Between” and “Weep not Child”. I still remember the…
By Kusekwa Kusekwa Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) in Longido district has lost a legal battle over ownership of a piece of land it had claimed belonged lawfully to the ruling party and not the property of a resident, Godfrey Lema. The High Court at Arusha declared Lema the rightful owner of the disputed piece of…
He cuts my hair, but gives me truth,About his past, his wild youth.He swears he once cut Diamond’s side,Then quotes Mandela with some pride. The scissors snip, the wisdom flows.He talks of love, of heartbreak woes,Of clients rich and fake afros.He trims and gossips, tells who’s real,Then asks if I want “just a feel?” I…
