Tanzania: Power Supply Exceeds Demand – Ministry

ELECTRICITY generation in Tanzania has surpassed the increasing demand driven by the expanding economy and rapid urbanization, largely due to significant contributions from the partially operational Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project Plant.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Engineer Felchesmi Mramba, highlighted this development during his visit to the Ministry of Energy’s pavilion at the ongoing 48th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday.

Tanzania is blessed with diverse energy sources including biomass, natural gas, hydro, coal, geothermal, solar, wind, and uranium, many of which remain untapped.

As of December 31st, 2023, the total installed energy capacity reached 1,938.35 Megawatts. Recently, two turbines with an installed capacity of 235 MW each at the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project Plant were commissioned in March and April this year, raising the total installed capacity to 2,408 MW.

The country’s peak demand was recorded in August 2023 at 1,482.80 MW. Eng. Mramba encouraged Tanzanians to expand their investments in sectors requiring electricity, emphasizing that supply is currently reliable and sufficient.

“Despite the existence of power sources like the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, which has significantly increased our installed capacity to meet current and future demands, we remain committed to diversifying our energy sources,” Eng. Mramba highlighted.

He continued, stating that efforts are underway to increase capacity through various energy sources, with a focus on renewable energy.

“Projects such as the Kishapu solar power project (150 MW), wind power projects in Singida and Makambako (300 to 400 MW), Malagarasi Hydropower Project (49.5 MW), Kakono Hydropower Project (87 MW), Songwe Dam and Hydropower Plant (180.2 MW), Rumakali Hydropower Project (222 MW), and Ruhudji Hydropower Project (358 MW) are part of our strategy.”

In related news, the PS commended Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO) for strengthening its operations to ensure adequate power supply.

“TANESCO has been working tirelessly to fulfill its duties, ensuring the country has sufficient electricity,” he acknowledged.

However, he urged the state-owned utility to innovate further to enhance service quality and affordability.

“Research and technology adoption in the energy sector should be a priority for us to remain competitive globally,” he emphasized.

Regarding the implementation of the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy, he directed stakeholders to continue researching ways to improve citizens’ lives by reducing the cost of clean cooking equipment.

Source: allafrica.com

Continue Reading

Tanzania Sees New Dawn in Advanced Cooking Stoves

Tanzania Sees New Dawn in Advanced Cooking Stoves

In efforts to support the government’s campaign in using clean energy, efforts are underway to distribute nationwide technologically- advanced and environmentally safe cooking stoves.

The move the whole country embraces will likely save a million acres of forest from destruction.

Following the intended move, Tanzanians living in rural and urban areas have been encouraged to take the incoming technology of environmentally environmentally-friendly cooking stoves.

Speaking with the Daily News in Dar es Salaam yesterday, the FJM Workshop Manager Epimack Damas said the move aims to implement President Samia’s campaign to create clean and environmentally safe cooking.

The company produces modernized gas stoves, steel fabrication, and selling construction materials as well.

“As a company we have employed about 60 youth in the country and we expect to reach more people. I, therefore, encourage youth who are beneficiaries of the company to use their creativities and make a product so as to earn a profit, “he noted

Additionally, he elaborated recently at the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), the company met with the clean energy government executives and discussed how they can produce stoves and distribute them to people at affordable price in rural and urban areas.

On his part, the JFM Marketing Manager Eugen Malkiory said that the company’s mission aims to improve operational service to save customers time noting that they produce quality products at an affordable price.

He, therefore, said they will continue to serve Tanzanians in all parts of 26 regions in the country.

The company also produces steel materials such as roofing sheets, shapes, and iron bars.

Through those products, they intend to expand the scope of foreign markets.

Source: allafrica.com

Continue Reading

Why Kenya trails Tanzania in democracy index

The Kenya democracy index continues to trail Tanzania for four consecutive years on poor scores on electoral process and pluralism, civil liberties and functioning of government, the report shows.

The Democracy Index 2023 report by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), shows that Kenya scored an overall democracy index of 5.05 behind Tanzania’s at 5.35. This score shows no improvement from last year’s index, which has been remained the same since 2020.

Regionally, Kenya was ranked position 14 and globally 92.

EIU is the research and analysis division of The Economist Group, a leading source of international business and world affairs information.

According to EIU, “the democracy index is a thick measure of democracy that assesses each country across five categories-electoral process and pluralism, functioning of government, political participation, political culture and civil liberties.”

The electoral process and pluralism metric analyse ability to hold free and fair elections. The functioning of government involves assessing corruption, transparency and accountability by the state. Civil liberties comprise indicators related to freedom of expression and media freedoms.

democracy big

Photo credit: John Waweru | Nation Media Group

 Kenya scored poorly on electoral process and pluralism with 3.5 out of 10 in 2023.

Other areas that the country scored dismally are civil liberties (4.1 out of 10) and functioning of government (5.3 out of 10).

The report notes; “The failure of political incumbents to uphold democratic values and deliver good governance and economic progress has discredited electoral democracy for increasing numbers of Africans.”

 Based on the 2023 National Ethics and Corruption Survey,57.3 percent of respondents perceived corruption level to be high in the country, with 24.7 percent citing high cost of living as the main reason.

 Notably, the freedom of assembly though guaranteed by the Constitution has been undermined in Kenya. The police responded to Opposition protests in March 2023 with tear gas and live ammunition.

Three years after the Covid-19 pandemic, which translated to a rollback of freedoms across the world, the 2023 democracy results for Kenya indicate a continuing democratic malaise and no forward momentum.

Continue Reading

Kuonana na nabii mbinde, malipo yake mamilioni-2

Dar es Salaam. “Kama una Sh500,000 nenda pale kaandikishe jina lako uende kumuona nabii.”

Hii ni kauli ya mhudumu wa kanisa mojawapo la maombezi, akiwatangazia waumini, ikiwa ni sehemu ya kile ambacho Mwananchi limebaini katika mfululizo wa uchunguzi wake kuhusu waumini wa makanisa hayo wanavyokamuliwa mamilioni ya shilingi na viongozi wa dini ili waombewe au kubarikiwa.

Katika sehemu ya kwanza jana, tulibainisha jinsi baadhi ya makanisa jijini Dar es Salaam yanavyowafukarisha waumini kwa kuwatoza fedha nyingi kwa ununuzi wa maji, mafuta, au vitambaa, huku wengine wakilazimika kuuza mali zao.

Leo tunaangazia jinsi ilivyo vigumu na aghali kuwafikia manabii na mitume wa makanisa hayo, zikihitajika fedha nyingi kati ya Sh500,000 hadi Sh1.5 milioni na wakati mwingine hata zaidi ya hapo, huku ikielezwa kuwepo ushuhuda wa kuandaliwa ili kuuhadaa umma.

Katika moja ya makanisa ambayo Mwananchi limeyatembelea wilayani Temeke, ili uonane na kiongozi wa kanisa hilo, sharti utoe ada ya Sh500,000, bila kuhesabu sadaka nyingine wanazotozwa waumini.

Mchungaji huyo hurusha matangazo kwenye vyombo vya habari na mitandaoni kuhusu huduma zake, jambo ambalo limemvutia umati mkubwa wa waumini kusali kanisani hapo kila siku kuanzia Jumatatu hadi Jumapili.

Mwandishi wa Mwananchi alihudhuria baadhi ya ibada katika kanisa hilo, zikiwemo siku za Jumapili ambapo ibada huanza saa 1:00 asubuhi. Waumini hufika kanisani mapema asubuhi kusubiri uponyaji na unabii.

Kiongozi huyo mwenye walinzi wengi, aliingia kanisani saa 3 asubuhi akiwa kwenye msafara wa magari manne ya kifahari yaliyoandikwa jina lake.

Umati wa watu uliokuwa umefurika kanisani ulitoka kumlaki mtumishi huyo wa Mungu ambaye alishuka kutoka kwenye gari lake akiwa na walinzi sita. Moja kwa moja alielekea madhabahuni na kuanza ibada, ambapo baadhi ya waumini, hasa wanawake, walianza kupiga kelele na kugalagala wakidaiwa kuwa na mapepo na walitolewa nje.

Ndani ya ibada, mhudumu wa kanisa hilo alitangaza kuwa anayetaka kumuona mtumishi na kuombewa anatakiwa kutoa Sh500,000 ili atabiriwe na kupata uponyaji.

“Kama una Sh500,000 nenda pale kaandikishe jina lako uende kumuona nabii,” alisema msaidizi huyo.

Pia, alisema hadi saa nane mchana mtumishi alitangaza kila mtu awe amenunua maji yanayouzwa Sh2,000 ambayo yangeombewa, agizo ambalo waumini wengi walilitekeleza.

Kana kwamba haitoshi, waumini hao walitangaziwa kutoa sadaka yenye alama ya namba tatu, ikimaanisha Sh30,000, ambayo ilikuwa maalumu kwa ajili ya kufungua uchumi wa waumini hao.

Baada ya tangazo hilo, baadhi ya waumini walikimbilia bahasha zilizokuwa zikitolewa na mtumishi mwenyewe. Awamu iliyofuata, waliitwa wale kutoa Sh3,000, kima ambacho kilinyanyua wengi zaidi, na awamu ya mwisho ilihusisha kila mwenye kiasi chochote hata Sh100.

Baada ya kila mtu kutoa ‘alichonacho’, mtumishi huyo alitangaza ataonana na watu watatu tu waliotoa ada ya fomu ya Sh500, 000 na alifanya hivyo kwenye chumba maalumu baada ya kuhitimisha ibada.

Kutokana na umati mkubwa uliojaa karibu na chumba hicho, msaidizi wa mtumishi huyo alitoka na kutangaza kuwa wale tu walio na Sh500,000 ndio wangemuona mtumishi siku hiyo na kuwa wengine waliotoa pungufu wangeonana naye siku inayofuata.

Kila mtu aliyekuwa pale alijiandaa kuonana na mtumishi kwa viwango tofauti, wakidai Sh500, 000 ni nyingi. Wengine waliambatana na wagonjwa.

“Nipo hapa tangu jana nimelala hapa, tayari nimelipa Sh50,000 niliambiwa ningemuona leo, lakini leo naambiwa niongeze hela. Hii niliyotoa niliikopa na hapa nina nauli peke yake,” alisema Upendo Ngowi, mkazi wa Pwani, alipokuwa akiwabembeleza walinzi wa ‘mtumishi wa Mungu’.

Madai ya Upendo ni kuwa siku hiyo alikuwa amebakiwa na Sh10,000 za nauli ya kurudi nyumbani.

Jumapili aliambiwa aongeze fedha na arudi Jumatatu akiwa na walau Sh300,000, ili apate fomu ya kumuona mtumishi.

Hata hivyo, alishindwa na akawa anadai arejeshewe fedha zake akisema siku inayofuata asingeweza kuhudhuria ibada kwa kuwa anatokea mbali. Hata hivyo, fedha zake hazikurejeshwa.

Martha Urassa, mkazi wa Kimara ambaye anasumbuliwa na uvimbe kwenye titi, alisema amekuwa akihangaika kupata fursa ya maombi bila mafanikio.

“Niliambiwa nilipe hela ndio nionane na mtumishi, nimelipa Sh35,000 na bado sijamuona, naambiwa nikiwa na Sh500,000 ndio rahisi kumuona, huu umasikini ni mbaya sana,” alisema.

Kwa Suguye kwatajwa, afafanua

Katika Kanisa la The Word of Reconciliation Ministries (WRM), mmoja wa wahudumu ambaye hakutaka kutaja jina lake alieleza utaratibu wa kumuona Nabii Nicolaus Suguye katika siku za Jumatatu, Jumanne au Jumatano nako ni lazima uende na picha moja kwa ajili ya usajili, kisha mengine yatafuata.

Ukishaandikishwa na kusajiliwa, alisema pale utakapoonana na nabii huyo utatakiwa uwe na sadaka kuanzia Sh150,000 hadi Sh350,000 kwa ajili ya kuombewa.

“Wale waliosajiliwa kuna viti vyao kabisa kwa ajili ya kuonana ana kwa ana na Suguye na unapoonana naye lazima uwe na hela ya sadaka kuanzia Sh150,000 hadi Sh350,000 na ukishatoa fedha hizo utapatiwa mafuta, stika, maji na kitambaa,” alisema.

Hata hivyo, akizungumza na waandishi wa habari Machi 28, 2024 jijini Dar es Salaam kuhusu maadhimisho ya miaka 17 ya kanisa hilo, Suguye alikanusha kuwatoza fedha waumini wake.

“Hatutozi fedha katika kanisa kuombea watu, hata ukiwatafuta wanaokuja kujisajili mpaka sasa hakuna chochote na maombezi yangu ni bure na nayaendesha kwa kuwawekea mikono na baada ya hapo watu wanaondoka,” alifafanua Suguye baada ya kuulizwa.

Wakati Suguye akisema hayo, muumini wa kanisa hilo aliyejitambulisha kwa jina la Amina Salehe alidai yeye ana zaidi ya miaka mitatu anaabudu katika Kanisa la WRM na alitamani siku moja na yeye aguswe na nabii huyo lakini kutokana na kipato chake kuwa kidogo anashiriki kwenye ibada ya Jumapili pekee.

“Natamani na mimi nikutane na Nabii Suguye nifanyiwe maombi ya peke yangu, lakini kumuona ni gharama, kumuona kuanzia Sh150,000 na kuendelea, ila mimi nilienda kumuona nikiwa na Sh50,000, nilipofika kwa mtenda kazi (mhudumu) niliambiwa hela yangu ni ndogo,” alisema muumini huyo.

Wengine hadi mamilioni

Mwandishi wetu aliyepiga kambi katika kanisa mojawapo lililopo Kimara, Dar es Salaam, aliambiwa ili kuonana na kiongozi wa kanisa hilo sharti alipe Sh1.5 milioni.

Mwandishi aliambiwa ajaze fomu inayoitwa jina ‘nguzo ya ujenzi’ ambayo alitakiwa kuilipia Sh1.5 milioni.

“Ukitoa hiyo sadaka, unamuona mapema sana, lakini hivihivi, itakulazimu usubiri foleni na ni kubwa mno,” alisema mtendaji ambaye jina lake limehifadhiwa.

Akifafanua zaidi, mtenda kazi huyo alisema: “Kadi ya nguzo ni Sh1.5 milioni ambayo ukimaliza kuilipia inagongwa muhuri na baba mwenyewe (anamtaja jina) kisha unapewa nafasi ya kwenda kuonana naye moja kwa moja ofisini kwake, unamweleza matatizo yako,” alisema.

Alisema kadi hizo anazitoa mwenyewe (nabii) pale madhabahuni na zinaweza kulipiwa kidogo kidogo hadi mtu amalize.

“Ukimaliza kuilipia Kadi ya Nguzo hausubiri foleni, hiyo ni ‘fasta’ tu, gharama ya awali ya kuipata hiyo kadi ni Sh10, 000, kama unailipia kidogo kidogo, kila unapolipa sadaka yako inaandikwa hadi ukimaliza baba mwenyewe anaigonga muhuri, unapata kibali cha kwenda kumuona moja kwa moja,” alisema.

Ushuhuda wa kupanga

Katika uchunguzi wa makanisa hayo kumebainika udanganyifu na uwepo miujiza ya uongo inayoenea kwa kasi nchini Tanzania, ambapo watu binafsi wanatumiwa kutunga miujiza na ushuhuda kwa lengo la kuuaminisha umma.

Hii inahusisha kundi la watu, mara nyingi kutoka nje ya nchi, wanaodai kuteseka na maradhi sugu kama saratani na kisukari.

Uchunguzi umebaini kuwa baadhi yao wana ulemavu bandia kama wa kutokusikia na upofu.

Timoth (si jina halisi), mshiriki wa zamani kwenye moja ya makanisa, anaeleza kuwa huwa wanatoka nje ya eneo la ibada ili kuepuka kutambuliwa na kueleza tatizo fulani.

Baada ya miezi kadhaa, wanarudi wakidai wameponywa kimiujiza, jambo linaloshawishi wafuasi kuweka imani na fedha zao katika madhabahu hizo. Timoth anasema wachungaji huweka mazingira waumini kushindwa kufikiri kwa makini na kuwataka wajitenge na wapinzani.

Hata Beatrice (pia si jina halisi) anaeleza wameandaliwa kujifanya wameponywa wakati wa ibada na kupiga simu kupitia redio ay TV ambapo ‘mtu wa Mungu’ anatoa unabii.

Hali hii nchini inatia wasiwasi, ingawa haijafikia viwango vya Kenya na Afrika Kusini. Wachungaji hufikia hatua ya kutumia nguvu zisizo za kawaida kutoka Nigeria ili kuwavuta waumini.

Itaendelea toleo lijalo, tukiangazia vifaa mbalimbali wanavyonunua waumini ka uponyaji na miujiza.

Kama una maoni kuhusu habari hii, tuandikie ujumbe kupitia WhatsApp: 0765864917.Continue Reading

Tanzania’s Amsons makes 0m Kenya’s Bamburi buyout offer

By PATRICK ALUSHULA

Tanzania-based conglomerate with diverse interests in energy, construction, food and transport has made a $180 million bid to acquire the entire stake of Bamburi Cement in what will mark one of the largest takeover deals in the East African region.

Amsons Group, which is a family-run business with operations in Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi said Wednesday it has signed a binding offer with Bamburi Cement. The deal could see Bamburi, one of Kenya’s iconic blue-chip companies, delisted from the Nairobi Securities Exchange.

Amsons Group Managing Director Edha Nahdi said the proposed deal will deepen the group’s position in the cement sector in East Africa as part of the regional economic development and market integration ideals.

“We have great plans to deepen our investment in Kenya and in Bamburi,” said Mr Nahdi on the impending deal.

“Our offer to acquire shares in Bamburi is part of our corporate market expansion plan and will mark the formal entry of Amsons Group into the Kenyan market, where we plan to make investments in other industries in the coming months.”

The group issued the notice of intention to launch the public take-over offer through its Kenyan subsidiary and investment vehicle, Amsons Industries (K) Ltd, in a deal that will see Bamburi shareholders paid Ksh65 ($0.51) per share.

Advertisement

At Ksh65 ($0.51)per share, Amsons’ cash offer represents a premium of Ksh20 ($0.16) per share or 44.4 percent gain, given that Bamburi share closed Wednesday trade at the NSE at Ksh45 ($0.35) a share.

Bamburi is majority-owned by Holcim through two investment vehicles—Fincem Holding Limited and Kencem Holding Limited—with a combined stake of 58.3 percent.

“This agreement to sell our stake in Bamburi Cement advances Holcim’s strategy of extending our leadership in our core markets as the global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions,” said Martin Kriegner, regional head of Asia, Middle East & Africa at Holcim.

Read: Bamburi Cement issues profit warning

Amsons Group was founded in 2006 in Tanzania and now has more than $1 billion in annual turnover. Its main business operations historically involved bulk oil and petroleum products importation under the Camel Oil Tanzania retail brand.

The group has, over time, grown its portfolio in the manufacturing sector with a 6,000 metric tonnes per day cement manufacturing capability, including through the recently acquired Mbeya Cement facility.

Continue Reading

Tanzania’s Amsons makes Sh23bn Bamburi buyout offer

Tanzania-based conglomerate with diverse interests in energy, construction, food and transport has made a $180 million (Sh23.15 billion) bid to acquire the entire stake of Bamburi Cement in what will mark one of the largest takeover deals in the East African region.

Amsons Group, which is a family-run business with operations in Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi said Wednesday it has signed a binding offer with Bamburi Cement. The deal could see Bamburi, one of Kenya’s iconic blue-chip companies, delisted from the Nairobi Securities Exchange.

Amsons Group Managing Director Edha Nahdi said the proposed deal will deepen the group’s position in the cement sector in East Africa as part of the regional economic development and market integration ideals.

“We have great plans to deepen our investment in Kenya and in Bamburi,” said Mr Nahdi on the impending deal.

“Our offer to acquire shares in Bamburi is part of our corporate market expansion plan and will mark the formal entry of Amsons Group into the Kenyan market, where we plan to make investments in other industries in the coming months.”

The group issued the notice of intention to launch the public take-over offer through its Kenyan subsidiary and investment vehicle, Amsons Industries (K) Ltd, in a deal that will see Bamburi shareholders paid Sh65 per share.

At Sh65 per share, Amsons’ cash offer represents a premium of Sh20 per share or 44.4 percent gain, given that Bamburi share closed Wednesday trade at the NSE at Sh45 a share.

Bamburi is majority owned by Holcim through two investment vehicles—Fincem Holding Limited and Kencem Holding Limited—with a combined stake of 58.3 percent.

“This agreement to sell our stake in Bamburi Cement advances Holcim’s strategy of extending our leadership in our core markets as the global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions,” said Martin Kriegner, regional head of Asia, Middle East & Africa at Holcim.

Amsons Group was founded in 2006 in Tanzania and now has more than $1 billion (Sh128.5 billion) in annual turnover. Its main business operations historically involved bulk oil and petroleum products importation under the Camel Oil Tanzania retail brand.

The group has, over time, grown its portfolio in the manufacturing sector with a 6,000 metric tonnes per day cement manufacturing capability, including through the recently acquired Mbeya Cement facility.

Continue Reading

Tanzania: Permanent Voter Register Updating – VP Calls for High Turnout

Tanzania: Permanent Voter Register Updating – VP Calls for High Turnout

VICE President, Dr Philip Mpango has urged Tanzanians to register or update their information in the Permanent Voters’ Register (PVR) and actively participate in the upcoming elections.

During his visit to Uvinza District in Kigoma region yesterday, Dr Mpango encouraged citizens to engage in the registration process and contribute their opinions to the ongoing preparations for the National Development Vision 2050.

“I urge citizens to turn out in large numbers and participate by updating their information and registering in the Permanent Voters’ Register,” Dr Mpango emphasized.Tanzania is preparing for local government elections this year and general elections next year.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is currently holding meetings with various stakeholders to ensure a smooth voter information update exercise scheduled for July 20 this year.

Dr Mpango also stressed the importance of education, urging Kigoma residents to prioritize children’s education and monitor their behavior in schools.

Also read: “I urge citizens to turn out in large numbers and participate by updating their information and registering in the Permanent Voters’ Register,” Dr Mpango emphasized.

“Education is crucial for developing good leaders and achieving national development,” he added.

Furthermore, the Vice President directed leaders in Uvinza District to oversee the restoration of natural vegetation, emphasizing tree planting and management to achieve environmental goals.

In Kazuramimba, Dr Mpango instructed the Ministry of Water to expedite completion of a local water project by August this year to address community water challenges.

Additionally, Dr Mpango handed over five vehicles to District Commissioners (DCs) of Kigoma Region, urging them to use the vehicles responsibly to serve citizens effectively.

He emphasized the ethical use of government resources and discouraged their misuse for personal activities or recreation.

During his visit, Dr Mpango also met with Anthropologist and Primatologist Ms. Jane Goodall, renowned for her research on chimpanzees at Gombe National Park in Kigoma.

He praised Ms. Goodall for her contributions to wildlife conservation and education.

In recognition of her work, the Vice President inaugurated a road named after Ms. Goodall, leading from Kibirizi lakeside to Gombe National Park, emphasizing her role as a conservation educator.

Dr Mpango continues his working visit to Kigoma region, where he inspects development projects and addresses community concerns.

Source: allafrica.com

Continue Reading

East Africa: Six Key Highlights From EAC Ministerial Talks in Zanzibar

A three-day retreat of East African Community (EAC) ministers of foreign affairs and in charge of the EAC, which discussed the security crisis in eastern DR Congo, among other topics, concluded on Monday, July 8.

Held in Zanzibar, Tanzania, the meeting brought together Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Olivier Nduhungirehe, Minister of State in charge of Regional Cooperation James Kabarebe, DR Congo’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Gracia Yamba Kazadi, Tanzania’s Foreign Minister January Makamba and Burundi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Albert Shingiro.

Also in attendance was South Sudan’s Minister for EAC Affairs and Chairperson of EAC Council of Ministers Deng Alor Kuol, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Minister for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi, Somalia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs in charge of EAC Ali Mohamed Omar, Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of EAC Affairs Rebecca Kadaga as well as EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva.

ALSO READ: Rwandan ministers to meet DR Congo, Burundi counterparts over security

Below are the key takeaways from the meeting, in which the ministers deliberated on the current status of peace, security, inter-state relations; and the state of the East African Community integration process, according to the final statement released on Monday.

DR Congo crisis

The ministers noted with concern the deteriorating humanitarian and security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. They appreciated the humanitarian truce between M23 rebels and the Congolese army, that was negotiated by the Government of the United States of America, and recommended that the truce be extended indefinitely.

ALSO READ: M23 accuses DR Congo army of violating humanitarian truce

The ministers acknowledged that the viable path to sustainable peace and security in eastern DR Congo is through a political process and recommended the convening of a summit of the EAC Heads of State to revitalize the political track of the EAC-led Nairobi process in reciprocal coordination with the Luanda process.

EAC peace support operations

The ministers noted the need for institutionalization of peace support operations in the East African Community and agreed on the need for expeditious conclusion of the EAC mutual defence pact and operationalization of the council of ministers on peace and security to ensure timely guidance on peace and security matters.

DR Congo-Rwanda-Burundi ministerial meetings

The ministers took note of the state of interstate relations and the adverse impact on the integration agenda and encouraged the partner states to use existing frameworks provided for in the treaty for the establishment of the EAC to address interstate disputes.

ALSO READ: EAC meet in Zanzibar reiterates importance of political process to end DR Congo crisis

To this end, the ministers of Rwanda and DR Congo agreed to meet at the earliest in the framework of the Luanda process.

The ministers of Rwanda and Burundi will meet by October 31, 2024 to discuss outstanding issues affecting their bilateral relations.

Implementation of EAC pillars

The ministers reviewed the status of the implementation of the four integration pillars and emphasised the need for demonstration of political commitment and goodwill to ensure realization of goals for each pillar.

Member-states contribution, arrears

The ministers deliberated on the constraints of funding the community and the arrears, and recommended they be paid at the earliest by the partner states.

ALSO READ: Somalia pays its $7.8m full budget contribution to EAC budget

They deliberated on a sustainable funding mechanism for the community and recommended it be considered at a joint meeting of ministers of finance, EAC and foreign affairs to explore additional options of funding the community.

The ministers noted the financing model adopted by the 23rd ordinary summit of November 2023.

Amendment of EAC treaty

The ministers also took note of the urgency to complete the process of amending the treaty for the establishment of the EAC and report to the summit accordingly. The ministers also agreed to expedite amendments to decision making, and rules of procedure.

Source: allafrica.com

Continue Reading

Tanzania: Udom Students Develop Rocket Reaching 1000 Metres

Tanzania: Udom Students Develop Rocket Reaching 1000 Metres

DAR ES SALAAM — THE University of Dodoma (UDOM) is making strides in space exploration with the successful development of a student-built rocket.

Dr Ramadhan Bakari, a lecturer from the College of Earth Sciences and Engineering at UDOM, unveiled the achievement at the ongoing 48th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF).

The rocket has a current flight capability of 1,000 metres.

Inspired by advancements in space exploration, two students from the Faculty of Earth Sciences and Engineering and the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics embarked on a research project on rockets.

Dr Bakari explained that witnessing global efforts in space exploration using rocket technology motivated the students.

The project utilised readily available and affordable materials to construct the rocket, emphasising the application of scientific principles throughout the process.

The students conducted numerous experiments to perfect the design. “The students first focused on creating a power source for the rocket and conducted various trials,” said Dr Bakari.

“The ultimate goal is to use this technology to launch satellites into orbit.” UDOM’s vision extends beyond the current achievement.

The university aspires for Tanzania to become self-sufficient in space exploration. This ambition includes developing the capability to launch satellites using domestically produced rockets.

“By achieving this, Tanzania will gain the ability to monitor its territory and enhance national security, while also improving weather forecasting capabilities,” Dr Bakari emphasised.

The university actively fosters student creativity in science and technology, recognising its importance in the modern world. “As a university, we witness the rapid advancements in technology globally,” Dr Bakari concluded.

“When we identify students with innovative ideas, we support them to develop their talents. Ultimately, we aim for Tanzania to benefit from technologies developed by its own people.”

Source: allafrica.com

Continue Reading