Tanzania Roundup: Tea culture, US wildlife donation, ban on youth gathering

Discovering the essence of tea culture

Tanzanian journalist Gloria Meiseyeki recently immersed herself in the art of Chinese tea-making during a visit to Laoshan Mountain in Qingdao, China. Through her experience, she discovered that the true value of tea culture lies not just in the tea itself but in the people who cultivate and cherish it, and the rich legacy passed down through generations.

US wildlife donation

The United States government has donated wildlife monitoring and tracking equipment worth TZS 242 million (close to $90,000) to the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute. This contribution aims to enhance wildlife survey systems and provide more reliable data to inform management and policy decisions. The donation is part of the USAID Tuhifadhi Maliasili project, reflecting the U.S.'s commitment to supporting Tanzania in reducing human-wildlife conflict and preserving natural resources for future generations, USAID reports.  “This equipment is an example of USAID’s continued partnership and support of the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute’s vision of becoming a centre of excellence for biodiversity conservation and management within Tanzania and the region,” said USAID/Tanzania Environment Officer Nathan Sage.

Police ban opposition youth gathering

Tanzanian police have prohibited a planned youth gathering organized by the opposition party Chadema, citing concerns over potential violent unrest. The event, which was intended to celebrate International Youth Day, has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition, which has urged President Samia Suluhu Hassan to step in. Awadh Haji, the police chief in charge of operations and training, stated that the police had "clear indications that the gathering's true aim is not to celebrate International Youth Day but to incite and engage in violence." He further added, "Police have decided to ban any internal and public gatherings or demonstrations under the guise of marking Youth Day," warning that such activities could disrupt public order, TRT Africa reports. Despite the official ban, the event is still expected to take place, escalating tensions between the government and the opposition. 

Gang rape case

Tanzanian authorities have arrested four suspects in connection with the gang rape of a young girl, a crime that was filmed and widely circulated online. The victim is currently receiving support and counselling as the search continues for two additional suspects, News Central Africa reports. “We have arrested four people who planned and committed the violence,” police spokesman David Misime said in a statement.  The incident provoked strong reactions from rights groups, with several individuals also detained for spreading the video or sharing false information. 

President Samia attends Kagame’s inauguration

President Samia Suluhu Hassan was welcomed at Kigali International Airport today to attend the inauguration of Rwandan President-elect Paul Kagame. The event at Amahoro Stadium is expected to be attended by over 40,000 people, including more than 23 Heads of State from across the continent, Daily News reports. Among those in attendance are Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, South Sudan’s Salva Kiir Mayardit, and Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo. Other notable leaders include King Mswati III of Eswatini and Gabon’s Transitional President General Brice Oligui Nguema.