Tanzanian opposition leader Freedom Mbowe appeared in court on Friday on terrorism charges that his supporters have denounced as a politically-motivated move to silence dissent.

It was the first time Mbowe was seen in public since his arrest along with other members of his Chadema party on July 21, just hours before they were to hold a public forum on constitutional reform.

Mbowe, 59, flashed the V-for-victory sign as he arrived at the court in Tanzania's economic capital Dar es Salaam, transported in a green van from the prison.

Security was tight to prevent a repeat of a demonstration by his supporters outside the court on Thursday that was broken up by riot police.

But Chadema said 11 members of the party were arrested when they turned up to the court on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tanzania-arrests-opposition-protesters-as-court-hearing-postponed-403141">Also read |&nbsp;Tanzania arrests opposition protesters as court hearing postponed</a>

Mbowe has been charged with terrorism financing and conspiracy in a case that has triggered concern among rights groups and Western nations about the state of democracy under Tanzania's new President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

The case against him was adjourned until August 13.

Mbowe had initially been due to appear in court via video link from prison on Thursday but the case was postponed to Friday because of connection problems, his&nbsp;defence lawyer Peter Kibatala said.

Kibatala said Thursday the charges against Mbowe "have no basis in law", describing them as "opportunistic and probably politically motivated."

Mbowe's arrest came four months after Hassan took office following the sudden death of her predecessor John Magufuli.

There had been hopes Hassan would usher in&nbsp;change from the autocratic rule of Magufuli, nicknamed the "Bulldozer" for his uncompromising style.

But Chadema leaders say the arrest of Mbowe and his colleagues reflect a deepening slide into "dictatorship" under Hassan.

Tanzanian opposition leader Freedom Mbowe appeared in court on Friday on terrorism charges that his supporters have denounced as a politically-motivated move to silence dissent.

Tanzanian opposition leader Freedom Mbowe appeared in court on Friday on terrorism charges that his supporters have denounced as a politically-motivated move to silence dissent. It was the first time Mbowe was seen in public since his arrest along with other members of his Chadema party on July 21, just hours before they were to hold a public forum on constitutional reform. Mbowe, 59, flashed the V-for-victory sign as he arrived at the court in Tanzania's economic capital Dar es Salaam, transported in a green van from the prison. Security was tight to prevent a repeat of a demonstration by his supporters outside the court on Thursday that was broken up by riot police. But Chadema said 11 members of the party were arrested when they turned up to the court on Friday. Also read | Tanzania arrests opposition protesters as court hearing postponed Mbowe has been charged with terrorism financing and conspiracy in a case that has triggered concern among rights groups and Western nations about the state of democracy under Tanzania's new President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The case against him was adjourned until August 13. Mbowe had initially been due to appear in court via video link from prison on Thursday but the case was postponed to Friday because of connection problems, his defence lawyer Peter Kibatala said. Kibatala said Thursday the charges against Mbowe "have no basis in law", describing them as "opportunistic and probably politically motivated." Mbowe's arrest came four months after Hassan took office following the sudden death of her predecessor John Magufuli. There had been hopes Hassan would usher in change from the autocratic rule of Magufuli, nicknamed the "Bulldozer" for his uncompromising style. But Chadema leaders say the arrest of Mbowe and his colleagues reflect a deepening slide into "dictatorship" under Hassan.

Tanzania opposition leader in court on terrorism charges

Tanzanian riot police detained a number of protesting supporters of arrested&nbsp;opposition&nbsp;leader Freedom Mbowe on Thursday, as a terrorism case against him was&nbsp;postponed.

Mbowe and other officials from the main&nbsp;opposition&nbsp;party Chadema were arrested last month ahead of a planned conference to demand constitutional reform.

The 59-year-old has been charged with terrorism financing and conspiracy in a case that has triggered concern among rights groups and some Western nations about rights and freedoms under&nbsp;Tanzania's new leader.

Mbowe had been due to appear in&nbsp;court&nbsp;in the financial capital Dar es Salaam on Thursday via a video link from his prison but the case was&nbsp;postponed&nbsp;to Friday because of connection problems, his&nbsp;defence lawyer Peter Kibatala said.&nbsp;

Chadema supporters waving placards saying "Mbowe is not a terrorist" and "Free Freeman Mbowe" gathered outside the&nbsp;court.

Police responded by arresting&nbsp;protesters, the party said on Twitter. Images from the scene showed helmeted police bundling people into a pickup truck and taking them away.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leader-of-tanzanias-main-opposition-party-arrested-399435">Also read |&nbsp;Leader of Tanzania's main opposition party arrested</a>

It was not immediately clear how many were detained.

Chadema also said police had raided its regional office in the capital Dodoma on Wednesday night and assaulted a guard before making off with documents.&nbsp;

The party's secretary general John Mnyika urged supporters to turn up at the&nbsp;court&nbsp;again on Friday. "Going to&nbsp;court&nbsp;is not a criminal offence," he said on Twitter.

Mbowe's arrest came four months after&nbsp;Tanzania's first female president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, took office following the sudden death of her predecessor, John Magufuli.

There had been hopes that Hassan would usher in&nbsp;change from the autocratic rule of her predecessor, nicknamed the "Bulldozer" for his uncompromising style.

Prosecutors say the terrorism charges against Mbowe do not relate to the constitional reform forum Chadema had planned to hold in the northwestern city of Mwanza last month, but to alleged offences last year in another part of&nbsp;Tanzania.&nbsp;

Amnesty International has joined the calls for his release, saying the government must substantiate the charges against him.

"Since President Samia Suluhu Hassan's inauguration, the Tanzanian government has taken some encouraging steps towards allowing greater freedom of expression and association in the country," Amnesty said in a statement on Wednesday.

"This case is a concerning development that casts doubt on whether that progress will continue or whether repression will once again be the order of the day."

Tanzanian riot police detained a number of protesting supporters of arrested opposition leader Freedom Mbowe on Thursday, as a terrorism case against him was postponed.

Tanzanian riot police detained a number of protesting supporters of arrested opposition leader Freedom Mbowe on Thursday, as a terrorism case against him was postponed. Mbowe and other officials from the main opposition party Chadema were arrested last month ahead of a planned conference to demand constitutional reform. The 59-year-old has been charged with terrorism financing and conspiracy in a case that has triggered concern among rights groups and some Western nations about rights and freedoms under Tanzania's new leader. Mbowe had been due to appear in court in the financial capital Dar es Salaam on Thursday via a video link from his prison but the case was postponed to Friday because of connection problems, his defence lawyer Peter Kibatala said. Chadema supporters waving placards saying "Mbowe is not a terrorist" and "Free Freeman Mbowe" gathered outside the court. Police responded by arresting protesters, the party said on Twitter. Images from the scene showed helmeted police bundling people into a pickup truck and taking them away. Also read | Leader of Tanzania's main opposition party arrested It was not immediately clear how many were detained. Chadema also said police had raided its regional office in the capital Dodoma on Wednesday night and assaulted a guard before making off with documents. The party's secretary general John Mnyika urged supporters to turn up at the court again on Friday. "Going to court is not a criminal offence," he said on Twitter. Mbowe's arrest came four months after Tanzania's first female president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, took office following the sudden death of her predecessor, John Magufuli. There had been hopes that Hassan would usher in change from the autocratic rule of her predecessor, nicknamed the "Bulldozer" for his uncompromising style. Prosecutors say the terrorism charges against Mbowe do not relate to the constitional reform forum Chadema had planned to hold in the northwestern city of Mwanza last month, but to alleged offences last year in another part of Tanzania. Amnesty International has joined the calls for his release, saying the government must substantiate the charges against him. "Since President Samia Suluhu Hassan's inauguration, the Tanzanian government has taken some encouraging steps towards allowing greater freedom of expression and association in the country," Amnesty said in a statement on Wednesday. "This case is a concerning development that casts doubt on whether that progress will continue or whether repression will once again be the order of the day."

Tanzania arrests opposition protesters as court hearing postponed

The head of Tanzania's main opposition party was arrested Wednesday ahead of a planned forum to demand constitutional reform, a move denounced as a throwback to the oppressive rule of the country's late leader. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Chadema chairman Freeman Mbowe and 10 other members were rounded up in the dead of night in the northwestern port city of Mwanza, but Mbowe's whereabouts are unknown, the party said on Twitter.

"We condemn the repression of the rights of Tanzanians with the strongest force. These are signs that the dictatorship that existed during the rule of president John Magufuli continues," the party charged.

The arrests come four months after Tanzania's first female President Samia Suluhu Hassan took office in March following the sudden death of Magufuli.

There have been high hopes that Hassan would usher in a change from the autocratic rule of her predecessor, who was nicknamed the "Bulldozer" for his uncompromising leadership style.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tanzania-to-spend-470-million-on-vaccines-coronavirus-damaged-economy-394589">Also read |&nbsp;Tanzania to spend $470 million on vaccines, coronavirus-damaged economy</a>

"Freeman Mbowe was accosted by an army of police officers in his hotel when he arrived at 02:30 am and was arrested together with other leaders," Chadema said on Twitter.

While the other Chadema members were taken to Mwanza police station, there was no information about Mbowe's fate.

"We want the police to come out and say where the chairman is and why he was arrested," the party said.

About 200 heavily armed police were surrounding the site in Mwanza where the Chadema forum was to have taken place, witnesses told AFP by telephone.

'Cannot continue with old order'

The arrests took place after Mbowe vowed to go ahead with a meeting on constitutional reforms despite Mwanza provincial authorities banning public gatherings to contain the spread of coronavirus in the East African country.

"We cannot continue with the old order," Mbowe said in a video published on Twitter on Monday, dressed in a red shirt and beret.

"We have the right to meet but are arrested, beaten, accused and taken to court for two to three years and then freed.&nbsp;

"If they want to arrest all members of the Chadema party, let them first expand the jails because we are all ready to be arrested and will not request bail."

In April, Hassan had reached out to the opposition and vowed to defend democracy and basic freedoms in Tanzania, which was once seen as a haven of stability and democracy in an otherwise volatile region but saw a slide into autocratic rule under her predecessor.

At least 150 opposition leaders, according to the United Nations, were detained after denouncing what they said was massive fraud in an October 2020 election that returned Magufuli and Hassan to power for a second term.

Among them was Mbowe and Tundu Lissu, who was Chadema's candidate in the October election but took refuge in Belgium after losing to Magufuli.

"Calling for political reforms is no breach of any law," Lissu said on Twitter Wednesday. "I urge Tanzania's dev't partners to stop subsidising the CCM dictatorship &amp; to support democracy."

The parliamentary vote run at the same time saw Magufuli's Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party win almost all seats, including those in traditional opposition strongholds in both Tanzania and the semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar.

Mbowe himself, who has been arrested several times over the past decade, lost a seat he had held for 20 years.

The deeply Covid-sceptic Magufuli died in March of what the authorities said was a heart condition but his political opponents insisted he had coronavirus.

The head of Tanzania's main opposition party was arrested Wednesday ahead of a planned forum to demand constitutional reform, a move denounced as a throwback to the oppressive rule of the country's late leader.

The head of Tanzania's main opposition party was arrested Wednesday ahead of a planned forum to demand constitutional reform, a move denounced as a throwback to the oppressive rule of the country's late leader. Chadema chairman Freeman Mbowe and 10 other members were rounded up in the dead of night in the northwestern port city of Mwanza, but Mbowe's whereabouts are unknown, the party said on Twitter. "We condemn the repression of the rights of Tanzanians with the strongest force. These are signs that the dictatorship that existed during the rule of president John Magufuli continues," the party charged. The arrests come four months after Tanzania's first female President Samia Suluhu Hassan took office in March following the sudden death of Magufuli. There have been high hopes that Hassan would usher in a change from the autocratic rule of her predecessor, who was nicknamed the "Bulldozer" for his uncompromising leadership style. Also read | Tanzania to spend $470 million on vaccines, coronavirus-damaged economy "Freeman Mbowe was accosted by an army of police officers in his hotel when he arrived at 02:30 am and was arrested together with other leaders," Chadema said on Twitter. While the other Chadema members were taken to Mwanza police station, there was no information about Mbowe's fate. "We want the police to come out and say where the chairman is and why he was arrested," the party said. About 200 heavily armed police were surrounding the site in Mwanza where the Chadema forum was to have taken place, witnesses told AFP by telephone. 'Cannot continue with old order' The arrests took place after Mbowe vowed to go ahead with a meeting on constitutional reforms despite Mwanza provincial authorities banning public gatherings to contain the spread of coronavirus in the East African country. "We cannot continue with the old order," Mbowe said in a video published on Twitter on Monday, dressed in a red shirt and beret. "We have the right to meet but are arrested, beaten, accused and taken to court for two to three years and then freed. "If they want to arrest all members of the Chadema party, let them first expand the jails because we are all ready to be arrested and will not request bail." In April, Hassan had reached out to the opposition and vowed to defend democracy and basic freedoms in Tanzania, which was once seen as a haven of stability and democracy in an otherwise volatile region but saw a slide into autocratic rule under her predecessor. At least 150 opposition leaders, according to the United Nations, were detained after denouncing what they said was massive fraud in an October 2020 election that returned Magufuli and Hassan to power for a second term. Among them was Mbowe and Tundu Lissu, who was Chadema's candidate in the October election but took refuge in Belgium after losing to Magufuli. "Calling for political reforms is no breach of any law," Lissu said on Twitter Wednesday. "I urge Tanzania's dev't partners to stop subsidising the CCM dictatorship & to support democracy." The parliamentary vote run at the same time saw Magufuli's Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party win almost all seats, including those in traditional opposition strongholds in both Tanzania and the semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar. Mbowe himself, who has been arrested several times over the past decade, lost a seat he had held for 20 years. The deeply Covid-sceptic Magufuli died in March of what the authorities said was a heart condition but his political opponents insisted he had coronavirus.

Leader of Tanzania's main opposition party arrested

Tanzania will spend $470 million buying vaccines and supporting economic sectors hit hard by the coronavirus, President Samia Suluhu Hassan said on Monday. 
 
Since Hassan took office after the death of then-president John Magufuli in March, the government has changed tack from playing down the pandemic to calling for social distancing and emphasising mask wearing in public. 
 
Issuing the first data on infections since May 2020, Hassan said there were more than 100 COVID-19 patients in Tanzania as of last Saturday, with 70 of them being provided oxygen. 
 
Half of the cash will be spent on vaccines, protective gear and other medical equipment, Hassan said, with the rest going to stimulate sectors that are reeling from the crisis. 
 
She did not give details about the sectors but tourism, one of the top foreign exchange earners, has been one of the worst hit. 
 
"There are many organisations which are ready to support us," she told Tanzanian news editors. 
 
There is currently no coronavirus vaccination programme in Tanzania, but the country has applied to join the World Health Organization-backed COVAX vaccine-sharing project. 
 
The government is working with healthcare partners to develop a plan to distribute vaccines. 
 
"Any Tanzanian who wants to be inoculated will be inoculated," Hassan said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Tanzania will spend $470 million buying vaccines and supporting economic sectors hit hard by the coronavirus, President Samia Suluhu Hassan said on Monday. Since Hassan took office after the death of then-president John Magufuli in March, the government has changed tack from playing down the pandemic to calling for social distancing and emphasising mask wearing in public.

Tanzania will spend $470 million buying vaccines and supporting economic sectors hit hard by the coronavirus, President Samia Suluhu Hassan said on Monday. Since Hassan took office after the death of then-president John Magufuli in March, the government has changed tack from playing down the pandemic to calling for social distancing and emphasising mask wearing in public. Issuing the first data on infections since May 2020, Hassan said there were more than 100 COVID-19 patients in Tanzania as of last Saturday, with 70 of them being provided oxygen. Half of the cash will be spent on vaccines, protective gear and other medical equipment, Hassan said, with the rest going to stimulate sectors that are reeling from the crisis. She did not give details about the sectors but tourism, one of the top foreign exchange earners, has been one of the worst hit. "There are many organisations which are ready to support us," she told Tanzanian news editors. There is currently no coronavirus vaccination programme in Tanzania, but the country has applied to join the World Health Organization-backed COVAX vaccine-sharing project. The government is working with healthcare partners to develop a plan to distribute vaccines. "Any Tanzanian who wants to be inoculated will be inoculated," Hassan said. (With inputs from agencies)

Tanzania to spend $470 million on vaccines, coronavirus-damaged economy

Women lawmakers in Tanzania have called for an apology to a Member of Parliament who was told to leave the National Assembly because of her tight-fitting trousers.

Condester Sichwale, a female Tanzanian lawmaker, was expelled from parliament on Tuesday for wearing "strange" clothing.

Following a protest about her dress from another legislator, Hussein Amar, she was thrown out by Job Ndugai, the speaker of the house.

"Go dress up well, and...Join us back later," the Speaker Job Ndugai told Condester Sichwale.

Ndugai said this after a male MP said, "Some of our sisters are wearing strange clothes...What are they showing to the society?"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
📌 KICKED OUT 
 
🔴 Tanzanian MP Condester Michael Sichlwe caused a stir in parliament in Dodoma today 'by wearing black tight-fitting trousers, and yellow top'. 
 
Speaker of Parliament Job Ndugai threw her out for wearing 'non-parliamentary attire'. 
 
📷 <a href="https://twitter.com/Hakingowi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Hakingowi</a> <a href="https://t.co/n8vxabWLQV">pic.twitter.com/n8vxabWLQV</a>
— Louis Jadwong (@Jadwong) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jadwong/status/1399721687025950724?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Hussein Amar argued that the parliament was a reflection of society, citing a portion of the parliament's rules forbidding female legislators from wearing tight jeans.

Speaker Job Ndugai said that this was not the first time he had received a complaint regarding the clothing of female Members of Parliament, and instructed chamber orderlies to refuse access to anyone who was dressed inappropriately.

(With inputs from agencies)

Women lawmakers in Tanzania have called for an apology to a Member of Parliament who was told to leave the National Assembly because of her tight-fitting trousers.

Women lawmakers in Tanzania have called for an apology to a Member of Parliament who was told to leave the National Assembly because of her tight-fitting trousers. Condester Sichwale, a female Tanzanian lawmaker, was expelled from parliament on Tuesday for wearing "strange" clothing. Following a protest about her dress from another legislator, Hussein Amar, she was thrown out by Job Ndugai, the speaker of the house. "Go dress up well, and...Join us back later," the Speaker Job Ndugai told Condester Sichwale. Ndugai said this after a male MP said, "Some of our sisters are wearing strange clothes...What are they showing to the society?" 📌 KICKED OUT 🔴 Tanzanian MP Condester Michael Sichlwe caused a stir in parliament in Dodoma today 'by wearing black tight-fitting trousers, and yellow top'. Speaker of Parliament Job Ndugai threw her out for wearing 'non-parliamentary attire'. 📷 @Hakingowi pic.twitter.com/n8vxabWLQV — Louis Jadwong (@Jadwong) June 1, 2021 × Hussein Amar argued that the parliament was a reflection of society, citing a portion of the parliament's rules forbidding female legislators from wearing tight jeans. Speaker Job Ndugai said that this was not the first time he had received a complaint regarding the clothing of female Members of Parliament, and instructed chamber orderlies to refuse access to anyone who was dressed inappropriately. (With inputs from agencies)

'Go dress up well': Female MP removed from Tanzania Parliament for wearing tight pants

A Tanzanian man and woman arrived in Chennai on Qatar Airways flight 528 from Johannesburg via Doha, as they did not find a direct flight to Bengaluru. &nbsp;

The woman was travelling to India for treatment in Bengaluru and was accompanied by her male attendant, on a visa that was granted based on communication from the Bengaluru hospital.&nbsp;

Air Customs officials at the Chennai International Airport who maintained a high vigil, based on Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) information regarding narcotics smuggling from African countries, intercepted the duo.&nbsp;

Senior officials said that the duo appeared nervous and gave evasive replies on being questioned, following which their baggage was examined.&nbsp;

According to officials, even when the clothes and personal belongings were emptied, the empty suitcases were noticed to be very heavy. That's when the suitcases were examined thoroughly and plastic packets were found concealed beneath the trolley rods, pasted neatly to the shell of the suitcase. In this case, they had smeared some spicy powders to also hoodwink the dog squads and make it all the more difficult to detect.

Five plastic packets were recovered from each trolley suitcase. On testing, 15.6 kg of white coarse powder suspected to be Heroin valued at INR 100 crores was recovered and seized under The NDPS Act 1985, read with Customs Act.&nbsp;

A Tanzanian man and woman arrived in Chennai on Qatar Airways flight 528 from Johannesburg via Doha, as they did not find a direct flight to Bengaluru. The woman was travelling to India for treatment in Bengaluru and was accompanied by her male attendant, on a visa that was granted based on communication from the Bengaluru hospital.

A Tanzanian man and woman arrived in Chennai on Qatar Airways flight 528 from Johannesburg via Doha, as they did not find a direct flight to Bengaluru. The woman was travelling to India for treatment in Bengaluru and was accompanied by her male attendant, on a visa that was granted based on communication from the Bengaluru hospital. Air Customs officials at the Chennai International Airport who maintained a high vigil, based on Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) information regarding narcotics smuggling from African countries, intercepted the duo. Senior officials said that the duo appeared nervous and gave evasive replies on being questioned, following which their baggage was examined. According to officials, even when the clothes and personal belongings were emptied, the empty suitcases were noticed to be very heavy. That's when the suitcases were examined thoroughly and plastic packets were found concealed beneath the trolley rods, pasted neatly to the shell of the suitcase. In this case, they had smeared some spicy powders to also hoodwink the dog squads and make it all the more difficult to detect. Five plastic packets were recovered from each trolley suitcase. On testing, 15.6 kg of white coarse powder suspected to be Heroin valued at INR 100 crores was recovered and seized under The NDPS Act 1985, read with Customs Act.

Two Tanzanian nationals arrested for smuggling in Heroin worth INR 100cr

The governments in Kampala and Dodoma joined oil companies Total of France and CNOOC of China in signing a series of accords Sunday that pave the way for the construction of a pipeline to carry crude from Uganda to a Tanzanian port on the Indian Ocean, official sources said.

The $3.5 billion (3 billion euros) project led by Total and CNOOC provides for the management of oilfields in the Lake Albert region in Uganda's west and proposes pumping the crude to the coast across Tanzania via the East African Crude Oil Pipe Line (EACOP).

The discovery of the crude reserves in 2006 sparked hopes in Uganda that the country could become an oil Eldorado, but drilling and pipeline projects failed in the face of commercial and tax disputes.

A joint press release says the agreements signed on Sunday by Uganda president Yoweri Museveni and his Tanzanian counterpart Samia Suluhu Hassan mean "all outstanding issues related to the EACOP Project have been amicably resolved".&nbsp;

It also stipulated that a shareholding agreement had been reached and that companies could now award construction contracts.

Beneath the waters and on the banks of Lake Albert, a 160 kilometre natural border separating Uganda from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, lie some 6.5 billion barrels of crude, of which about 1.4 billion barrels are currently accessible.&nbsp;

The Uganda reserves could last 25 to 30 years with a peak production of 230,000 barrels per day. 
The EACOP is a heated pipeline stretching 1,400 kilometres (900 miles), including a 300 km (180 mile) stretch within Uganda, that will carry the crude to the Tanzanian port of Tanga.

On March 1, more than 250 local and international organisations addressed major banks in a letter calling upon them to refrain from financing "the longest heated crude oil pipeline in the world".

The letter cites "extensively documented risks" including "impacts to local people through physical displacement ... risks to water, biodiversity and natural habitats; as well as unlocking a new source of carbon emissions".

The governments in Kampala and Dodoma joined oil companies Total of France and CNOOC of China in signing a series of accords Sunday that pave the way for the construction of a pipeline to carry crude from Uganda to a Tanzanian port on the Indian Ocean, official sources said.

The governments in Kampala and Dodoma joined oil companies Total of France and CNOOC of China in signing a series of accords Sunday that pave the way for the construction of a pipeline to carry crude from Uganda to a Tanzanian port on the Indian Ocean, official sources said. The $3.5 billion (3 billion euros) project led by Total and CNOOC provides for the management of oilfields in the Lake Albert region in Uganda's west and proposes pumping the crude to the coast across Tanzania via the East African Crude Oil Pipe Line (EACOP). The discovery of the crude reserves in 2006 sparked hopes in Uganda that the country could become an oil Eldorado, but drilling and pipeline projects failed in the face of commercial and tax disputes. A joint press release says the agreements signed on Sunday by Uganda president Yoweri Museveni and his Tanzanian counterpart Samia Suluhu Hassan mean "all outstanding issues related to the EACOP Project have been amicably resolved". It also stipulated that a shareholding agreement had been reached and that companies could now award construction contracts. Beneath the waters and on the banks of Lake Albert, a 160 kilometre natural border separating Uganda from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, lie some 6.5 billion barrels of crude, of which about 1.4 billion barrels are currently accessible. The Uganda reserves could last 25 to 30 years with a peak production of 230,000 barrels per day. The EACOP is a heated pipeline stretching 1,400 kilometres (900 miles), including a 300 km (180 mile) stretch within Uganda, that will carry the crude to the Tanzanian port of Tanga. On March 1, more than 250 local and international organisations addressed major banks in a letter calling upon them to refrain from financing "the longest heated crude oil pipeline in the world". The letter cites "extensively documented risks" including "impacts to local people through physical displacement ... risks to water, biodiversity and natural habitats; as well as unlocking a new source of carbon emissions".

Uganda, Tanzania, oil giants open way for pipeline construction

The 61-year-old leader Samia Suluhu Hassan made history on Friday when she was sworn in as Tanzania’s first female president at State House.

WION Dispatch: Samia Hassan sets history as Tanzania's first female President

Tanzania’s Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in as president on Friday, becoming the first female head of state in the east African country following the death of president John Magufuli.

Hassan, 61, was sworn in at State House in the country’s commercial capital Dar es Salaam. She assumes the presidency following Wednesday’s announcement of the death of Magufuli, after a more than a two-week absence from public life that drew speculation about his health.

In a statement, the presidency said Hassan would address the nation after being sworn in and would also hold a cabinet meeting.

The absence of Magufuli, Africa’s most vehement COVID-19 sceptic, since Feb. 27 had fuelled speculation about his health and sparked rumours he had contracted the disease, although officials had denied he was ill. Hassan said he had died of heart disease.

Described as a soft-spoken consensus-builder, Hassan will also be the country’s first president born in Zanzibar, the archipelago that forms part of the union of the Republic of Tanzania.

Her leadership style is seen as a potential contrast from Magufuli, a brash populist who earned the nickname ‘Bulldozer’ for muscling through policies and who drew criticism for his intolerance of dissent, which his government denied.

Tanzania’s Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in as president on Friday, becoming the first female head of state in the east African country following the death of president John Magufuli.

Tanzania’s Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in as president on Friday, becoming the first female head of state in the east African country following the death of president John Magufuli. Hassan, 61, was sworn in at State House in the country’s commercial capital Dar es Salaam. She assumes the presidency following Wednesday’s announcement of the death of Magufuli, after a more than a two-week absence from public life that drew speculation about his health. In a statement, the presidency said Hassan would address the nation after being sworn in and would also hold a cabinet meeting. The absence of Magufuli, Africa’s most vehement COVID-19 sceptic, since Feb. 27 had fuelled speculation about his health and sparked rumours he had contracted the disease, although officials had denied he was ill. Hassan said he had died of heart disease. Described as a soft-spoken consensus-builder, Hassan will also be the country’s first president born in Zanzibar, the archipelago that forms part of the union of the Republic of Tanzania. Her leadership style is seen as a potential contrast from Magufuli, a brash populist who earned the nickname ‘Bulldozer’ for muscling through policies and who drew criticism for his intolerance of dissent, which his government denied.

Tanzania swears in Samia Suluhu Hassan as first female president

Tanzania's President John Magufuli has passed away at the age of 61 following heart illness. Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced the leader's demise on Wednesday.

WION Dispatch: Tanzania's 'Bulldozer President' dies at 61

The President of Tanzania is missing. John Magufuli hasn't been seen in public for the last 18 days. An opposition leader claims he is being treated in India for the Wuhan Virus. How true is this claim? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: The curious case of a missing President

Tanzanian President John Magufuli has not appeared in public since the last 17 days and rumours have spread that he is ill. Countries opposition is seeking answers on his health.

Your Story: Mystery of Tanzania's missing President deepens

The head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Sunday appealed to Tanzania to share information on its measures to combat the coronavirus pandemic, saying the authorities there had repeatedly ignored his requests.

President John Magufuli's sceptical approach towards COVID-19 has caused alarm among WHO officials. He has claimed coronavirus has been has fended off by prayer in Tanzania, and has refused to take tough measures to curb its spread.&nbsp;

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Sunday that Tanzanians testing positive for COVID-19 abroad underscored "the need for Tanzania to take robust action both to safeguard their own people and protect populations in these countries and beyond."

Tedros said he had urged Tanzania in late January to take measures against the pandemic and to prepare for vaccinations.

"Since then I have spoken with several authorities in Tanzania but WHO is yet to receive any information regarding what measures Tanzania is taking to respond to the pandemic.

In a statement later on Sunday, Magufuli`s office said the president wanted Tanzanians to follow measures to protect themselves against coronavirus. However, it also said that: "Magufuli wants Tanzanians to ... trust and put God first, given that wearing masks, social distancing and lockdowns have been seen to be insufficient as countries that implemented them have lost thousands compared to Tanzania."

Magufuli said Tanzanians should wear only use locally-made face masks, saying foreign-made ones may be unsafe.

At the same time, Magufuli revealed he had secretly had a variety of items tested for the virus -- of which a papaya, a quail and a goat apparently tested positive.

On Wednesday, the vice president of semi-autonomous Zanzibar, Seif Sharif Hamad, died after his opposition party admitted he had contracted coronavirus.

The head of the civil service, John Kijazi, also died Wednesday.&nbsp;

The cause of death has not been revealed. But Magufuli brought up Covid-19 at his funeral.

"When this respiratory disease erupted last year, we won because we put God first and took other measures. I'm sure we will win again if we do so this time around," he said.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

The head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Sunday appealed to Tanzania to share information on its measures to combat the coronavirus pandemic, saying the authorities there had repeatedly ignored his requests.

The head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Sunday appealed to Tanzania to share information on its measures to combat the coronavirus pandemic, saying the authorities there had repeatedly ignored his requests. President John Magufuli's sceptical approach towards COVID-19 has caused alarm among WHO officials. He has claimed coronavirus has been has fended off by prayer in Tanzania, and has refused to take tough measures to curb its spread. WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Sunday that Tanzanians testing positive for COVID-19 abroad underscored "the need for Tanzania to take robust action both to safeguard their own people and protect populations in these countries and beyond." Tedros said he had urged Tanzania in late January to take measures against the pandemic and to prepare for vaccinations. "Since then I have spoken with several authorities in Tanzania but WHO is yet to receive any information regarding what measures Tanzania is taking to respond to the pandemic. In a statement later on Sunday, Magufuli`s office said the president wanted Tanzanians to follow measures to protect themselves against coronavirus. However, it also said that: "Magufuli wants Tanzanians to ... trust and put God first, given that wearing masks, social distancing and lockdowns have been seen to be insufficient as countries that implemented them have lost thousands compared to Tanzania." Magufuli said Tanzanians should wear only use locally-made face masks, saying foreign-made ones may be unsafe. At the same time, Magufuli revealed he had secretly had a variety of items tested for the virus -- of which a papaya, a quail and a goat apparently tested positive. On Wednesday, the vice president of semi-autonomous Zanzibar, Seif Sharif Hamad, died after his opposition party admitted he had contracted coronavirus. The head of the civil service, John Kijazi, also died Wednesday. The cause of death has not been revealed. But Magufuli brought up Covid-19 at his funeral. "When this respiratory disease erupted last year, we won because we put God first and took other measures. I'm sure we will win again if we do so this time around," he said. (with inputs from agencies)

WHO says wants more details from Tanzania on its Covid response

The head of the World Health Organization on Sunday appealed to Tanzania to take "robust action" to combat Covid-19 in the country, where the president has long played down the virus.

President John Magufuli has claimed coronavirus has been has fended off by prayer in Tanzania and refused to take measures to curb its spread.&nbsp;

But a recent spate of deaths attributed to pneumonia has struck both members of the public and government officials.

And Magufuli on Friday appeared to admit the coronavirus was circulating in his country after months of denial.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/south-african-covid-19-strain-detected-in-4-returnees-centre-364086">South African Covid-19 strain detected in 4 returnees: Centre</a>

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said a number of Tanzanians travelling to neighbouring countries and beyond have tested positive for the coronavirus.

"This underscores the need for Tanzania to take robust action both to safeguard their own people and protect populations in these countries and beyond," he said in a statement.

Tedros said he had urged Tanzania in late January to take measures against the pandemic and to prepare for vaccinations.

"Since then I have spoken with several authorities in Tanzania but WHO is yet to receive any information regarding what measures Tanzania is taking to respond to the pandemic.

Papaya, quail and goat

"This situation remains very concerning. I renew my call for Tanzania to start reporting COVID-19 cases and share data.

"I also call on Tanzania to implement the public health measures that we know work in breaking the chains of transmission, and to prepare for vaccination."

The country last gave case figures in April 2020, reporting 509 infections.

At the same time, Magufuli revealed he had secretly had a variety of items tested for the virus — of which papaya, a quail and a goat apparently tested positive.

On Wednesday, the vice president of semi-autonomous Zanzibar, Seif Sharif Hamad, died after his opposition party admitted he had contracted coronavirus.

The head of the civil service, John Kijazi, also died Wednesday.&nbsp;

The cause of death has not been revealed. But Magufuli brought up Covid-19 at his funeral.

"When this respiratory disease erupted last year, we won because we put God first and took other measures. I'm sure we will win again if we do so this time around," he said.&nbsp;

However, dissent is mounting within the country to the government's position on the pandemic.

On Saturday, the Tanzania Law Society became the first professional body to call on the government to openly recognise the virus and take adequate measures.

The head of the World Health Organization on Sunday appealed to Tanzania to take "robust action" to combat Covid-19 in the country, where the president has long played down the virus.

The head of the World Health Organization on Sunday appealed to Tanzania to take "robust action" to combat Covid-19 in the country, where the president has long played down the virus. President John Magufuli has claimed coronavirus has been has fended off by prayer in Tanzania and refused to take measures to curb its spread. But a recent spate of deaths attributed to pneumonia has struck both members of the public and government officials. And Magufuli on Friday appeared to admit the coronavirus was circulating in his country after months of denial. Also read| South African Covid-19 strain detected in 4 returnees: Centre WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said a number of Tanzanians travelling to neighbouring countries and beyond have tested positive for the coronavirus. "This underscores the need for Tanzania to take robust action both to safeguard their own people and protect populations in these countries and beyond," he said in a statement. Tedros said he had urged Tanzania in late January to take measures against the pandemic and to prepare for vaccinations. "Since then I have spoken with several authorities in Tanzania but WHO is yet to receive any information regarding what measures Tanzania is taking to respond to the pandemic. Papaya, quail and goat "This situation remains very concerning. I renew my call for Tanzania to start reporting COVID-19 cases and share data. "I also call on Tanzania to implement the public health measures that we know work in breaking the chains of transmission, and to prepare for vaccination." The country last gave case figures in April 2020, reporting 509 infections. At the same time, Magufuli revealed he had secretly had a variety of items tested for the virus — of which papaya, a quail and a goat apparently tested positive. On Wednesday, the vice president of semi-autonomous Zanzibar, Seif Sharif Hamad, died after his opposition party admitted he had contracted coronavirus. The head of the civil service, John Kijazi, also died Wednesday. The cause of death has not been revealed. But Magufuli brought up Covid-19 at his funeral. "When this respiratory disease erupted last year, we won because we put God first and took other measures. I'm sure we will win again if we do so this time around," he said. However, dissent is mounting within the country to the government's position on the pandemic. On Saturday, the Tanzania Law Society became the first professional body to call on the government to openly recognise the virus and take adequate measures.

WHO chief calls on Tanzania to combat COVID-19

Tanzanian police have said that about 300 jihadists launched a cross-border attack from Mozambique last week, confirming an earlier claim by the Islamic State group.&nbsp;

"It's true that about 300 terrorists from Mozambique attacked our station at Kitaya in (southern) Mtwara last week and killed some people," said police chief Simon Sirro in a videotaped press conference viewed by AFP Thursday.

Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP), affiliated with the Islamic State group, last week claimed it had mounted an attack in Mtwara, near the Mozambican border, on October 14.

The group has carried out a wave of attacks in Mozambique since 2017, killing more than 1,500 people and displacing 250,000, according to conflict data provider ACLED.&nbsp;

Tanzania is set to hold a presidential election on October 28.

Tanzanian police have said that about 300 jihadists launched a cross-border attack from Mozambique last week, confirming an earlier claim by the Islamic State group.

Tanzanian police have said that about 300 jihadists launched a cross-border attack from Mozambique last week, confirming an earlier claim by the Islamic State group. "It's true that about 300 terrorists from Mozambique attacked our station at Kitaya in (southern) Mtwara last week and killed some people," said police chief Simon Sirro in a videotaped press conference viewed by AFP Thursday. Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP), affiliated with the Islamic State group, last week claimed it had mounted an attack in Mtwara, near the Mozambican border, on October 14. The group has carried out a wave of attacks in Mozambique since 2017, killing more than 1,500 people and displacing 250,000, according to conflict data provider ACLED. Tanzania is set to hold a presidential election on October 28.

Tanzania hit by recent IS attack near Mozambique border: police

10 countries projected to have the largest populations by 2100

Three precious stones have changed the fortunes of a Tanzanian man. He went from being a small-scale miner to a multi-millionaire. That too, overnight. WION's Palki Sharma brings you the story of Tanzania's newest millionaire.

Gravitas: Tanzania's overnight millionaire

Saniniu Laizer threw a big party a month ago. Now, he must arrange a second one. Two precious stones -- the size of a rugby ball with a deep bluish tint and silvery bruises made Laizer an overnight millionaire in June.

Now, he has discovered another cake of tanzanite. His satchel is unzipped to pocket millions of dollars yet again.

"I am feeling great and I am feeling so happy because this thing has brought a lot of respect for me and for Tanzania and as the owner I have to thank god because it would not be possible to get this without it being part of his grand design," he says.

In June, Laizer, a small-scale miner, unearthed two tanzanite gemstones at a mine in Manyara. One weighed 9 kilograms, the other about 5 kilograms. He sold both the stones to the government for over 3 million dollars. They are among the biggest rough tanzanite stones ever found.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-tanzanias-overnight-millionaire-318446/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Now, Laizer has sold the third stone, weighing about 6 kilograms to the government for two&nbsp;million dollars. Tanzanite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world. That makes it one of the most valuable too.

The three stones together were valued at over 5 million dollars by the government.

Much lower than the retail value. So, why did Laizer choose to sell them to the government at a cut price?

"We Tanzanians have decided that minerals should first benefit us as a country; it is enough for us being brokers to others and let our minerals go and benefit them while our communities remain poor. For example, in many mining areas business has gone up. Even areas where there was no business, now things have changed."

Tanzanite is only found in a 14 square kilometre strip of land in northern Tanzania. The mineral-rich area is fenced off by a huge wall to keep away smugglers.

Before 2018, 40 per cent of all tanzanite found at the site slipped into illegal trade. Since the wall has come up, smuggling has gone down, government revenue has gone up.

Saniniu Laizer has set an example by not selling the stones to smugglers. In his honour, the government will keep the stones in a museum. 
&nbsp;

Saniniu Laizer threw a big party a month ago. Now, he must arrange a second one. Two precious stones -- the size of a rugby ball with a deep bluish tint and silvery bruises made Laizer an overnight millionaire in June.

Saniniu Laizer threw a big party a month ago. Now, he must arrange a second one. Two precious stones -- the size of a rugby ball with a deep bluish tint and silvery bruises made Laizer an overnight millionaire in June. Now, he has discovered another cake of tanzanite. His satchel is unzipped to pocket millions of dollars yet again. "I am feeling great and I am feeling so happy because this thing has brought a lot of respect for me and for Tanzania and as the owner I have to thank god because it would not be possible to get this without it being part of his grand design," he says. In June, Laizer, a small-scale miner, unearthed two tanzanite gemstones at a mine in Manyara. One weighed 9 kilograms, the other about 5 kilograms. He sold both the stones to the government for over 3 million dollars. They are among the biggest rough tanzanite stones ever found. Now, Laizer has sold the third stone, weighing about 6 kilograms to the government for two million dollars. Tanzanite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world. That makes it one of the most valuable too. The three stones together were valued at over 5 million dollars by the government. Much lower than the retail value. So, why did Laizer choose to sell them to the government at a cut price? "We Tanzanians have decided that minerals should first benefit us as a country; it is enough for us being brokers to others and let our minerals go and benefit them while our communities remain poor. For example, in many mining areas business has gone up. Even areas where there was no business, now things have changed." Tanzanite is only found in a 14 square kilometre strip of land in northern Tanzania. The mineral-rich area is fenced off by a huge wall to keep away smugglers. Before 2018, 40 per cent of all tanzanite found at the site slipped into illegal trade. Since the wall has come up, smuggling has gone down, government revenue has gone up. Saniniu Laizer has set an example by not selling the stones to smugglers. In his honour, the government will keep the stones in a museum.

Tanzania govt to honour accidental mining millionaire by keeping stones in a museum

A miner who had become a millionaire overnight in June just inducted more money into his wallet. Talk about a double victory!

In June, the miner had sold two rough Tanzanite stones&nbsp;valued at $3.4 million. The one he sold recently is valued at $2 million.

Saniniu Laizer’s third discovery of precious gems weighed around 6.3 kgs.

Rare gem

Tanzanite cannot be found elsewhere in the world, and is one of the rarest gemstones on Earth.

Geologists believe that it may disappear over the next 20 years.

The gem dons various hues across the colour spectrum, red, green, purple, and blue.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/small-scale-tanzanian-miner-becomes-millionaire-overnight-308944/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The rarer it is, the higher it will be prized. Essentially, its price depends on how rare it is and how clearly the colour is visible.

Lazier, while referring to his newly found riches urged small-scale miners to work in tandem with the government, claiming it was a good experience for him.

"Selling to the government means there are no shortcuts... they are transparent," he said in a mine in northern Mirerani.

In June, Lazier had sold two stones weighing 9.2 kgs and 5.8 kgs respectively. The man, who has 30 children promised to hold a party in the aftermath of receiving money.

<h6><img alt="Tanzanian small-scale miner Saniniu Kuryan Laizer, 52, poses with the enlarged cheque copy from the government after selling two of the biggest of the country's precious gemstones, Tanzanite, during the ceremony for his historical discovery in Manyara, northern Tanzania, on June 24, 2020. Laizer found the stones weighing 9.27 and 5.1 kilogrammes respectively in the northern Mirerani hills, an area which President John Magufuli had fenced off in 2018 to stop smuggling of the gem. He sold them to the government for 7.7 billion Tanzanian shillings (nearly $3.3 million/2.9 million euros). The broken biggest record of Tanzanite was 3.5 kilogrammes." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3ca8d2cb-e3f1-4121-916b-e4b3a9be9d1b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-2_42.jpg" /> 
Tanzanian small-scale miner Saniniu Kuryan Laizer, 52, poses with the enlarged cheque copy from the government after selling two of the biggest of the country's precious gemstones, Tanzanite, during the ceremony for his historical discovery in Manyara, northern Tanzania, on June 24, 2020. Laizer found the stones weighing 9.27 and 5.1 kilogrammes respectively in the northern Mirerani hills, an area which President John Magufuli had fenced off in 2018 to stop smuggling of the gem. He sold them to the government for 7.7 billion Tanzanian shillings (nearly $3.3 million/2.9 million euros). The broken biggest record of Tanzanite was 3.5 kilogrammes. | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Hard to be a miner

Miners in the region face a lot of setbacks from underemployment, low payments, or irregular payments.

Lazier on Monday claimed that he would use the money to build a school and a hospital in Simanjiro district which falls in the region of northern Manyara.

In conversation with the BBC, Lazier claimed that he would not let his changed fortune change him or his lifestyle.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/small-scale-tanzanian-miner-becomes-millionaire-overnight-308535" hreflang="en">Small-scale Tanzanian miner becomes millionaire overnight</a>

He intends to continue taking care of his 2,000 cows, while adding how he sees no reason to take extra precautions simply because he had more money.

Miners like Lazier seek government licenses to hunt Tanzanite. But illegal mining is prevalent in the country, especially around mines that are owned by big corporations.

President Magufuli had ordered the military to set up a 24 kilometre long perimeter wall around a mining site in Manyara, which is believed to have the world’s only source of Tanzanite.

Owing to this wall, the government reported increase in the revenue, attributing it to the wall’s construction.

A miner who had become a millionaire overnight in June just inducted more money into his wallet. Talk about a double victory! In June, the miner had sold two rough Tanzanite stones valued at $3.

A miner who had become a millionaire overnight in June just inducted more money into his wallet. Talk about a double victory! In June, the miner had sold two rough Tanzanite stones valued at $3.4 million. The one he sold recently is valued at $2 million. Saniniu Laizer’s third discovery of precious gems weighed around 6.3 kgs. Rare gem Tanzanite cannot be found elsewhere in the world, and is one of the rarest gemstones on Earth. Geologists believe that it may disappear over the next 20 years. The gem dons various hues across the colour spectrum, red, green, purple, and blue. The rarer it is, the higher it will be prized. Essentially, its price depends on how rare it is and how clearly the colour is visible. Lazier, while referring to his newly found riches urged small-scale miners to work in tandem with the government, claiming it was a good experience for him. "Selling to the government means there are no shortcuts... they are transparent," he said in a mine in northern Mirerani. In June, Lazier had sold two stones weighing 9.2 kgs and 5.8 kgs respectively. The man, who has 30 children promised to hold a party in the aftermath of receiving money. Tanzanian small-scale miner Saniniu Kuryan Laizer, 52, poses with the enlarged cheque copy from the government after selling two of the biggest of the country's precious gemstones, Tanzanite, during the ceremony for his historical discovery in Manyara, northern Tanzania, on June 24, 2020. Laizer found the stones weighing 9.27 and 5.1 kilogrammes respectively in the northern Mirerani hills, an area which President John Magufuli had fenced off in 2018 to stop smuggling of the gem. He sold them to the government for 7.7 billion Tanzanian shillings (nearly $3.3 million/2.9 million euros). The broken biggest record of Tanzanite was 3.5 kilogrammes. | AFP Hard to be a miner Miners in the region face a lot of setbacks from underemployment, low payments, or irregular payments. Lazier on Monday claimed that he would use the money to build a school and a hospital in Simanjiro district which falls in the region of northern Manyara. In conversation with the BBC, Lazier claimed that he would not let his changed fortune change him or his lifestyle. Also read: Small-scale Tanzanian miner becomes millionaire overnight He intends to continue taking care of his 2,000 cows, while adding how he sees no reason to take extra precautions simply because he had more money. Miners like Lazier seek government licenses to hunt Tanzanite. But illegal mining is prevalent in the country, especially around mines that are owned by big corporations. President Magufuli had ordered the military to set up a 24 kilometre long perimeter wall around a mining site in Manyara, which is believed to have the world’s only source of Tanzanite. Owing to this wall, the government reported increase in the revenue, attributing it to the wall’s construction.

Tanzanian miner who became a millionaire overnight in June finds another rare stone worth $2 million

A small-scale subsistence&nbsp;miner in Tanzania has become a millionaire overnight after selling two rough Tanzanite stones,&nbsp;the biggest ever find in the country.

Saniniu Laizer earned $3.4 million&nbsp;from the country's mining ministry for the gemstones, which had a combined weight of 15kg.

The two dark violet-blue gemstones, each about the dimensions of a forearm were discovered&nbsp;in one of the tanzanite mines in the north of the country which are surrounded by a wall to control cross-border smuggling of the gemstones.

“There will be a big party tomorrow,” the small-scale miner from Simanjiro district in Manyara said.

“I want to build a shopping mall and a school. I want to build this school near my home. There are many poor people around here who can’t afford to take their children to school.”

<img alt="Tanzania" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50bd1f28-9f1b-42cd-a8ce-a7898d6d05da" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2887%29_1.jpg" /> 
The two tanzanite gemstones are the largest ever found, according to the mines ministry. Photograph: Tanzania Ministry of Minerals/Reuters

“I am not educated but I like things run in a professional way. So I would like my children to run the business professionally.”

Tanzanite is only found in northern Tanzania and is used to make ornaments.

It is one of the rarest gemstones on Earth, and one local geologist estimates its supply may be entirely depleted within the next 20 years.

Laizer mined the stones, weighing 9.2kg and 5.8kg, last week, but he sold them on Wednesday during a trading event in the northern region of Manyara. Until now the largest Tanzanite rock to be mined weighed 3.3kg.

President John Magufuli phoned in to congratulate Mr Laizer on the find.

"This is the benefit of small-scale miners and this proves that Tanzania is rich," the president said.

Magufuli came to power in 2015 promising to safeguard the nation's interest in the mining sector and increase the government's revenue from it.

The precious stone's appeal lies in its variety of hues, including green, red, purple and blue.

Its value is determined by rarity - the finer the colour or clarity, the higher the price.

&nbsp;

A small-scale subsistence miner in Tanzania has become a millionaire overnight after selling two rough Tanzanite stones, the biggest ever find in the country. Saniniu Laizer earned $3.

A small-scale subsistence miner in Tanzania has become a millionaire overnight after selling two rough Tanzanite stones, the biggest ever find in the country. Saniniu Laizer earned $3.4 million from the country's mining ministry for the gemstones, which had a combined weight of 15kg. The two dark violet-blue gemstones, each about the dimensions of a forearm were discovered in one of the tanzanite mines in the north of the country which are surrounded by a wall to control cross-border smuggling of the gemstones. “There will be a big party tomorrow,” the small-scale miner from Simanjiro district in Manyara said. “I want to build a shopping mall and a school. I want to build this school near my home. There are many poor people around here who can’t afford to take their children to school.” The two tanzanite gemstones are the largest ever found, according to the mines ministry. Photograph: Tanzania Ministry of Minerals/Reuters “I am not educated but I like things run in a professional way. So I would like my children to run the business professionally.” Tanzanite is only found in northern Tanzania and is used to make ornaments. It is one of the rarest gemstones on Earth, and one local geologist estimates its supply may be entirely depleted within the next 20 years. Laizer mined the stones, weighing 9.2kg and 5.8kg, last week, but he sold them on Wednesday during a trading event in the northern region of Manyara. Until now the largest Tanzanite rock to be mined weighed 3.3kg. President John Magufuli phoned in to congratulate Mr Laizer on the find. "This is the benefit of small-scale miners and this proves that Tanzania is rich," the president said. Magufuli came to power in 2015 promising to safeguard the nation's interest in the mining sector and increase the government's revenue from it. The precious stone's appeal lies in its variety of hues, including green, red, purple and blue. Its value is determined by rarity - the finer the colour or clarity, the higher the price.

Small-scale Tanzanian miner becomes millionaire overnight

Coronavirus test kits used in Tanzania were dismissed as faulty by President John Magufuli on Sunday, because he said they had returned positive results on samples taken from a goat.

Tanzania rejects Chinese kits after Goat, Sheep tests positive for COVID-19

India's envoy to Tanzania Sanjiv Kohli has said Indian community members in the country are contributing to the country's national efforts to fight the COVID pandemic.

India's envoy to Tanzania Sanjiv Kohli has said Indian community members in the country are contributing to the country's national efforts to fight the COVID pandemic. Speaking exclusively to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ambassador Kohli talked about how the mission is reaching out stranded Indians in the country. WION: How are India and Tanzania cooperating on the COVID crisis? Sanjiv Kohli: As for our cooperation with Tanzania in COVID 19 related matters we have been regularly sharing some of our learnings with them. You are also aware of steps taken by the Government of India to ensure execution of orders placed by Tanzanian companies for import of hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol from India. Indian companies present here as well as companies owned by Indian community members have contributed towards Tanzania's efforts to fight this pandemic. WION: How are you reaching out to Indians stranded in the country? Sanjiv Kohli: There are about 12000 Indian nationals here apart from about 40000 people of Indian origin. As in other parts of the world, there are some of our nationals who were on short term visits and have got stuck. We have facilitated the extension of their visas. There are others who want to travel to India for a variety of reasons such as to him with their families in India or because of possible loss of jobs etc. We are issuing regular advisories and updating our database of those who are stranded as well as of those who are here on regular work permits. Regular contacts are also being maintained with community leaders and associations. As for situation here there has been a sudden spurt in the number of cases in the last few days. Members of the Mission and their families are of course taking all possible precautions.

Indian community contributing to Tanzania's ​​​​​​​efforts to fight COVID-19 pandemic, says India's envoy to Tanzania

Twenty people have died and a dozen others were injured in a stampede during a church meeting in the northern Tanzanian city of Moshi

20 dead in stampede at Tanzania church service

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/tanzania-to-free-5500-inmates-from-overcrowded-prisons-267277">Tanzania</a> will move 36 lions to a new home after they attacked humans and livestock.

To avoid conflicts between humans and cattle, the lions will be moved from the edge of the Serengeti national park.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/arizona-three-mountain-lions-killed-after-they-were-found-eating-human-remains-271665">Lions</a> are an endangered species, but they have been affected by the activities of human beings which are intruding their personal space.

<img alt="lions" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8a65a05e-76c0-4774-8c18-3884697be579" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-19T123905.184_0.jpg" />

Also read:&nbsp;Arizona: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/arizona-three-mountain-lions-killed-after-they-were-found-eating-human-remains-271665">Three mountain lions killed after they were found eating human remains</a>

According to Simon Mduma, director-general of the <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/pope-decries-conflicts-extremist-attacks-in-africa-amid-burkina-faso-mourning-270228">East African</a> country’s Wildlife Research Institute, ''11 out of the 36 lions have already been caught and will be moved to the Burigi Chato national park, located in the country’s north-west''.

Nine&nbsp;more lions will be rehoused at this national park. A venue is yet to be found for the remaining 16.

''Earlier, a lion used to be killed if it attacked any person. But since this is a huge group the same action cannot be taken,'' he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/only-ten-years-to-save-worlds-biodiversity-from-extinction-un-274629">Only ten years to save world's biodiversity from extinction: UN</a>

It is necessary that action is taken for the sustenance of lions as they have become extremely vulnerable.

As per an estimate of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the global lion population has subsided 43 per cent in the last twenty years to around 20,000.

<img alt="lions in Africa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="93b61c5c-1464-4c20-a45e-0c6159867f7b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1KQ8H3_0.jpg" />

After an assessment of the land dispute, the Tanzanian government had quashed the special status of seven&nbsp;wildlife and forest reserves and 12 protected zones in September last year.

It had allocated approximately 700,000 hectares of land for farming and livestock.

(With inputs from AFP)

Tanzania will move 36 lions to a new home after they attacked humans and livestock. To avoid conflicts between humans and cattle, the lions will be moved from the edge of the Serengeti national park.

Tanzania will move 36 lions to a new home after they attacked humans and livestock. To avoid conflicts between humans and cattle, the lions will be moved from the edge of the Serengeti national park. Lions are an endangered species, but they have been affected by the activities of human beings which are intruding their personal space. Also read: Arizona: Three mountain lions killed after they were found eating human remains According to Simon Mduma, director-general of the East African country’s Wildlife Research Institute, ''11 out of the 36 lions have already been caught and will be moved to the Burigi Chato national park, located in the country’s north-west''. Nine more lions will be rehoused at this national park. A venue is yet to be found for the remaining 16. ''Earlier, a lion used to be killed if it attacked any person. But since this is a huge group the same action cannot be taken,'' he added. Also read: Only ten years to save world's biodiversity from extinction: UN It is necessary that action is taken for the sustenance of lions as they have become extremely vulnerable. As per an estimate of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the global lion population has subsided 43 per cent in the last twenty years to around 20,000. After an assessment of the land dispute, the Tanzanian government had quashed the special status of seven wildlife and forest reserves and 12 protected zones in September last year. It had allocated approximately 700,000 hectares of land for farming and livestock. (With inputs from AFP)

After attacks on people and livestock, Tanzania to relocate 36 Serengeti lions

President John Magufuli on Monday ordered that around 5,500 inmates be freed from Tanzania's overcrowded prisons at a ceremony to mark the anniversary of the country's independence from colonial rule.

The populist president, who has publicly expressed both sympathy and derision for the country's prison population, announced the mass pardon at an event marking Tanzania's national day.&nbsp;

"I believe this will relieve those who were jailed on minor charges, and those who were unable to have lawyers represent them or money to pay fines," Magufuli said in Mwanza, a city on the shores of Lake Victoria.

"The pardon will also help to decongest our prisons."

Magufuli, who came to power in 2015 as a corruption-fighting "man of the people", has toured overcrowded prisons in the past and ordered authorities to free those being held for long stretches without trial.

Tanzania's current prison population is around 36,000, the government says, with some facilities considerably over capacity.

In July, Magufuli said his visit to a jail in Mwanza left him "saddened" because many prisoners had languished there many years without trial.

But he also drew criticism from rights watchdogs in 2018 by ordering that prisoners be made to work "day and night" and suggesting they should grow their own food and be kicked if they are lazy.

Magufuli's talent for high-profile appearances that bolster his reputation as a no-nonsense leader have made him wildly popular among some.

But his intolerance of criticism, impulsiveness and disregard for due process worry others who see authoritarianism at the core of his populism.

The United States and Britain in August expressed concern about the steady erosion of due process under his rule, pointing to a growing tendency of authorities to resort to lengthy pre-trial detentions.

Nicknamed "tingatinga" -- meaning "bulldozer" in Swahili -- Magufuli has cowed the press, and many of his political opponents are routinely arrested. Some opposition activists have been kidnapped and beaten.

For the first time since his election, the main opposition party, Chadema, attended the national day celebrations, sharing the stage with Magufuli.

Chadema leader Freeman Mbowe called for a return to democratic norms and freedom of expression in Tanzania, which goes to the polls next year to choose a president.

"Mr President, you have the chance to make history by rectifying all these challenges," he said.

Chadema boycotted last month's local elections, citing intimidation, handing the ruling party a sweeping victory in polls criticised by the international community as lacking credibility.

Magufuli, 60, has not said whether he will stand for re-election to what would be his second and final term.

President John Magufuli on Monday ordered that around 5,500 inmates be freed from Tanzania's overcrowded prisons at a ceremony to mark the anniversary of the country's independence from colonial rule.

President John Magufuli on Monday ordered that around 5,500 inmates be freed from Tanzania's overcrowded prisons at a ceremony to mark the anniversary of the country's independence from colonial rule. The populist president, who has publicly expressed both sympathy and derision for the country's prison population, announced the mass pardon at an event marking Tanzania's national day. "I believe this will relieve those who were jailed on minor charges, and those who were unable to have lawyers represent them or money to pay fines," Magufuli said in Mwanza, a city on the shores of Lake Victoria. "The pardon will also help to decongest our prisons." Magufuli, who came to power in 2015 as a corruption-fighting "man of the people", has toured overcrowded prisons in the past and ordered authorities to free those being held for long stretches without trial. Tanzania's current prison population is around 36,000, the government says, with some facilities considerably over capacity. In July, Magufuli said his visit to a jail in Mwanza left him "saddened" because many prisoners had languished there many years without trial. But he also drew criticism from rights watchdogs in 2018 by ordering that prisoners be made to work "day and night" and suggesting they should grow their own food and be kicked if they are lazy. Magufuli's talent for high-profile appearances that bolster his reputation as a no-nonsense leader have made him wildly popular among some. But his intolerance of criticism, impulsiveness and disregard for due process worry others who see authoritarianism at the core of his populism. The United States and Britain in August expressed concern about the steady erosion of due process under his rule, pointing to a growing tendency of authorities to resort to lengthy pre-trial detentions. Nicknamed "tingatinga" -- meaning "bulldozer" in Swahili -- Magufuli has cowed the press, and many of his political opponents are routinely arrested. Some opposition activists have been kidnapped and beaten. For the first time since his election, the main opposition party, Chadema, attended the national day celebrations, sharing the stage with Magufuli. Chadema leader Freeman Mbowe called for a return to democratic norms and freedom of expression in Tanzania, which goes to the polls next year to choose a president. "Mr President, you have the chance to make history by rectifying all these challenges," he said. Chadema boycotted last month's local elections, citing intimidation, handing the ruling party a sweeping victory in polls criticised by the international community as lacking credibility. Magufuli, 60, has not said whether he will stand for re-election to what would be his second and final term.

Tanzania to free 5,500 inmates from overcrowded prisons

Heavy rains lashing East Africa have caused of dozens of deaths, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenya-at-least-12-killed-as-landslide-swept-away-homes-264074">29 buried by landslides in Kenya</a>, and 10 people drowned in a river in Tanzania, officials said Saturday.

The landslides and floods come amid weeks of destructive rains and flooding across the wider East African region.

At least 29 people were killed in Kenya when their homes were swept away in landslides during ferocious overnight rainstorms.

Their homes were hit in the early hours of Saturday amid torrential rains in the Pokot region, 350 kilometres (220 miles) northwest of the capital Nairobi.

"We are saddened to confirm that 12 people from Tapach and Parua in Pokot South, and 17 from Tamkal in Pokot Central lost their lives," Kenya's Interior Minister Fred Matiang'i said in a statement.

"Our profound sympathies go to the families and friends of those who have been affected."&nbsp;

Army and police helicopters have been sent, Matiang'i said, with efforts delayed because roads had been cut and bridges closed after streams turned into raging torrents.

Two children were pulled out alive from the smashed wreckage of their mud-covered homes, and rescue efforts to dig bodies out of the dirt continued.

"Massive landslides reported in various areas of West Pokot County following heavy downpour," Kenya Red Cross said in a message, adding its emergency response teams had deployed to help.

Extreme weather&nbsp;

In Tanzania, at least 10 people drowned when they were swept away by a torrential river in the far west, in the Sengerema district of Mwanza.

"We think there is a possibility to find more bodies," said Tanzanian Red Cross official Revocatus Kayanda, part of the team who recovered the victims.

Violent downpours have also displaced tens of thousands in Somalia, submerged whole towns in South Sudan and killed dozens in flash floods and landslides in Ethiopia.&nbsp;

Close to a million people in South Sudan alone are affected with growing fears of disease and starvation.

Floods hit East Africa regularly, but scientists say that it has been exacerbated by a powerful climate phenomenon in the Indian Ocean stronger than any seen in years.

The extreme weather is blamed on the Indian Ocean Dipole -- a climate system defined by the difference in sea surface temperature between western and eastern areas of the ocean.

The ocean off East Africa is currently far warmer than usual, resulting in higher evaporation and consequent rain over the continent.

Heavy rains lashing East Africa have caused of dozens of deaths, with 29 buried by landslides in Kenya, and 10 people drowned in a river in Tanzania, officials said Saturday.

Heavy rains lashing East Africa have caused of dozens of deaths, with 29 buried by landslides in Kenya, and 10 people drowned in a river in Tanzania, officials said Saturday. The landslides and floods come amid weeks of destructive rains and flooding across the wider East African region. At least 29 people were killed in Kenya when their homes were swept away in landslides during ferocious overnight rainstorms. Their homes were hit in the early hours of Saturday amid torrential rains in the Pokot region, 350 kilometres (220 miles) northwest of the capital Nairobi. "We are saddened to confirm that 12 people from Tapach and Parua in Pokot South, and 17 from Tamkal in Pokot Central lost their lives," Kenya's Interior Minister Fred Matiang'i said in a statement. "Our profound sympathies go to the families and friends of those who have been affected." Army and police helicopters have been sent, Matiang'i said, with efforts delayed because roads had been cut and bridges closed after streams turned into raging torrents. Two children were pulled out alive from the smashed wreckage of their mud-covered homes, and rescue efforts to dig bodies out of the dirt continued. "Massive landslides reported in various areas of West Pokot County following heavy downpour," Kenya Red Cross said in a message, adding its emergency response teams had deployed to help. Extreme weather In Tanzania, at least 10 people drowned when they were swept away by a torrential river in the far west, in the Sengerema district of Mwanza. "We think there is a possibility to find more bodies," said Tanzanian Red Cross official Revocatus Kayanda, part of the team who recovered the victims. Violent downpours have also displaced tens of thousands in Somalia, submerged whole towns in South Sudan and killed dozens in flash floods and landslides in Ethiopia. Close to a million people in South Sudan alone are affected with growing fears of disease and starvation. Floods hit East Africa regularly, but scientists say that it has been exacerbated by a powerful climate phenomenon in the Indian Ocean stronger than any seen in years. The extreme weather is blamed on the Indian Ocean Dipole -- a climate system defined by the difference in sea surface temperature between western and eastern areas of the ocean. The ocean off East Africa is currently far warmer than usual, resulting in higher evaporation and consequent rain over the continent.

East Africa storms kill 39 in Kenya and Tanzania

Tanzania's opposition party says it will boycott local elections later this month, accusing the government of impeding its candidates from running and making a mockery of democratic processes.

Chadema, the main opposition outfit that has faced increasing hostility under President John Magufuli, made the announcement late Thursday following an extraordinary meeting of its leadership.

"Our party believes it is wiser not to support such electoral cheating. To continue to participate in elections of this kind is to legitimise illegality," said Chadema president Freeman Mbowe.

Selemani Jafo, the minister for local government, expressed surprise at the decision, adding there would be remedies for candidates who felt they had been wronged.

But Chadema accused electoral authorities of being complicit in scuttling their campaign efforts.&nbsp;

Mbowe said several Chadema candidates had been outright disqualified by electoral officials from running in the nationwide November 24 polls to choose local government leaders.

Others had found registration offices closed when they tried to apply or discovered their applications had been tampered with, he added.

Rights groups say the intimidation of political opponents has escalated sharply under Magufuli, a strongman elected in 2015 whose administration has wielded wide-ranging laws to silence government critics.

Police have broken up opposition gatherings and shut down Chadema meetings, the party says.&nbsp;

Their activists have been kidnapped and beaten, and at least one has blamed authorities for an attack in 2017 which saw him shot multiple times.

Several have disappeared and turned up murdered.

"Magufuli and his party are afraid. We are not going to participate in this charade," Mbowe said of the upcoming elections.

The victors in the local polls form the political backbone for campaigning ahead of general elections slated for 2020.&nbsp;

Magufuli, whose nickname "tingatinga" means "bulldozer" in Swahili, is expected to run for another five-year term.

His rule has been marked by a democratic backslide in Tanzania, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International said in a report last month.

Free media has been cowed by draconian cybercrime laws, critical newspapers and bloggers have been silenced, and opposition activists harassed unlawfully, the report stated.

Tanzania's opposition party says it will boycott local elections later this month, accusing the government of impeding its candidates from running and making a mockery of democratic processes.

Tanzania's opposition party says it will boycott local elections later this month, accusing the government of impeding its candidates from running and making a mockery of democratic processes. Chadema, the main opposition outfit that has faced increasing hostility under President John Magufuli, made the announcement late Thursday following an extraordinary meeting of its leadership. "Our party believes it is wiser not to support such electoral cheating. To continue to participate in elections of this kind is to legitimise illegality," said Chadema president Freeman Mbowe. Selemani Jafo, the minister for local government, expressed surprise at the decision, adding there would be remedies for candidates who felt they had been wronged. But Chadema accused electoral authorities of being complicit in scuttling their campaign efforts. Mbowe said several Chadema candidates had been outright disqualified by electoral officials from running in the nationwide November 24 polls to choose local government leaders. Others had found registration offices closed when they tried to apply or discovered their applications had been tampered with, he added. Rights groups say the intimidation of political opponents has escalated sharply under Magufuli, a strongman elected in 2015 whose administration has wielded wide-ranging laws to silence government critics. Police have broken up opposition gatherings and shut down Chadema meetings, the party says. Their activists have been kidnapped and beaten, and at least one has blamed authorities for an attack in 2017 which saw him shot multiple times. Several have disappeared and turned up murdered. "Magufuli and his party are afraid. We are not going to participate in this charade," Mbowe said of the upcoming elections. The victors in the local polls form the political backbone for campaigning ahead of general elections slated for 2020. Magufuli, whose nickname "tingatinga" means "bulldozer" in Swahili, is expected to run for another five-year term. His rule has been marked by a democratic backslide in Tanzania, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International said in a report last month. Free media has been cowed by draconian cybercrime laws, critical newspapers and bloggers have been silenced, and opposition activists harassed unlawfully, the report stated.

Tanzania's opposition to boycott elections over 'cheating'

Tanzania is refusing to provide detailed information on suspected Ebola cases, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said, a rare public rebuke as the region struggles to contain an outbreak already declared a global health emergency.

Transparency and speed are key to combating the deadly hemorrhagic fever because the disease can spread rapidly. Contacts of any potentially infected person must be quarantined and the public warned to step up precautions like handwashing.

WHO said in a statement released late on Saturday that it was made aware on September 10 of the death of a patient in Dar es Salaam, and unofficially told the next day that the person tested positive for Ebola. The woman had died on September 8.

"Identified contacts of the deceased were unofficially reported to be quarantined in various sites in the country," the statement said.

WHO said it was unofficially told that Tanzania had two other possible Ebola cases. One had tested negative and there was no information on the other one.

Officially, the Tanzanian government said last weekend it had no confirmed or suspected cases of Ebola. The government did not address the death of the woman directly and did not provide any further information.

Despite several requests "clinical data, results of the investigations, possible contacts and potential laboratory tests performed have not been communicated to WHO," the UN health agency said.

"The limited available official information from Tanzanian authorities represents a challenge."

Authorities in the east and central Africa have been on high alert for possible spill-overs of Ebola from the Democratic Republic of Congo where a year-long outbreak has killed more than 2,000 people.

'Fears Spread'

Last week the US health secretary, Alex Azar criticized Tanzania for its failure to share information on the possible outbreak. The next day he dispatched a senior US health official to Tanzania.

Uganda, which neighbours Congo, has already recorded several cases after sick patients crossed the border. A quick government response there prevented the disease spreading.

The 34-year-old woman who died in Dar es Salaam had travelled to Uganda, according to a leaked internal WHO document circulated earlier this month. She showed signs of Ebola including headache, fever, rash, bloody diarrhoea on August 10 and eventually died on September 8.

Tanzania is heavily reliant on tourism and an outbreak of Ebola would likely lead to a dip in visitor numbers.

The WHO statement is not the first time international organizations have queried information from the government of President John Magufuli, nicknamed The Bulldozer for his pugnacious ruling style.

Earlier this year both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund contradicted the government's economic growth figure for 2018.

Tanzania is refusing to provide detailed information on suspected Ebola cases, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said, a rare public rebuke as the region struggles to contain an outbreak already declared a global health emergency.

Tanzania is refusing to provide detailed information on suspected Ebola cases, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said, a rare public rebuke as the region struggles to contain an outbreak already declared a global health emergency. Transparency and speed are key to combating the deadly hemorrhagic fever because the disease can spread rapidly. Contacts of any potentially infected person must be quarantined and the public warned to step up precautions like handwashing. WHO said in a statement released late on Saturday that it was made aware on September 10 of the death of a patient in Dar es Salaam, and unofficially told the next day that the person tested positive for Ebola. The woman had died on September 8. "Identified contacts of the deceased were unofficially reported to be quarantined in various sites in the country," the statement said. WHO said it was unofficially told that Tanzania had two other possible Ebola cases. One had tested negative and there was no information on the other one. Officially, the Tanzanian government said last weekend it had no confirmed or suspected cases of Ebola. The government did not address the death of the woman directly and did not provide any further information. Despite several requests "clinical data, results of the investigations, possible contacts and potential laboratory tests performed have not been communicated to WHO," the UN health agency said. "The limited available official information from Tanzanian authorities represents a challenge." Authorities in the east and central Africa have been on high alert for possible spill-overs of Ebola from the Democratic Republic of Congo where a year-long outbreak has killed more than 2,000 people. 'Fears Spread' Last week the US health secretary, Alex Azar criticized Tanzania for its failure to share information on the possible outbreak. The next day he dispatched a senior US health official to Tanzania. Uganda, which neighbours Congo, has already recorded several cases after sick patients crossed the border. A quick government response there prevented the disease spreading. The 34-year-old woman who died in Dar es Salaam had travelled to Uganda, according to a leaked internal WHO document circulated earlier this month. She showed signs of Ebola including headache, fever, rash, bloody diarrhoea on August 10 and eventually died on September 8. Tanzania is heavily reliant on tourism and an outbreak of Ebola would likely lead to a dip in visitor numbers. The WHO statement is not the first time international organizations have queried information from the government of President John Magufuli, nicknamed The Bulldozer for his pugnacious ruling style. Earlier this year both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund contradicted the government's economic growth figure for 2018.

Tanzania not sharing information on Ebola: World Health Organization

Nineteen people died when a fuel truck barrelled into other vehicles in a busy town in western Uganda and exploded, police said Monday.

The blast occurred Sunday evening in the Kyambura trading centre, a mountainous area near the Queen Elizabeth National Park.

"Ten people died instantly when the fuel truck lost control and hit three other vehicles, leading to multiple explosions that also burned 25 small shops," said regional police spokesman Martial Tumusiime.

"Of the people that were rushed to the hospital, nine of them have also died as a result of wounds," he added.&nbsp;

In 2002, 70 people were killed when an oil truck rammed into a bus in Rutoto, less than 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Kyambura.

And in 2013, 33 people died in an explosion after a fuel truck overturned many having rushed to the scene to siphon fuel.

The accident <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-health-organisation-reports-new-ebola-incident-in-uganda-amid-fears-of-virus-spreading-236699">in Uganda</a> came eight days after a fuel truck exploded in Tanzania.&nbsp;

The fireball engulfed a crowd thronging to collect petrol from the wrecked vehicle, leaving 95 dead.

Nineteen people died when a fuel truck barrelled into other vehicles in a busy town in western Uganda and exploded, police said Monday. The blast occurred Sunday evening in the Kyambura trading centre, a mountainous area near the Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Nineteen people died when a fuel truck barrelled into other vehicles in a busy town in western Uganda and exploded, police said Monday. The blast occurred Sunday evening in the Kyambura trading centre, a mountainous area near the Queen Elizabeth National Park. "Ten people died instantly when the fuel truck lost control and hit three other vehicles, leading to multiple explosions that also burned 25 small shops," said regional police spokesman Martial Tumusiime. "Of the people that were rushed to the hospital, nine of them have also died as a result of wounds," he added. In 2002, 70 people were killed when an oil truck rammed into a bus in Rutoto, less than 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Kyambura. And in 2013, 33 people died in an explosion after a fuel truck overturned many having rushed to the scene to siphon fuel. The accident in Uganda came eight days after a fuel truck exploded in Tanzania. The fireball engulfed a crowd thronging to collect petrol from the wrecked vehicle, leaving 95 dead.

At least 19 killed in Uganda fuel truck blast: Police

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A damaged tanker truck exploded in eastern Tanzania on Saturday as people were trying to siphon fuel out of it, killing more than 60.

Tanzania explosion: 60 died, 65 injured after explosion in eastern Tanzania

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