Tanzania was in mourning Sunday, preparing to bury 69 people who perished when a crashed fuel tanker exploded as crowds rushed to siphon off leaking petrol. President John Magufuli declared a period of mourning through Monday following the deadly blast near the town of Morogoro, west of Dar es Salaam.

Tanzania was in mourning Sunday, preparing to bury 69 people who perished when a crashed fuel tanker exploded as crowds rushed to siphon off leaking petrol. President John Magufuli declared a period of mourning through Monday following the deadly blast near the town of Morogoro, west of Dar es Salaam. He will be represented at the funerals by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, an official statement said. "We're currently mourning the loss of 69 people, the last of whom died while being transferred by helicopter to the national hospital in Dar es Salaam," Majaliwa told residents in comments broadcast on Tanzanian television. The number of injured stood at 66, he said. The burials will start Sunday afternoon, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jenista Mhagama announced during the morning after relatives identified the dead. "The preparations for the burials have been completed. Individual graves have been dug and the coffins are ready," Mhagama said, adding that experts would be available to offer psychological counselling to the victims' relatives. DNA tests would be carried out on bodies that were no longer recognisable, Mhagama said, adding that families could take the remains of their loved ones and organise their own burials if they preferred. In the latest in a series of similar disasters in Africa, 39 seriously hurt patients had been taken to hospital in Dar es Salaam while 17 others were being treated in Morogoro, 200 kilometres (125 miles) west of the economic capital of Tanzania. Footage from the scene showed the truck engulfed in flames and huge clouds of black smoke, with charred bodies. The burnt-out remains of motorcycle taxis lie scattered on the ground among scorched trees. A video posted on social media showed dozens of people carrying yellow jerricans around the truck. No-one wanted to listen "We arrived at the scene with two neighbours just after the truck was overturned. While some good Samaritans were trying to get the driver and the other two people out of the truck, others were jostling each other, equipped with jerricans, to collect petrol," teacher January Michael told AFP. "At the same time, someone was trying to pull the battery out of the vehicle. We warned that the truck could explode at any moment but no one wanted to listen, so we went on our way, but we had barely turned on our heels when we heard the explosion." President Magufuli called Saturday for people to stop the dangerous practice of stealing fuel in such a way, a common event in many poor parts of Africa. He issued a statement saying he was 'very shocked' by the looting of fuel from damaged vehicles. "There are vehicles that carry dangerous fuel oil, as in this case in Morogoro, there are others that carry toxic chemicals or explosives, let's stop this practice, please," Magufuli said. Last month, 45 people were killed and more than 100 injured in central Nigeria when a petrol tanker crashed and then exploded as people tried to take the fuel. Among the deadliest such disasters, 292 people lost their lives in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in July 2010, and in September 2015 at least 203 people died the South Sudan town of Maridi.

Tanzania mourns 69 killed in fuel tanker blast

At least 60 people perished in Tanzania on Saturday when a fuel tanker overturned and then exploded as crowds of people rushed to syphon off leaking fuel.

The deadly blast, which took place near the town of Morogoro, west of the economic capital Dar es Salaam, is the latest in a series of similar disasters in Africa.&nbsp;

Morogoro governor Stephen Kebwe said the bodies of 60 victims were at the morgue of the local hospital, where more than 70 people were also being treated for injuries.

He warned that the toll could rise with victims possibly trapped under the truck, which footage showed engulfed in fierce flames and huge clouds of black smoke.

Charred bodies and the burnt-out remains of motorcycle taxis could be seen scattered on the ground among scorched trees.&nbsp;

Regional police chief Wilbrod Mtafungwa described a huge explosion" and said the dead were mainly drivers of the taxis known as "boda-boda" and locals who flocked to the scene for the fuel.

A video posted on social media showed dozens of people carrying yellow jerricans around the truck.

The tragedy has also triggered an outpouring of grief across the country, with prominent figures including President John Magufuli and ordinary citizens sending messages of condolences.

Magufuli also called for people to stop the dangerous practice of stealing fuel in such a way, something that is common in many poor parts of Africa.

- 'Never seen a disaster of such magnitude' -&nbsp;

"The Morogoro region had never experienced a disaster of such magnitude," Governor Kebwe told reporters at the scene in Msamvu, which lies about 200 kilometres (125 miles) west of Dar es Salaam.

He said the explosion was triggered when a man tried to pull out the truck's battery.

"We arrived at the scene with two neighbours just after the truck was overturned. While some good Samaritans were trying to get the driver and the other two people out of the truck, others were jostling each other, equipped with jerricans, to collect petrol," teacher January Michael told AFP.

"At the same time, someone was trying to pull the battery out of the vehicle. We warned that the truck could explode at any moment but no one wanted to listen, so we went on our way, but we had barely turned on our heels when we heard the explosion."

Police later said they had managed to put out the flames and had cordoned off the area.&nbsp;

Magufuli said in a statement he was "very shocked" by looting of fuel from damaged vehicles.&nbsp;

"There are vehicles that carry dangerous fuel oil, as in this case in Morogoro, there are others that carry toxic chemicals or explosives, let's stop this practice, please," he said.

Last month, at least 45 people were killed and more than 100 injured in central Nigeria when a petrol tanker crashed and then exploded as people were trying to gather fuel.

In May, a similar incident occurred in Niger just a short distance from the airport in the capital Niamey, leaving almost 80 people dead.

Among the deadliest such disasters, 292 people lost their lives in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in July 2010, and in September 2015 at least 203 people perished in the town of Maridi in South Sudan.

At least 60 people perished in Tanzania on Saturday when a fuel tanker overturned and then exploded as crowds of people rushed to syphon off leaking fuel. The deadly blast, which took place near the town of Morogoro, west of the economic capital Dar es Salaam, is the latest in a series of similar disasters in Africa.

At least 60 people perished in Tanzania on Saturday when a fuel tanker overturned and then exploded as crowds of people rushed to syphon off leaking fuel. The deadly blast, which took place near the town of Morogoro, west of the economic capital Dar es Salaam, is the latest in a series of similar disasters in Africa. Morogoro governor Stephen Kebwe said the bodies of 60 victims were at the morgue of the local hospital, where more than 70 people were also being treated for injuries. He warned that the toll could rise with victims possibly trapped under the truck, which footage showed engulfed in fierce flames and huge clouds of black smoke. Charred bodies and the burnt-out remains of motorcycle taxis could be seen scattered on the ground among scorched trees. Regional police chief Wilbrod Mtafungwa described a huge explosion" and said the dead were mainly drivers of the taxis known as "boda-boda" and locals who flocked to the scene for the fuel. A video posted on social media showed dozens of people carrying yellow jerricans around the truck. The tragedy has also triggered an outpouring of grief across the country, with prominent figures including President John Magufuli and ordinary citizens sending messages of condolences. Magufuli also called for people to stop the dangerous practice of stealing fuel in such a way, something that is common in many poor parts of Africa. - 'Never seen a disaster of such magnitude' - "The Morogoro region had never experienced a disaster of such magnitude," Governor Kebwe told reporters at the scene in Msamvu, which lies about 200 kilometres (125 miles) west of Dar es Salaam. He said the explosion was triggered when a man tried to pull out the truck's battery. "We arrived at the scene with two neighbours just after the truck was overturned. While some good Samaritans were trying to get the driver and the other two people out of the truck, others were jostling each other, equipped with jerricans, to collect petrol," teacher January Michael told AFP. "At the same time, someone was trying to pull the battery out of the vehicle. We warned that the truck could explode at any moment but no one wanted to listen, so we went on our way, but we had barely turned on our heels when we heard the explosion." Police later said they had managed to put out the flames and had cordoned off the area. Magufuli said in a statement he was "very shocked" by looting of fuel from damaged vehicles. "There are vehicles that carry dangerous fuel oil, as in this case in Morogoro, there are others that carry toxic chemicals or explosives, let's stop this practice, please," he said. Last month, at least 45 people were killed and more than 100 injured in central Nigeria when a petrol tanker crashed and then exploded as people were trying to gather fuel. In May, a similar incident occurred in Niger just a short distance from the airport in the capital Niamey, leaving almost 80 people dead. Among the deadliest such disasters, 292 people lost their lives in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in July 2010, and in September 2015 at least 203 people perished in the town of Maridi in South Sudan.

Tanzania fuel tanker blast kills 60

Fifty-seven people perished in Tanzania on Saturday when a fuel tanker exploded after overturning on a road west of the capital Dar Es Salaam, police said.

The disaster took place near the town of Morogoro, with police saying the blaze may have been sparked by a cigarette as people rushed to collect leaking fuel from the stricken truck.

"There was a huge blast which has so far killed at least 57 people," regional police chief Willbrod Mtafungwa told reporters,.

Witnesses said they saw the charred remains of a number of motorcycle taxis and trees scorched by the flames.

Mtafungwa said the dead were mainly drivers of the taxis known as "boda-boda" and local residents flocking to the scene for the fuel after the tanker crashed.

Police later announced the fire had been brought under control. 
&nbsp;

Fifty-seven people perished in Tanzania on Saturday when a fuel tanker exploded after overturning on a road west of the capital Dar Es Salaam, police said. The disaster took place near the town of Morogoro, with police saying the blaze may have been sparked by a cigarette as people rushed to collect leaking fuel from the stricken truck.

Fifty-seven people perished in Tanzania on Saturday when a fuel tanker exploded after overturning on a road west of the capital Dar Es Salaam, police said. The disaster took place near the town of Morogoro, with police saying the blaze may have been sparked by a cigarette as people rushed to collect leaking fuel from the stricken truck. "There was a huge blast which has so far killed at least 57 people," regional police chief Willbrod Mtafungwa told reporters,. Witnesses said they saw the charred remains of a number of motorcycle taxis and trees scorched by the flames. Mtafungwa said the dead were mainly drivers of the taxis known as "boda-boda" and local residents flocking to the scene for the fuel after the tanker crashed. Police later announced the fire had been brought under control.

Tanzania tanker blast kills 57 as flames rip through crowd gathered to siphon petrol from it

Press freedom advocates demanded Thursday that Tanzanian authorities disclose everything they know about missing journalist Azory Gwanda after a government minister said the reporter who disappeared in 2017 was dead.

Foreign Minister Palamagamba Kabudi told the BBC that Gwanda, who vanished after reporting on a string of murders, had "disappeared and died" somewhere in Tanzania's eastern Rufiji region.

Gwanda's wife said he vanished on November 21, 2017, after leaving in a white Toyota Land Cruiser with unknown people on an "emergency trip".&nbsp;

He promised to return the following evening but was never seen again.

Kabudi's statement provoked outrage in Tanzania and beyond.

"The government has a responsibility to protect all citizens. Family, friends and the public want to know what happened to Gwanda. If he is dead, we have a right to know under what circumstances," Anna Henga from the Legal and Human Rights Centre, a Tanzanian advocacy group, told AFP.

Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) which has called Tanzanian President John Magufuli a "press freedom predator" joined the call for answers.

"After a year and a half of silence and then downplaying the journalist's disappearance, the minister announces his death without explanation," RSF's Africa representative Arnaud Froger told AFP.

"The flippancy with which the Tanzanian authorities have handled this case illustrates the low regard they have for the safe exercise of free and independent journalism."

The US-based Committee to Protect Journalists called the minister's remarks "wholly inadequate and distressing".

Police said in 2017 they were investigating the disappearance of Gwanda, a reporter for the Tanzanian newspapers Mwananchi and The Citizen.

Tanzanian civil society groups have accused the government of President John Magufuli of targeting opponents and curbing freedom of the press.

Elected in 2015, Magufuli came to power as a corruption-fighting "man of the people" but has been criticised for his authoritarian leadership style.

Tanzania fell 25 places on Reporters Without Borders' World Press Freedom Index this year.

Press freedom advocates demanded Thursday that Tanzanian authorities disclose everything they know about missing journalist Azory Gwanda after a government minister said the reporter who disappeared in 2017 was dead.

Press freedom advocates demanded Thursday that Tanzanian authorities disclose everything they know about missing journalist Azory Gwanda after a government minister said the reporter who disappeared in 2017 was dead. Foreign Minister Palamagamba Kabudi told the BBC that Gwanda, who vanished after reporting on a string of murders, had "disappeared and died" somewhere in Tanzania's eastern Rufiji region. Gwanda's wife said he vanished on November 21, 2017, after leaving in a white Toyota Land Cruiser with unknown people on an "emergency trip". He promised to return the following evening but was never seen again. Kabudi's statement provoked outrage in Tanzania and beyond. "The government has a responsibility to protect all citizens. Family, friends and the public want to know what happened to Gwanda. If he is dead, we have a right to know under what circumstances," Anna Henga from the Legal and Human Rights Centre, a Tanzanian advocacy group, told AFP. Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) which has called Tanzanian President John Magufuli a "press freedom predator" joined the call for answers. "After a year and a half of silence and then downplaying the journalist's disappearance, the minister announces his death without explanation," RSF's Africa representative Arnaud Froger told AFP. "The flippancy with which the Tanzanian authorities have handled this case illustrates the low regard they have for the safe exercise of free and independent journalism." The US-based Committee to Protect Journalists called the minister's remarks "wholly inadequate and distressing". Police said in 2017 they were investigating the disappearance of Gwanda, a reporter for the Tanzanian newspapers Mwananchi and The Citizen. Tanzanian civil society groups have accused the government of President John Magufuli of targeting opponents and curbing freedom of the press. Elected in 2015, Magufuli came to power as a corruption-fighting "man of the people" but has been criticised for his authoritarian leadership style. Tanzania fell 25 places on Reporters Without Borders' World Press Freedom Index this year.

Call for answers after Tanzanian minister Palamagamba Kabudi says missing reporter is dead

Fifteen years ago Miko Deo's skin began to change and he's looked distinctly different ever since. Vitiligo occurs when cells that produce the pigment melanin stop functioning leaving white patches on the skin.

'I have skin that makes me unique' - says model with vitiligo

After scaling the highest peak in Africa, Hyderabad boy Samanyu Pothuraju has now added another record to his name by climbing the highest mountain in Australia, Mount Kosciuszko.

The eight-year-old boy&nbsp;along with a team of five, including his mother Lavanya and sister achieved the feat on December 12.

"So far, I have climbed four mountains," an excited Pothuraju told ANI and even revealed his future plans. "Now, I am gearing up for Mount Fuji in Japan. I want to become an Air Force officer when I grow up," he added.

To promote the handloom weavers in the state, the team donned Telangana handlooms while climbing the mountain.

Pothuraju`s mother said, "For every summit, our team members plan a cause. According to us, we should go to the mountains with a cause and not without it. This time, we planned to support the handloom weavers."

Earlier this year, Pothuraju, along with his coach and his mother, among others, had scaled Uhuru peak of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the highest peak in Africa. He had unfurled the Tricolour at a height of 5,895 meters above the sea level on April 2.

After scaling the highest peak in Africa, Hyderabad boy Samanyu Pothuraju has now added another record to his name by climbing the highest mountain in Australia, Mount Kosciuszko.

After scaling the highest peak in Africa, Hyderabad boy Samanyu Pothuraju has now added another record to his name by climbing the highest mountain in Australia, Mount Kosciuszko. The eight-year-old boy along with a team of five, including his mother Lavanya and sister achieved the feat on December 12. "So far, I have climbed four mountains," an excited Pothuraju told ANI and even revealed his future plans. "Now, I am gearing up for Mount Fuji in Japan. I want to become an Air Force officer when I grow up," he added. To promote the handloom weavers in the state, the team donned Telangana handlooms while climbing the mountain. Pothuraju`s mother said, "For every summit, our team members plan a cause. According to us, we should go to the mountains with a cause and not without it. This time, we planned to support the handloom weavers." Earlier this year, Pothuraju, along with his coach and his mother, among others, had scaled Uhuru peak of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the highest peak in Africa. He had unfurled the Tricolour at a height of 5,895 meters above the sea level on April 2.

Hyderabad: 8-year-old successfully climbs Australia's highest mountain

Eight United Nations peacekeepers were killed in an operation against a rebel militia in eastern DR Congo, the UN Security Council said on Thursday.

One Tanzanian and seven Malawian peacekeepers were killed, the council said, raising the toll from an earlier count.

The deaths mark the biggest loss by the large UN force in the Democratic Republic of Congo since the rebels killed 15 troops nearly a year ago.

Earlier Thursday, General Bernard Commins, deputy head of the MONUSCO peacekeeping force, said a joint operation had been launched with DRC troops on Tuesday against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a jihadi group blamed for bloody attacks on civilians.

The offensive aimed at Kididiwe, about 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Beni, a city of between 200,000 and 300,000 inhabitants, said Commins.

"We are holding Kididiwe at present, after violent fighting with an armed group. At present, we are evacuating wounded Congolese troops and Blue Helmets," he told AFP. He added he was unable to provide any information about reports at that time of fatalities.

Malawi's armed forces confirmed earlier that four of its soldiers with MONUSCO -- a sergeant and three privates aged between 29 and 38 -- had been killed on Wednesday.

The military "has lost courageous, hardworking and disciplined soldiers who were always ready to serve to ensure that peace prevails," the Malawi Defence Force said in a statement.

It gave no further details on where or how they died.

Commins described Kididiwe as a "major stronghold" of the ADF.&nbsp;

A Congolese officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the town had been used as a springboard for militia attacks on Beni's suburbs this year.

On Wednesday, Commins said MONUSCO had deployed attack helicopters against ADF forces threatening UN troops in the Mayangose area, northeast of Beni.

The region is also battling an Ebola outbreak that has left more than 200 dead. Insecurity is hampering efforts to contain the disease, the UN spokesman said.

In its statement, the Security Council "underlined that deliberate attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law."

The Council called for a swift investigation from Congolese authorities and warned that attacks against UN personnel constitutes a basis for sanctions.

Notorious militia&nbsp;

The ADF is an Islamist-rooted group that rose in western Uganda in 1995, led by Jamil Mukulu, a Christian turned Muslim.

Forced out of Uganda, it operates in the border area in the DRC's North Kivu province.

It has been blamed for recruiting and using child soldiers, killing hundreds of civilians since 2014, as well as 15 Tanzanian peacekeepers, who died in an attack in December 2017.

Those fatalities were the biggest loss of life in a UN peacekeeping force since 1993 when 24 Pakistani soldiers were killed in Somalia during clashes with a local warlord.&nbsp;

On Monday, MONUSCO's head, Leila Zerrougui, sounded the alarm over violence in the eastern DRC, saying it cast a shadow over the country's elections on December 23.

"I have grown increasingly alarmed over the situation in Beni in recent months, where we continue to face major challenges in implementing our mandate," she added.

"There is a potential for armed group interference in elections in specific areas throughout eastern DRC," she said.

MONUSCO has around 17,000 members, making it one of the UN's biggest peacekeeping operations. Created in 1999 during the Second Congo War, it has an annual budget of $1.153 billion (1.02 billion euros).&nbsp;

Eight United Nations peacekeepers were killed in an operation against a rebel militia in eastern DR Congo, the UN Security Council said on Thursday. One Tanzanian and seven Malawian peacekeepers were killed, the council said, raising the toll from an earlier count.

Eight United Nations peacekeepers were killed in an operation against a rebel militia in eastern DR Congo, the UN Security Council said on Thursday. One Tanzanian and seven Malawian peacekeepers were killed, the council said, raising the toll from an earlier count. The deaths mark the biggest loss by the large UN force in the Democratic Republic of Congo since the rebels killed 15 troops nearly a year ago. Earlier Thursday, General Bernard Commins, deputy head of the MONUSCO peacekeeping force, said a joint operation had been launched with DRC troops on Tuesday against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a jihadi group blamed for bloody attacks on civilians. The offensive aimed at Kididiwe, about 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Beni, a city of between 200,000 and 300,000 inhabitants, said Commins. "We are holding Kididiwe at present, after violent fighting with an armed group. At present, we are evacuating wounded Congolese troops and Blue Helmets," he told AFP. He added he was unable to provide any information about reports at that time of fatalities. Malawi's armed forces confirmed earlier that four of its soldiers with MONUSCO -- a sergeant and three privates aged between 29 and 38 -- had been killed on Wednesday. The military "has lost courageous, hardworking and disciplined soldiers who were always ready to serve to ensure that peace prevails," the Malawi Defence Force said in a statement. It gave no further details on where or how they died. Commins described Kididiwe as a "major stronghold" of the ADF. A Congolese officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the town had been used as a springboard for militia attacks on Beni's suburbs this year. On Wednesday, Commins said MONUSCO had deployed attack helicopters against ADF forces threatening UN troops in the Mayangose area, northeast of Beni. The region is also battling an Ebola outbreak that has left more than 200 dead. Insecurity is hampering efforts to contain the disease, the UN spokesman said. In its statement, the Security Council "underlined that deliberate attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law." The Council called for a swift investigation from Congolese authorities and warned that attacks against UN personnel constitutes a basis for sanctions. Notorious militia The ADF is an Islamist-rooted group that rose in western Uganda in 1995, led by Jamil Mukulu, a Christian turned Muslim. Forced out of Uganda, it operates in the border area in the DRC's North Kivu province. It has been blamed for recruiting and using child soldiers, killing hundreds of civilians since 2014, as well as 15 Tanzanian peacekeepers, who died in an attack in December 2017. Those fatalities were the biggest loss of life in a UN peacekeeping force since 1993 when 24 Pakistani soldiers were killed in Somalia during clashes with a local warlord. On Monday, MONUSCO's head, Leila Zerrougui, sounded the alarm over violence in the eastern DRC, saying it cast a shadow over the country's elections on December 23. "I have grown increasingly alarmed over the situation in Beni in recent months, where we continue to face major challenges in implementing our mandate," she added. "There is a potential for armed group interference in elections in specific areas throughout eastern DRC," she said. MONUSCO has around 17,000 members, making it one of the UN's biggest peacekeeping operations. Created in 1999 during the Second Congo War, it has an annual budget of $1.153 billion (1.02 billion euros).

Eight UN peacekeepers killed in eastern DR Congo

Tanzania and India have traditionally enjoyed close, friendly and cooperative relations. The country, located in eastern Africa, has the Indian Ocean to its west.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a state visit to Tanzania on July 9 and 10 in 2016. Tanzanian Foreign Minister Dr&nbsp;Augustine Mahiga was in Delhi recently and spoke exclusively to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Siddhant Sibal.

Mahiga backed the Indo-Pacific concept and admitted that Chinese debt is a concern for Africa. Here are excerpts from the interview.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India-Tanzania ties? 
Dr Augustine Mahiga: India-Tanzania ties are very healthy. They go a long way, over 50 years. Historically, geographically and culturally, they are very strong ties. In fact what we doing is not only to cement the areas of cooperation but to expand the areas of cooperation. In the whole gambit of partnership — in trade, in investment, in technology, in capacity building, in cultural ties.

SS: Are India and Tanzania looking at an energy partnership? Did you discuss that with the external affairs minister? 
AM: We discussed the modalities of working together. It is a sector that is expanding. There are many opportunities in the energy sector; not only covering oil and gas, covering solar, wind, coal and geothermal. There is diversity in various sources of energy. The prospects and opportunity for India to participate are boundless

SS: How do you see the Indo-Pacific construct? Will Tanzania back the concept? 
AM: We need a maritime regime that is rules-based. We need freedom of movement. International trade is to a great extent maritime trade. This is an area where connectivity between the Indian&nbsp;and Pacific oceans must be encouraged and must be opened. India is strategically placed between the Indian and Pacific ocean. So any kind of international discussion on the right to shipping and opportunities for a maritime regime that will be unfettered and based on rules regulations, Tanzania ready to work with India and other countries in the Pacific and Indian Ocean.&nbsp;

SS: How do you see India vs China in Africa? Chinese debt has been a concern? 
AM: Well, of course, there is room (for everyone). Africa is an emerging market and there is room for many countries to invest and do business with Africa. The debt issue is not only a concern to China but first and foremost a concern for Africa. It is important not to build up new debts. Our relationship with any country,&nbsp;not only China or India, but we also have to make sure the debt issue is properly managed.

Tanzania and India have traditionally enjoyed close, friendly and cooperative relations. The country, located in eastern Africa, has the Indian Ocean to its west.

Tanzania and India have traditionally enjoyed close, friendly and cooperative relations. The country, located in eastern Africa, has the Indian Ocean to its west. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a state visit to Tanzania on July 9 and 10 in 2016. Tanzanian Foreign Minister Dr Augustine Mahiga was in Delhi recently and spoke exclusively to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Siddhant Sibal. Mahiga backed the Indo-Pacific concept and admitted that Chinese debt is a concern for Africa. Here are excerpts from the interview. Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India-Tanzania ties? Dr Augustine Mahiga: India-Tanzania ties are very healthy. They go a long way, over 50 years. Historically, geographically and culturally, they are very strong ties. In fact what we doing is not only to cement the areas of cooperation but to expand the areas of cooperation. In the whole gambit of partnership — in trade, in investment, in technology, in capacity building, in cultural ties. SS: Are India and Tanzania looking at an energy partnership? Did you discuss that with the external affairs minister? AM: We discussed the modalities of working together. It is a sector that is expanding. There are many opportunities in the energy sector; not only covering oil and gas, covering solar, wind, coal and geothermal. There is diversity in various sources of energy. The prospects and opportunity for India to participate are boundless SS: How do you see the Indo-Pacific construct? Will Tanzania back the concept? AM: We need a maritime regime that is rules-based. We need freedom of movement. International trade is to a great extent maritime trade. This is an area where connectivity between the Indian and Pacific oceans must be encouraged and must be opened. India is strategically placed between the Indian and Pacific ocean. So any kind of international discussion on the right to shipping and opportunities for a maritime regime that will be unfettered and based on rules regulations, Tanzania ready to work with India and other countries in the Pacific and Indian Ocean. SS: How do you see India vs China in Africa? Chinese debt has been a concern? AM: Well, of course, there is room (for everyone). Africa is an emerging market and there is room for many countries to invest and do business with Africa. The debt issue is not only a concern to China but first and foremost a concern for Africa. It is important not to build up new debts. Our relationship with any country, not only China or India, but we also have to make sure the debt issue is properly managed.

Chinese debt a concern for Africa, Tanzania Foreign Minister tells WION

Mohammed Dewji, 43, Africa's youngest billionaire was kidnapped Thursday by gunmen from a gymnasium in Tanzania's economic capital Dar es Salaam.

Dewji who heads the MeTL Group operating in about 10 countries in agriculture, insurance, transport, logistics and the food industry, was&nbsp;abducted as he entered the gym of a hotel in Dar es Salaam.&nbsp;

He is also the main shareholder in Tanzania's Simba FC football club.

Initial speculations by Governor Paul Makonda say that the billionaire was kidnapped by whites travelling in two vehicles. The city police also claimed the involvement of foreigners in the incident.&nbsp;

Addressing a press conference Dar es Salaam police chief Lazaro Mambosasa said that the assailants had "shot into the air" before bustling Dewji into their car.&nbsp;

The police further said that three people in connection with the kidnapping were arrested and refused to disclose the identity of any.

Born in Tanzania, Dewji studied at Georgetown University in the United States and served as the member of parliament from 2005 to 2015.

According to Forbes, he is 17th on the list of Africa's billionaires and worth $1.5 billion (1.29 billion euros).

In 2016 he signed a pledge to donate at least half of his fortune to philanthropic causes, according to Forbes.

Dewji is married and has three children.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

Mohammed Dewji, 43, Africa's youngest billionaire was kidnapped Thursday by gunmen from a gymnasium in Tanzania's economic capital Dar es Salaam. Dewji who heads the MeTL Group operating in about 10 countries in agriculture, insurance, transport, logistics and the food industry, was abducted as he entered the gym of a hotel in Dar es Salaam.

Mohammed Dewji, 43, Africa's youngest billionaire was kidnapped Thursday by gunmen from a gymnasium in Tanzania's economic capital Dar es Salaam. Dewji who heads the MeTL Group operating in about 10 countries in agriculture, insurance, transport, logistics and the food industry, was abducted as he entered the gym of a hotel in Dar es Salaam. He is also the main shareholder in Tanzania's Simba FC football club. Initial speculations by Governor Paul Makonda say that the billionaire was kidnapped by whites travelling in two vehicles. The city police also claimed the involvement of foreigners in the incident. Addressing a press conference Dar es Salaam police chief Lazaro Mambosasa said that the assailants had "shot into the air" before bustling Dewji into their car. The police further said that three people in connection with the kidnapping were arrested and refused to disclose the identity of any. Born in Tanzania, Dewji studied at Georgetown University in the United States and served as the member of parliament from 2005 to 2015. According to Forbes, he is 17th on the list of Africa's billionaires and worth $1.5 billion (1.29 billion euros). In 2016 he signed a pledge to donate at least half of his fortune to philanthropic causes, according to Forbes. Dewji is married and has three children. (With inputs from AFP)

Africa's youngest billionaire kidnapped in Tanzania

Divers were on Saturday searching for survivors in the sunken wreck of an overcrowded ferry that capsized on Lake Victoria, Tanzania, as an official said the death toll from Thursday's disaster had risen to 161.

Four navy divers went inside the MV Nyerere early on Saturday after hearing sounds that suggested signs of life.

Their initial search failed to locate survivors, while bodies continued to float to the surface around the vessel.

State broadcaster TBC said the number of dead stood at 161, citing John Mongella, commissioner for the Mwanza region where the disaster occurred.

The ferry sank on Thursday evening just a few metres from the dock on Ukerewe, the lake's biggest island. Initial estimates suggested there were more than 300 people on board.

On Friday President John Magufuli ordered the arrest of those responsible for the sinking.

Divers were on Saturday searching for survivors in the sunken wreck of an overcrowded ferry that capsized on Lake Victoria, Tanzania, as an official said the death toll from Thursday's disaster had risen to 161.

Divers were on Saturday searching for survivors in the sunken wreck of an overcrowded ferry that capsized on Lake Victoria, Tanzania, as an official said the death toll from Thursday's disaster had risen to 161. Four navy divers went inside the MV Nyerere early on Saturday after hearing sounds that suggested signs of life. Their initial search failed to locate survivors, while bodies continued to float to the surface around the vessel. State broadcaster TBC said the number of dead stood at 161, citing John Mongella, commissioner for the Mwanza region where the disaster occurred. The ferry sank on Thursday evening just a few metres from the dock on Ukerewe, the lake's biggest island. Initial estimates suggested there were more than 300 people on board. On Friday President John Magufuli ordered the arrest of those responsible for the sinking.

Search for Tanzania ferry disaster survivors goes on as toll tops 160

Dozens more bodies were recovered on Friday, the morning after a Tanzanian ferry disaster, nearly doubling the death toll to 136, with hundreds more feared missing as rescuers resumed searching for survivors at first light.

The higher death toll was given to the Citizen newspaper by John Mongella, regional commissioner for the port of Mwanza on the coast of Lake Victoria, where the MV Nyerere sank on Thursday afternoon.

Initial estimates suggested that the ferry was carrying more than 300 people when it went down on Thursday afternoon, just a few metres from the dock on Ukerewe, the lake's biggest island, which is part of Tanzania.

Thirty-seven people had been rescued from the sea, Jonathan Shana, the regional police commander for Mwanza, told Reuters by phone on Friday.

Shana said more rescuers had joined the operation when it resumed at daylight on Friday. He did not give exact numbers.

The precise number of those aboard the ferry when it capsized was hard to establish since crew and equipment had been lost, officials said on Thursday.

Tanzania has been hit by several major ferry disasters over the years. At least 500 people were killed when a ferry capsized in Lake Victoria in 1996. In 2012, 145 people died when a ferry sank off the shore of Tanzania's Indian Ocean archipelago of Zanzibar.

Dozens more bodies were recovered on Friday, the morning after a Tanzanian ferry disaster, nearly doubling the death toll to 136, with hundreds more feared missing as rescuers resumed searching for survivors at first light.

Dozens more bodies were recovered on Friday, the morning after a Tanzanian ferry disaster, nearly doubling the death toll to 136, with hundreds more feared missing as rescuers resumed searching for survivors at first light. The higher death toll was given to the Citizen newspaper by John Mongella, regional commissioner for the port of Mwanza on the coast of Lake Victoria, where the MV Nyerere sank on Thursday afternoon. Initial estimates suggested that the ferry was carrying more than 300 people when it went down on Thursday afternoon, just a few metres from the dock on Ukerewe, the lake's biggest island, which is part of Tanzania. Thirty-seven people had been rescued from the sea, Jonathan Shana, the regional police commander for Mwanza, told Reuters by phone on Friday. Shana said more rescuers had joined the operation when it resumed at daylight on Friday. He did not give exact numbers. The precise number of those aboard the ferry when it capsized was hard to establish since crew and equipment had been lost, officials said on Thursday. Tanzania has been hit by several major ferry disasters over the years. At least 500 people were killed when a ferry capsized in Lake Victoria in 1996. In 2012, 145 people died when a ferry sank off the shore of Tanzania's Indian Ocean archipelago of Zanzibar.

Death toll reaches 136 in Tanzania ferry disaster, hundreds feared missing

A large crack stretched up to several kilometers has appeared in the Rift valley of South-western Kenya.&nbsp;

According to news reports the crack is measured more than 50 feet deep and 65 feet.

Experts say that crack is the evidence that one day Africa could possibly get divided into two continents.

The crack is continuing to grow and has caused the past of Nairo-Narok highway to collapse.

News agency Reuters reported Geologists advising the authorities about the need to do more to take fault lines into account as they plan their new roads, rail lines, and infrastructure projects.

The crack formed by two tectonic plates are moving from each other and is prompted by heavy rains, floods, and seismic activity.

However, the activity of eventual split of Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania from rest of the continent could possibly take millions of years.

The crack first appeared in March. Reports say that the time it appeared one house was also got split into two parts during their dinner.

Families living around has fled the area.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A large crack stretched up to several kilometers has appeared in the RIft valley of South-western Kenya

A large crack stretched up to several kilometers has appeared in the Rift valley of South-western Kenya. According to news reports the crack is measured more than 50 feet deep and 65 feet. Experts say that crack is the evidence that one day Africa could possibly get divided into two continents. The crack is continuing to grow and has caused the past of Nairo-Narok highway to collapse. News agency Reuters reported Geologists advising the authorities about the need to do more to take fault lines into account as they plan their new roads, rail lines, and infrastructure projects. The crack formed by two tectonic plates are moving from each other and is prompted by heavy rains, floods, and seismic activity. However, the activity of eventual split of Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania from rest of the continent could possibly take millions of years. The crack first appeared in March. Reports say that the time it appeared one house was also got split into two parts during their dinner. Families living around has fled the area.

Africa one day could split into two continents!

Indian boxers Amit Panghal (49kg) and Naman Tanwar (91kg) on Friday advanced to the quarterfinals after notching up comprehensive wins in their opening bouts of the Commonwealth Games 2018.&nbsp

Tanwar defeated Tanzania's Haruna Mhando in a lopsided unanimous verdict to make the last-eight stage in the afternoon session.

In the evening session, Amit got the better of Ghana's Tetteh Sulemanu in another one-sided bout that ended in judges ruling unanimously in the Indian's favour.

The 19-year-old Tanwar, making his debut at the Games, is a bronze-medallist from the World Youth Championships.

He had defeated reigning Asian silver-medallist Sumit Sangwan in the trials to make the squad.

Amit, on the other hand, is chasing a third successive international gold medal.&nbsp

Earlier, 2010 CWG gold-medallist Manoj Kumar had won his opening bout to enter the pre-quarterfinals of the welterweight 69kg category.

Tanwar defeated Tanzania's Haruna Mhando while Amit got the better of Ghana's Tetteh Sulemanu

Indian boxers Amit Panghal (49kg) and Naman Tanwar (91kg) on Friday advanced to the quarterfinals after notching up comprehensive wins in their opening bouts of the Commonwealth Games 2018. Tanwar defeated Tanzania's Haruna Mhando in a lopsided unanimous verdict to make the last-eight stage in the afternoon session. In the evening session, Amit got the better of Ghana's Tetteh Sulemanu in another one-sided bout that ended in judges ruling unanimously in the Indian's favour. The 19-year-old Tanwar, making his debut at the Games, is a bronze-medallist from the World Youth Championships. He had defeated reigning Asian silver-medallist Sumit Sangwan in the trials to make the squad. Amit, on the other hand, is chasing a third successive international gold medal. Earlier, 2010 CWG gold-medallist Manoj Kumar had won his opening bout to enter the pre-quarterfinals of the welterweight 69kg category.

Commonwealth Games: Boxers Amit, Naman enter quarter-finals

A Belgian non-profit organisation, Apopo, has discovered that giant pouched rats are capable of detecting landmines and tuberculosis. The NGO is, therefore, training these rats to sniff out landmines and tuberculosis in Tanzania as part of a project which could one day use the rodents to diagnose cancer. 
 
Finding the hidden explosives is dangerous for people. What makes these giant African rats the perfect candidates for detecting the land mines is the extraordinary sense of smell that they posses and their light weight, which enables them to walk over the landmines without setting them off. 
 
They can easily discover hidden landmines and sniff out the explosive (TNT) present in them. 
 
 
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WC1ELvaTZ9E?list=PLmWa9ZZLlCjt0Jlg7kN3JBNX4LH1sRsGh" width="560"></iframe> &nbsp;

Their extraordinary sense of smell makes them the perfect candidate for detecting landmines

A Belgian non-profit organisation, Apopo, has discovered that giant pouched rats are capable of detecting landmines and tuberculosis. The NGO is, therefore, training these rats to sniff out landmines and tuberculosis in Tanzania as part of a project which could one day use the rodents to diagnose cancer. Finding the hidden explosives is dangerous for people. What makes these giant African rats the perfect candidates for detecting the land mines is the extraordinary sense of smell that they posses and their light weight, which enables them to walk over the landmines without setting them off. They can easily discover hidden landmines and sniff out the explosive (TNT) present in them.

Heroic rats detect landmines, tuberculosis in Tanzania to save lives

Sweaty passengers crammed into battered buses and stuck in traffic jams look on enviously as Tanzania&#39;s shiny new commuter buses fly by on the pristine asphalt of dedicated highway lanes. 
 
In Dar es Salaam, the East African country&#39;s biggest city of five million people, rush hour has always meant chaos, until now. 
 
The first phase of a new bus rapid transit system opened earlier this year offering a swift, clean alternative to the traditional &quot;dala dala&quot; buses, a twist on the English word &quot;dollar&quot; coined in the 1970s when the system started as an answer to inadequate public transport. 
 
The new route cuts through 20 kilometres (12 miles) of the seaside city with two lanes of tarmac running down the middle of the existing highway. 
 
When completed the route will extend for 130 kilometres, separated from the traffic by a crash barrier that prevents motorists from taking advantage of its free-flowing smoothness. 
 
&quot;Every day, hundreds of thousands of people lose time, and therefore money, in traffic jams, which have become a very big problem in Dar es Salaam,&quot; says Robert Lwakatare, head of the government agency responsible for overseeing the Dar Rapid Transit (DART) project. 
 
A recent study estimated that traffic jams cost the Tanzanian economy $188 million (167 million Euros) a year. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s amazing,&quot; says one young passenger who gave just her first name Judy, as a Chinese-made bus with bright blue-tinted windows pulls up to the platform. 
 
There are 140 buses and 27 new stations in the transit system, enough to meet demand for the time being. 
 
&quot;Before I took two to two and a half hours to go into the centre of Dar es Salaam, and now it takes me 30 minutes,&quot; Judy said after scanning her ticket at an automated gate. 
 
&quot;This might seem normal in Europe, but it&#39;s not in our countries,&quot; says Lwakatare. &quot;All this is unique in East Africa.&quot; 
 
The clean vehicles themselves are a far cry from the dilapidated dala dalas, of which there are 7,000 registered in Dar es Salaam today, according to African Development Bank figures. 
 
The drivers on the new buses wear short-sleeved shirts, ties and neatly pressed trousers and politely ask passengers to sit before starting off. Aboard the dala dalas, passengers find any space they can, while drivers shout and conductors hang precariously from open doors. 
 
The first phase of construction cost $290 million (260 million Euros), mostly funded by a World Bank loan, and Tanzania is relying on the African Development Bank to fund the remainder of the project. 
 
Lwakatare says that around 100,000 people already use the new buses every day, a figure predicted to rise to 300,000 in the months ahead. 
 
Costing 400-800 Tanzanian shillings ($0.18-0.37, 16-32 Euro centimes ) the ticket price is a little more expensive than on the dala dalas, which are destined to be phased out as the new system comes online. 
 
Part of the budget is earmarked for compensating dala dala owners, who have also been included in a private sector consortium to operate the network in partnership with the government DART agency. 
 
A dala dala tout named Justin, in faded jeans and an old green and grey jumper, views the new buses and what they mean for his future with equanimity. 
 
&quot;For the moment, people still need us because the blue bus does not go everywhere and are a bit more expensive.&quot; 
 
&quot;Later, we&#39;ll see,&quot; he says with a shrug, &quot;but I think there will always be a need for a cheaper service.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

The first phase of a new bus rapid transit system opened earlier this year offering a swift, clean alternative to the traditional buses

Sweaty passengers crammed into battered buses and stuck in traffic jams look on enviously as Tanzania's shiny new commuter buses fly by on the pristine asphalt of dedicated highway lanes. In Dar es Salaam, the East African country's biggest city of five million people, rush hour has always meant chaos, until now. The first phase of a new bus rapid transit system opened earlier this year offering a swift, clean alternative to the traditional "dala dala" buses, a twist on the English word "dollar" coined in the 1970s when the system started as an answer to inadequate public transport. The new route cuts through 20 kilometres (12 miles) of the seaside city with two lanes of tarmac running down the middle of the existing highway. When completed the route will extend for 130 kilometres, separated from the traffic by a crash barrier that prevents motorists from taking advantage of its free-flowing smoothness. "Every day, hundreds of thousands of people lose time, and therefore money, in traffic jams, which have become a very big problem in Dar es Salaam," says Robert Lwakatare, head of the government agency responsible for overseeing the Dar Rapid Transit (DART) project. A recent study estimated that traffic jams cost the Tanzanian economy $188 million (167 million Euros) a year. "It's amazing," says one young passenger who gave just her first name Judy, as a Chinese-made bus with bright blue-tinted windows pulls up to the platform. There are 140 buses and 27 new stations in the transit system, enough to meet demand for the time being. "Before I took two to two and a half hours to go into the centre of Dar es Salaam, and now it takes me 30 minutes," Judy said after scanning her ticket at an automated gate. "This might seem normal in Europe, but it's not in our countries," says Lwakatare. "All this is unique in East Africa." The clean vehicles themselves are a far cry from the dilapidated dala dalas, of which there are 7,000 registered in Dar es Salaam today, according to African Development Bank figures. The drivers on the new buses wear short-sleeved shirts, ties and neatly pressed trousers and politely ask passengers to sit before starting off. Aboard the dala dalas, passengers find any space they can, while drivers shout and conductors hang precariously from open doors. The first phase of construction cost $290 million (260 million Euros), mostly funded by a World Bank loan, and Tanzania is relying on the African Development Bank to fund the remainder of the project. Lwakatare says that around 100,000 people already use the new buses every day, a figure predicted to rise to 300,000 in the months ahead. Costing 400-800 Tanzanian shillings ($0.18-0.37, 16-32 Euro centimes ) the ticket price is a little more expensive than on the dala dalas, which are destined to be phased out as the new system comes online. Part of the budget is earmarked for compensating dala dala owners, who have also been included in a private sector consortium to operate the network in partnership with the government DART agency. A dala dala tout named Justin, in faded jeans and an old green and grey jumper, views the new buses and what they mean for his future with equanimity. "For the moment, people still need us because the blue bus does not go everywhere and are a bit more expensive." "Later, we'll see," he says with a shrug, "but I think there will always be a need for a cheaper service." (AFP)

Tanzania welcomes time-saving commuter buses

The Tanzanian government has banned imports and sales of sexual lubricants in its latest move targeting the gay community, officials say. 
 
Health Minister Ummy Mwalimu justified the move on the grounds that the product encourages homosexuality, which is banned in the east African nation. 
 
&quot;It is true that the government has banned the importation and use of the jelly to curb the spread of HIV,&quot; the minister told local media on Tuesday.&nbsp;&quot;It is estimated that 23 per cent of men who have sex with men in Tanzania are living with HIV/AIDS,&quot; he added.&nbsp;&quot;I have instructed stakeholders working with gay people to remove the products from the market.&quot; 
 
Groups working with the gay community were handing out the lube for free, the minister said.&nbsp;&quot;The ministry has agreed to work with stakeholders to give the ministry the money they were using to buy and import the lubricants so we could use it to buy beds for the maternity wards.&quot; 
 
Gay male sex is punishable by life imprisonment under Tanzanian law, but there is no such ban on lesbian relations. In practice, there had been no known arrests over homosexuality in recent years. 
 
But the newly appointed regional commissioner for the port city of Dar es Salaam, Paul Makonda, announced a major crackdown against gay people this month, followed by arrests of suspected gays in clubs. 
 
Some people who have been openly gay on the internet stopped posting after Makonda threatened that police would arrest those who follow them on social media. 
 
(AFP)

In Dar es Salaam this month people suspected of being gay, which is a crime punishable by life imprisonment, were arrested in clubs

The Tanzanian government has banned imports and sales of sexual lubricants in its latest move targeting the gay community, officials say. Health Minister Ummy Mwalimu justified the move on the grounds that the product encourages homosexuality, which is banned in the east African nation. "It is true that the government has banned the importation and use of the jelly to curb the spread of HIV," the minister told local media on Tuesday. "It is estimated that 23 per cent of men who have sex with men in Tanzania are living with HIV/AIDS," he added. "I have instructed stakeholders working with gay people to remove the products from the market." Groups working with the gay community were handing out the lube for free, the minister said. "The ministry has agreed to work with stakeholders to give the ministry the money they were using to buy and import the lubricants so we could use it to buy beds for the maternity wards." Gay male sex is punishable by life imprisonment under Tanzanian law, but there is no such ban on lesbian relations. In practice, there had been no known arrests over homosexuality in recent years. But the newly appointed regional commissioner for the port city of Dar es Salaam, Paul Makonda, announced a major crackdown against gay people this month, followed by arrests of suspected gays in clubs. Some people who have been openly gay on the internet stopped posting after Makonda threatened that police would arrest those who follow them on social media. (AFP)

Tanzania bans lube in crackdown on gays

Visa waiver for diplomatic or official passport holders was among the five agreements signed between India and Tanzania today to accelerate ties between both nations to the next level. 
 
The other agreements include LOC of US $92 million for rehabilitation and improvement of Zanzibar&#39;s water supply system, Water Resource Management and Development, Establishment of vocational training centre at Zanzibar, Agreement between National Small Industries Corporation of India and Small Industries of Development Organization Tanzania. 
 
Asserting that India and Tanzania have agreed to work closely to combat the twin threats of terrorism and climate change, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said both nations will deepen overall defence and security partnership.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Being neighbours across Indian Ocean, President and I agreed to deepen our overall defence and security partnership, especially in the maritime domain. Our in-depth discussions on regional and global issues reflected our considerable convergence on issues of common interest and concern,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;On climate change, India had led the efforts to form an International Solar Alliance at COP 21 in Paris. In this Alliance, which has the support of over 120 countries, we welcome Tanzania as a crucial partner,&quot; he said. 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tanzanian President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli witnessed the signing of agreements at the State House in Dar-es-Salaam. 
 
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted, &quot;A close and friendly partner. PM and President witness the exchange of 5 agreements across various sectors.&quot;Prime Minister Modi and President Magufuli prior to the exchange of agreements held delegation-level talks during which both sides reviewed full spectrum of relations between the two nations. 
 
&quot;Reviewing the full spectrum of #IndiaTanzania relations. President @Magufuli and PM lead delegation level talks,&quot; Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted. 
 
The Prime Minister&#39;s Office tweeted, &quot;Discussing India-Tanzania relations with President @MagufuliJP during the bilateral meeting and delegation talks. 
 
Prime Minister Modi was earlier today accorded a ceremonial welcome at the State House kicking-off his first engagement in Tanzania.&nbsp;He landed at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar-es-Salaam earlier in the day as part of his four-nation Africa tour aimed at enhancing ties with the continent, particularly in the economic sphere. 
 
(ANI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

This was among the five agreements signed today. The two countries also decided to deepen their defence and security partnership

Visa waiver for diplomatic or official passport holders was among the five agreements signed between India and Tanzania today to accelerate ties between both nations to the next level. The other agreements include LOC of US $92 million for rehabilitation and improvement of Zanzibar's water supply system, Water Resource Management and Development, Establishment of vocational training centre at Zanzibar, Agreement between National Small Industries Corporation of India and Small Industries of Development Organization Tanzania. Asserting that India and Tanzania have agreed to work closely to combat the twin threats of terrorism and climate change, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said both nations will deepen overall defence and security partnership. "Being neighbours across Indian Ocean, President and I agreed to deepen our overall defence and security partnership, especially in the maritime domain. Our in-depth discussions on regional and global issues reflected our considerable convergence on issues of common interest and concern," he said. "On climate change, India had led the efforts to form an International Solar Alliance at COP 21 in Paris. In this Alliance, which has the support of over 120 countries, we welcome Tanzania as a crucial partner," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tanzanian President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli witnessed the signing of agreements at the State House in Dar-es-Salaam. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted, "A close and friendly partner. PM and President witness the exchange of 5 agreements across various sectors."Prime Minister Modi and President Magufuli prior to the exchange of agreements held delegation-level talks during which both sides reviewed full spectrum of relations between the two nations. "Reviewing the full spectrum of #IndiaTanzania relations. President @Magufuli and PM lead delegation level talks," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted. The Prime Minister's Office tweeted, "Discussing India-Tanzania relations with President @MagufuliJP during the bilateral meeting and delegation talks. Prime Minister Modi was earlier today accorded a ceremonial welcome at the State House kicking-off his first engagement in Tanzania. He landed at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar-es-Salaam earlier in the day as part of his four-nation Africa tour aimed at enhancing ties with the continent, particularly in the economic sphere. (ANI)

India, Tanzania to extend visa waivers to each other's diplomatic or official passport holders

It&#39;s an hour after dawn on Ukerewe island in Lake Victoria and Alphonce Yakobo, face and hands withered by the scorching sun that has tortured his pigment-free skin for all of his 57 years, is vigorously sweeping the leaves outside his house. 
 
&quot;This is the best time of the day,&nbsp;the day has begun but the sun is not yet up,&quot; he says. In a few minutes time Yakobo will put on a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and slather sunscreen over every bit of his exposed skin. 
 
Yakobo suffers from a genetic condition called albinism, meaning his body does not produce melanin leaving his skin, hair and eyes devoid of pigmentation and protection from the sun. 
 
Like all people with albinism, Yakobo has very poor eyesight and is extremely vulnerable to skin cancer. 
 
But the sun overhead is not the only threat to albinos. 
 
Here in Tanzania, as well as in Malawi and some other parts of sub-Saharan Africa, albino body parts are sought after for potions and charms thought to bring luck and wealth, and many fall victim to murderers who dismember their bodies to supply this grisly black market trade. 
 
Canadian charity Under The Same Sun (UTSS) has documented 161 attacks on people with albinism in Tanzania in recent years, including 76 murders, more than anywhere else in Africa. 
 
Yet Ukerewe island is relatively untouched by this phenomenon. &quot;There were times when I was afraid in the past, but now I thank God because we can sleep at night without a gun,&quot; says Yakobo, who works as a fishmonger in Ukerewe market. 
 
&quot;Here, we are safe, we are surrounded by water, no one can commit a crime and escape easily,&quot; said Yakobo, who has three wives but regrets that not one of his 11 children is albino. &quot;We could talk, and I would feel like I had passed on a part of myself.&quot; 
 
Murder-free zone 
 
Over the years, Ukerewe has become known as a haven for people with albinism. 
 
People say that it started long ago when families would abandon their albino relatives on the island, believing their unusual, ghostly appearance was the sign of a curse. They survived and thrived and others, ostracised by society, made their way there too. 
 
&quot;In many respects, Ukerewe is at the forefront of integration of albinos in society. And I think the fact that it&#39;s an island plays a big part in the minds of people, but reality is a bit more nuanced,&quot; says Harry Freeland, founder of the non-governmental organisation Standing Voice and the maker of a documentary about Ukerewe. 
 
According to the Ukerewe Albino Society (UAS) there are 75 people with albinism living on the island of 200,000, a proportion roughly in keeping with the national average. 
 
As elsewhere in Tanzania, body-snatchers have come to the island to dig albino corpses from their graves and in 2007 one person was attacked and had his white hair cut for use in witchcraft, says Vicky Ntetema, director of the Tanzanian branch of UTSS. 
 
&quot;But we have never had an albino murder,&quot; points out Ramadhan Khalifa, president of Ukerewe&#39;s albino community. 
 
Abandoned 
 
&quot;Ukerewe is unique in that sense,&quot; says Freeland. &quot;It was in Ukerewe that the first census was done. The initiative came from the former president of UAS, and it was in 2006.&quot; 
 
&quot;I&#39;m not afraid of being attacked,&quot; says Kajanja Neema, 36, dissecting tiny fish for the evening meal, along a busy street from the main town of the island. 
 
His brother Zacharia accompanies his songs with an air guitar. &quot;Yes, Ukerewe is safer than mainland, but it&#39;s not perfect,&quot; he said, &quot;Sometimes, people say they will kill us, and we never know if they mean it or not.&quot; 
 
Even if physical violence is rare, discrimination is not. 
 
Hadija Namtondo is a 30-year old mother with black skin and a four-year-old albino son called Riziki. &quot;When his father saw the colour of the child, he was not happy, and he has abandoned us,&quot; she says.

Many of them are murdered because potions and charms made from their body parts are thought to bring luck and wealth

It's an hour after dawn on Ukerewe island in Lake Victoria and Alphonce Yakobo, face and hands withered by the scorching sun that has tortured his pigment-free skin for all of his 57 years, is vigorously sweeping the leaves outside his house. "This is the best time of the day, the day has begun but the sun is not yet up," he says. In a few minutes time Yakobo will put on a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and slather sunscreen over every bit of his exposed skin. Yakobo suffers from a genetic condition called albinism, meaning his body does not produce melanin leaving his skin, hair and eyes devoid of pigmentation and protection from the sun. Like all people with albinism, Yakobo has very poor eyesight and is extremely vulnerable to skin cancer. But the sun overhead is not the only threat to albinos. Here in Tanzania, as well as in Malawi and some other parts of sub-Saharan Africa, albino body parts are sought after for potions and charms thought to bring luck and wealth, and many fall victim to murderers who dismember their bodies to supply this grisly black market trade. Canadian charity Under The Same Sun (UTSS) has documented 161 attacks on people with albinism in Tanzania in recent years, including 76 murders, more than anywhere else in Africa. Yet Ukerewe island is relatively untouched by this phenomenon. "There were times when I was afraid in the past, but now I thank God because we can sleep at night without a gun," says Yakobo, who works as a fishmonger in Ukerewe market. "Here, we are safe, we are surrounded by water, no one can commit a crime and escape easily," said Yakobo, who has three wives but regrets that not one of his 11 children is albino. "We could talk, and I would feel like I had passed on a part of myself." Murder-free zone Over the years, Ukerewe has become known as a haven for people with albinism. People say that it started long ago when families would abandon their albino relatives on the island, believing their unusual, ghostly appearance was the sign of a curse. They survived and thrived and others, ostracised by society, made their way there too. "In many respects, Ukerewe is at the forefront of integration of albinos in society. And I think the fact that it's an island plays a big part in the minds of people, but reality is a bit more nuanced," says Harry Freeland, founder of the non-governmental organisation Standing Voice and the maker of a documentary about Ukerewe. According to the Ukerewe Albino Society (UAS) there are 75 people with albinism living on the island of 200,000, a proportion roughly in keeping with the national average. As elsewhere in Tanzania, body-snatchers have come to the island to dig albino corpses from their graves and in 2007 one person was attacked and had his white hair cut for use in witchcraft, says Vicky Ntetema, director of the Tanzanian branch of UTSS. "But we have never had an albino murder," points out Ramadhan Khalifa, president of Ukerewe's albino community. Abandoned "Ukerewe is unique in that sense," says Freeland. "It was in Ukerewe that the first census was done. The initiative came from the former president of UAS, and it was in 2006." "I'm not afraid of being attacked," says Kajanja Neema, 36, dissecting tiny fish for the evening meal, along a busy street from the main town of the island. His brother Zacharia accompanies his songs with an air guitar. "Yes, Ukerewe is safer than mainland, but it's not perfect," he said, "Sometimes, people say they will kill us, and we never know if they mean it or not." Even if physical violence is rare, discrimination is not. Hadija Namtondo is a 30-year old mother with black skin and a four-year-old albino son called Riziki. "When his father saw the colour of the child, he was not happy, and he has abandoned us," she says.

An island refuge for Tanzania's albinos

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