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Daily Maverick
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Tanzania turns back clock to brutal, repressive Magufuli era as elections loom
President Samia Suluhu Hassan's government is increasingly abusing anti-terrorism legislation to suppress genuine political opposition before the October polls, according to NGO Intelwatch. The government of Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan 'has begun a systematic, unrelenting and brutal clampdown on critics, opposition leaders, civil society and even foreign activists' ahead of the October 2025 elections. Hassan's government is also increasingly abusing anti-terrorism legislation to suppress genuine political opposition before the polls, according to a report, Tanzania's Repression of Dissent under the Guise of Counterterrorism by Intelwatch, a South African-based NGO dedicated to strengthening public oversight of state and private intelligence agencies in southern Africa and around the world. 'The human rights situation has regressed to levels reminiscent of the Magufuli era, marked by enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and systematic repression,' the report says, referring to Hassan's predecessor John Magufuli, who became notorious for his brutal crackdowns on any political dissent. 'The counterterrorism task forces, notorious for the alleged kidnapping and killing of perceived government critics, have resurfaced with full force, targeting opposition figures, activists and journalists,' the report continues. Tundu Lissu arrest It cites in particular the arrest on 9 April 2025 of opposition Chadema party leader Tundu Lissu on charges of treason, which carries a potential death penalty. This was because he vowed that Chadema would boycott and disrupt the elections in the absence of reforms, such as an independent electoral commission to ensure free and fair polls. His arrest almost ensures that the October elections will go ahead without any real opposition to the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), the report says. The report notes that after encouraging signs of political reform after she succeeded Magufuli in 2021, Hassan has reverted to type ahead of the elections, deploying the same methods and colonial-era and anti-terrorism legislation to undermine political freedoms and curtail opposition activities to ensure the CCM maintains its unbroken grip on power since independence. The report notes that especially after the 9/11 bombings in the US in 2001, Tanzania came under especially US pressure to strengthen its counterterrorism legislation, particularly adding provisions to address money laundering to curtail terrorism financing. Abuse of legislation However, it adds that instead of combating terrorism, these tougher measures have been repeatedly used to 'quash political opposition, muzzle independent journalism and target human rights defenders'. It cites the case of at least 50 leaders of the Association for Islamic Mobilisation and Propagation (Uamsho), a Muslim group advocating for Zanzibar's secession from the union with Tanzania, who were detained for almost nine years from 2012 to 2021. 'Despite their release, it is estimated that at least another 150 clerics are still behind bars', the report says. The report cites the case of Wilfred Lwakatare, an opposition leader from the main opposition party Chadema, who was arrested in 2013 and fought lengthy court battles before being released. Chadema leader Freeman Mbowe was arrested in 2021 – under Hassan's presidency – on terrorism charges for allegedly financing terrorist activities with the intent of assassinating government officials. No credible evidence was presented and Hassan had the case dropped after behind-the-scenes negotiations between her and Mbowe. The report says the abuse of anti-terror legislation took off with President Jakaya Kikwete and peaked under Magufuli, who was elected in 2015 and died in office in 2021, apparently of Covid. Extrajudicial killings and disappearances spiked under Magufuli. A 'credible' estimate is that security forces killed at least 3,000 people between 2016 and 2020, the report says. Tanzania plunged in the World Press Freedom Index, from 71 in 2016 to 124 in 2021 (out of 180 countries) after the government introduced stringent regulations curtailing freedom of expression. The police actively monitored internet and social media communications 'to suppress debates and messaging which portrayed Magufuli in an unfavourable light'. Optimism snuffed out The report notes that when then vice-president Hassan succeeded Magufuli, there was initial optimism that she might usher in a new era of respect for the rule of law and human rights, particularly concerning counter-terrorism efforts. She did introduce some political reforms, notably lifting Magufuli's ban on political rallies; ordering the release of prisoners facing money laundering, economic sabotage and terrorism charges; freeing the 36 Uamsho clerics; issuing a stern warning to the police and security agencies against targeting civilians; and appointing a bipartisan task force to propose minimum electoral reforms ahead of the 2025 elections. However, very little came of these moves and the hopes of reform were dashed when opposition Chadema leader Mbowe was arrested. As it became clear that the state had no evidence against him, and under mounting domestic and international pressure, Hassan eventually released Mbowe in exchange for 'reconciliation' talks between Chadema and CCM. Brutality after democracy pretensions abandoned The Intelwatch report says, 'if any evidence were needed to confirm that President Hassan and her advisers have abandoned all pretensions to democracy and reform, it is the recent wave of attacks on foreign human rights defenders that came to support Lissu ahead of his treason trial'. It notes that a group of politicians, jurists and human rights activists from the region, including former Kenyan Minister of Justice Martha Karua, 'renowned Kenyan human rights defender' Boniface Mwangia, and Agather Atuhairet, a 'high-profile Ugandan lawyer-activist', were detained at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam on 18 May 2025. They were kept in police custody for four days, the report said. Karua and Athuhairet were 'brutally tortured, humiliated and tormented… both … suffered inhuman, degrading and brutal treatment'. They were allegedly handcuffed and blindfolded, told to strip naked and tortured, and sexually assaulted before being dumped on the Kenyan border, the report said. But the report adds that such cases are not new, as opposition figures have continued to disappear or be murdered under Hassan's rule. It cites Chadema's secretary, Ally Kibao, who was kidnapped in September 2024 from a bus in broad daylight. His lifeless body, the face burned with acid, was dumped in a forest. In July 2024, 24-year-old artist Shadrack Chaula was sentenced to two years in prison or a fine of $2,000 for drawing and burning a picture of President Hassan. After paying the fine and securing his release, Chaula 'disappeared less than a month later and has never been seen again'. State repression The report says that 'Tanzania's transformation into a surveillance state has been largely facilitated by external actors who have provided sophisticated technological capabilities, training and operational support to the country's security apparatus.' It cites mainly China, Russia and Israel for supplying such technology, though also mentioning Western countries. The report concludes that 'the history and evolution of state repression in Tanzania reveals a disconcerting narrative of a democracy in decline — one in which counterterrorism has become a euphemism for authoritarian consolidation. 'Under the guise of ensuring national security, successive leaders have normalised arbitrary arrests and detentions, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, digital surveillance and the silencing of dissent. 'The brief moments of optimism under President Hassan's early presidency, when reformist rhetoric suggested a push towards democratic renewal, have quickly given way to the weaponisation of terrorism legislation against opposition leaders such as Tundu Lissu. 'The brutal treatment of foreign human rights defenders, and the systemic targeting of journalists and activists indicate an intensification of the repressive apparatus honed under President Magufuli. 'Held in such an atmosphere of digital authoritarianism and the attendant fear and repression, the October 2025 elections are unlikely to produce an outcome reflecting the democratic will of Tanzanians.' Intelwatch urged the international community, regional partners and Tanzanian citizens to address the crisis 'with urgency and resolve' or 'the Tanzanian model will become a blueprint for future repression across Africa'. DM
The Citizen
a day ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Hundreds to lose jobs in KZN as Motsepe-linked Assmang shuts down plant
'Following the closing of this transaction, Assmang is expected to distribute R900 million in cash to ARM, owned by Patrice Motsepe.' Hundreds of people are set to be retrenched as the Cato Ridge Works (CRW) plant, operated by Assmang, shuts down. Assmang is 50% owned by African Rainbow Minerals (ARM), founded by businessman Patrice Motsepe, and the remaining shares are owned by Assore, a South African-based mining company. ARM announced on Monday that, after several talks, Assmang has resolved to permanently close the business and operations of CRW. 'Assmang is among the top ten producers of ferromanganese globally.' Affected employees of Assmang The Sens announcement by ARM stated that affected employees will be retrenched effective 31 August 2025. 'This decision has been reached after a comprehensive review of CRW's operational and financial position. Despite sustained efforts to explore alternatives to closure, the operation has continued to experience significant and unsustainable financial losses.' According to Assmang's website, the company employs 358 permanent staff members and 193 contractors. It is not indicated how many employees will be affected by the closure of the CRW plant. ALSO READ: Concerns over Mantashe's changes to draft mineral resources bill Assmang's land to go on sale The announcement also addressed how the assets of Assmang will be disposed of, which includes land, properties and houses in the Cato Ridge development company. ARM stated that the board has approved the sale of certain land parcels, properties and houses to Assore SA PropCo, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Assore. 'The CRW complex will be remediated and, together with the vacant land, redeveloped into a commercial and logistics hub that, in the future, is expected to generate significant economic activity and employment in the area.' The Cato Ridge transaction According to the announcement, the Cato Ridge transaction will be completed in two phases. 'Phase 1: comprising of the purchase by Assore SA PropCo from Assmang of certain land and houses situated on or close to CRW, which will be developed by Assore SA PropCo, together with a sale by Assore SA PropCo of a portion of those properties to and for the benefit of certain host communities for no consideration. 'Phase 2: comprising of the sale and purchase by Assore SA PropCo from Assmang of the remaining land on which CRW is located.' ALSO READ: Harmony mine worker dies: Possible 10th on-duty fatality this year? How much will Assore pay ARM added that Assore SA PropCo is set to pay R453 226 500 to Assmang for the purchase. Assmang also held certain interests in Sakura Ferroalloys, a low-cost producer of manganese alloys. 'In addition to the transaction referred to above, Assmang, Assore SA, Sakura and ARM have entered into a sale agreement which provides (amongst other things) for the sale by Assmang to Assore of all of the shares in Sakura that are held by Assmang (being 54.36% of the issued shares of Sakura).' How much is Motsepe set to benefit According to ARM's announcement, the mine is set to receive R900 million after the transaction from Assmang. 'Following the closing of this transaction, Assmang is expected to distribute R900 million in cash to ARM. 'The risk and benefit of the Sakura Disposal shall pass to Assore SA with effect from the Effective Date of 1 July 2024, even though legal ownership will pass on the closing date. Assore will also procure the release of Assmang from any obligations arising out of any suretyship, guarantee, indemnity, security or similar agreement that Assmang has entered into for the benefit of Sakura.' NOW READ: SA's shrinking mining sector and the policies that brought us here
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
AECI reports improved performance in spite of challenges in the local market
File image An AECI manufacturing facility in the Umbogintwini Industrial Complex, a major industrial hub located in Amanzimtoti, about 20km south of eThekwini. The group has had to address headwinds faced in its South Africa mining and industrial chemical businesses during the 5 months to May 31. Image: Supplied AECI's international industrial and chemicals operations reported an improved performance for the five months to May 31, while its South African-based business was impacted by weak power challenges and supplier headwinds. The group, which provides mining solutions, water treatment, agricultural health, and specialty chemicals products, said in an update on Monday that revenue was slightly lower than the same time last year. Conversely, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) and profit from operations were higher. There was a cut in strategy implementation costs in AECI Property and Corporate Services, and continued conversion of the EBITDA run rate relating to the Transformation Management Office (TMO) initiatives into profit and loss, albeit lower than expected. This was partially offset by the impact of the South African-based operations, in both AECI Mining and AECI Chemicals, which were facing challenges. Group profit from operations for the period increased 17% to R800 million. Net finance costs improved by 40% due to lower debt, mainly resulting from the proceeds received for the R1.1 billion Much Asphalt divestment concluded in the first quarter of 2025. Net debt as at May 31 was R3.38bn (May 31, 2024: R4.74bn), lowering gearing to 28% from 38%, well within the guidance of 20% - 40%. Available cash increased to R2.58bn (R1.79bn). The South African mining explosives business experienced poor power supply at the Modderfontein facility (a national key point), leading to outages. The unit also declared force majeure for part of the first quarter of 2025 due to a lead azide supply issue, which affected the manufacturing of detonators. These issues resulted in lost volumes, with third-party buy-ins of ammonium nitrate to support demand. Management is engaging with both suppliers to resolve the issues and has seconded a team to assist in resolving the lead azide challenges experienced by the supplier, the group said. The mining chemicals business, also linked to the South African mining industry performance, was performing to expectations, particularly in the metallurgy segment. The Asia-Pacific business unit sales volumes were impacted by inclement weather in the first quarter of 2025, but the business was recovering. Headwinds in the fourth quarter of 2024 in the sourcing of raw materials in Australia were addressed and the conclusion of an ammonia nitrate import contract contributed to improved profitability. AECI Mining had been awarded four new contracts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Australia, Ghana, and Botswana. In the AECI Chemicals segment, South Africa's manufacturing sector continued to face pricing and demand pressure. The industrial chemicals business was impacted by low demand for sulphuric acid, and an expected credit loss due to a major customer entering business rescue. The water business results were in line with expectations, but faced challenges recovering funds from a supplier that entered business rescue after failing to deliver pre-paid raw materials. The plant health business underperformed slightly due to excessive rainfall affecting pre-harvest sprays, while the specialty chemicals business unit lagged due to reduced orders from a key customer. Internal initiatives in AECI Chemicals were being implemented to boost performance. The restructuring at AECI Schirm Germany was progressing. The previously announced sale of Animal Health had been terminated via a mutual agreement due to non-fulfilment of certain conditions precedent. Other interested parties for the business were being engaged with. AECI's share price nuidged up 0.56% to R105.70 on the JSE on Monday morning. Visit:
Vogue Singapore
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
The in-flight beauty routines of 3 stylish jet-setters
@ As the season of summer travel kicks into high gear, plane-bound beauty aficionados will be faced with an entirely first-world problem. How to master the art of the perfect in-flight beauty routine, and how to ensure one's beauty upkeep is maintained à l'étranger while still keeping things chic and convenient? Allow us to point you in the direction of three stylish jet-setters for inspiration: Michelle Lin, a globetrotting content creator based between London and Valencia; Iman Fandi Ahmad, Singaporean singer-songwriter and artist; and Li-Chi Pan, South African-based art director and photographer. For these personalities, traversing the globe is a pleasure in the name of both work and play. As is somehow always looking good while doing so—how exactly do they manage? All three agree that in-flight hydration is key, courtesy of nifty essentials like a trusted lip balm, rejuvenating facial mask and concentrated moisturiser. Opting for a clean complexion allows the full benefits of said skincare to soak in. However, for a dose of pre-arrival glamour, look to the likes of a quick brow touch-up, multi-tasking beauty stick across the face's high points, or a few drops of fragrance to make a polished impression upon landing. Peruse the in-flight beauty secrets of Michelle, Iman and Li-Chi below: @ 1 / 3 Michelle Lin Instagram: @ | TikTok: @ Tell us about any exciting travel plans that you have lined up! Right now, I've got a few exciting trips coming up! Ibiza, Santorini, Copenhagen and New York are all on my calendar. What beauty products do you always pack in your carry-on? I always keep it minimal but essential: What's your in-flight beauty routine that keeps you looking and feeling refreshed? I reapply SPF regularly, especially on long flights. Keeping my skin hydrated is the top priority—the Cicaplast Baume B5+ and lip oil come with me every time. I also sometimes carry a mouth refresher spray to feel extra fresh mid-flight. With such frequent travel, how do you stay on top of your beauty game? Post-flight, I love to put on a hydrating face mask like the Gold Hydralifting Mask from Omorovicza to counter the dry cabin air. Honestly, I don't change my skincare routine too often—I like to keep things simple and consistent. Once I find something that works, I stay loyal! My skin thanks me for not constantly switching products. Can you share a beauty lesson from your travels and time spent living amongst different cultures? One thing I've learnt is that less is more, especially when you're on the go. Different climates and water types can affect your skin, so sticking to a gentle, reliable routine helps maintain balance. Also, beauty isn't one size fits all—seeing how different cultures approach skincare and self-care has really opened my eyes to new rituals and ingredients I might never have tried otherwise. What are your favourite local beauty products to stock up on while travelling? Whenever I'm back in Taiwan, I stock up on mascara and mascara primers—they're just made differently in Asia! My go-to products are: Canmake and Kate mascara primers. Mascaras from 1028, Kaibeauty and the Japanese brand Kissme. I've also discovered a Japanese brand called Ahres—their Raw Melt Cleansing Balm Kuro and Boost Pomper X Serum are absolutely amazing. I've stocked up on both! @imanfandi17 2 / 3 Iman Fandi Ahmad Instagram: @imanfandi17 | TikTok: @imanfandi Do you have any exciting trips planned this summer? Yes, I do—in early July I'll be heading for a two-week trip, travelling between London, Bulgaria and Berlin. It will be my first time to Bulgaria and Berlin so I am really excited. What beauty products do you always pack in your carry-on? Please outline your in-flight beauty routine for us—how do you stay looking and feeling fresh? I moisturise really well before my flight and apply sunblock. I've been told that less is more so I always try to just keep my skin hydrated and carry a face mask, especially on longer flights. I like to use Romi Beauty's Glow Getter Treatment Mask if I have time; otherwise, I'll use a face mist like Pixi's Hydrating Milky Mist or the travel-size Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray. What is your favourite travel beauty tip? Always hydrate your skin and protect it from the sun by applying sunblock. I also travel with my own hair curl cream, which I apply after being in the ocean or when my hair is really dry and I want my curls to bounce. I use Fenty Hair's Comeback Kid Instant Damage Repair Treatment. Where in the world do you feel the most beautiful? Anywhere with a beach. I love travelling to places where I can feel the ocean breeze and sun, and there's just something about dressing up in tropical sundresses that makes me feel beautiful. Even if I happen to go for a more city-like destination, I try to stop somewhere where I can still surround myself in nature. @lichipan 3 / 3 Li-Chi Pan Lin Instagram: @lichipan | Website: Do you have any exciting travel plans lined up this season? Yes, I will be taking a 10-day trip to New York and Boston this summer. My first cousin is getting married so I will be travelling for his wedding. What beauty products do you always pack in your carry-on? When it comes to carry-on essentials, simplicity and hydration are key as well as TSA-approved sizes. My must-haves are: Optional extras would be a silk eye mask, travel hairbrush and essential oil roller. Do you have any beauty or wellness rituals that you maintain to feel at home while travelling? In order to feel grounded and at home no matter where I am, I stick to my skincare routine. I stay consistent with double cleansing and moisturising, using travel-sized versions of my essentials. I usually travel with my Omnilux Contour Face—a red light therapy mask—and use it as downtime once I'm in bed. A warm cup of chrysanthemum or barley tea also helps maintain my internal balance, which can be disrupted during my travels. What beauty product makes for the best travel souvenir? Locally made skincare or fragrance that uses native or local ingredients. A stand-out for me would be Officine Universelle Buly's Baume des Muses. The lip balm is a celebration of natural ingredients and is housed in a compact box where you can have your initials embossed in gilt letters, adding a personal touch. Please share a beauty lesson that you have learnt from your travels. One of the greatest lessons I've learnt from my travels is that beauty is about rituals. Skincare should not be rushed. Cleansing should be mindful and deliberate. As I've gotten older I've realised that it's less about chasing flawless skin and more about embracing the process of caring for your skin with intention.
Ya Biladi
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Kenya National Assembly Speaker receives Polisario representative
Nearly a month after Kenya officially voiced support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara, the Polisario's main ally in Nairobi has resurfaced. On Thursday, June 19, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetangula, met with the Polisario's representative in Kenya. «Today, I hosted His Excellency Mohamed-Liman Ali Ami, the Ambassador of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, who paid me a courtesy call at my office at Parliament Buildings», Wetangula posted. «Our discussions focused on strengthening the bilateral relationship between our two nations and exploring ways to deepen diplomatic engagement for the mutual benefit of our citizens. I assured the Ambassador that Kenya, as a committed member of the African Union (AU), stands in solidarity with the Sahrawi Republic and remains steadfast in supporting and safeguarding its interests as a sovereign state», he added. Wetangula is widely seen as the Polisario's key ally within the Kenyan government. According to an October 2022 report by the South African-based Institute for Security Studies, Wetangula, a former foreign minister, played a pivotal role in convincing President William Ruto to delete a tweet posted on September 14, 2022, in which he had announced Kenya's withdrawal of recognition of the «SADR». Wetangula is a powerful political figure in Kenya. He heads the FORD-Kenya party, a member of the Kenya Kwanza coalition that backed Ruto's successful 2022 presidential bid. Just weeks after Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch met with President Ruto in Dakar on January 26, 2023, Wetangula traveled to Algeria, where he met with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and reaffirmed his support for the Polisario. He reiterated this position again in November 2023, after several African political leaders signed the « Tangier Appeal » calling for the expulsion of the «SADR» from the African Union. Following a meeting with the Polisario representative in Nairobi, Wetangula stated, «I reassured him of my support, noting their membership in the AU, akin to our shared responsibility.» In contrast, during a working visit to Morocco in late May, Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi declared that «the Republic of Kenya considers the autonomy plan as the only sustainable approach to resolving the Sahara issue and intends to collaborate with states sharing this vision to promote its implementation». Just one day after that statement, Wetangula hosted the Algerian ambassador in Nairobi.
