Latest news with #Tanzanian
Observer
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Observer
Omani flavours captivate Mark Wiens
It began with a brief visit in 2016, but something about Oman lingered in the memory of Mark Wiens, the world-renowned travel and food vlogger and a full time travel eater. Known for his passionate reactions, on-the-ground street food adventures and a deep respect for culinary traditions, the American-born YouTuber has documented food cultures from across the globe. Years later, it was Muscat-based foodie and culture enthusiast Ahmed al Lawati who convinced Mark to return — this time, for an immersive gastronomic journey that would spotlight the heart and soul of Oman. 'Oman has incredible natural beauty, but remains one of the Gulf's best-kept secrets,' said Ahmed, who personally curated the itinerary. 'I wanted to show Mark the side of Oman that's not about luxury hotels, but about wadis, hidden villages and food that tells a story.' Mark Wiens helping to make Omani halwa in Nizwa Their journey took them from Salalah's green landscapes in the south to the golden deserts of Dhofar and all the way back to the bustle of Muscat's traditional eateries. Along the way, they sampled shuwa — a festive, slow-cooked lamb delicacy buried underground and cooked for hours — as well as madhbi, rice and grilled meat served hot off stones. Mark was visibly moved. 'The word that comes to mind is 'genuine',' he said. 'Omani people are genuinely friendly and hospitable. And the food? It's incredible.' Known for drawing millions of views per video, Mark captures more than just food — he tells stories. And in Oman, he found one worth sharing. Guided by Ahmed's local insight, he participated in age-old cooking traditions, joined villagers in preparation rituals and tasted spice-rich dishes influenced by centuries of trade and heritage. 'Food is food,' said Ahmed. 'But the preparation journey, the story behind it, is what makes Omani cuisine unforgettable.' One of the most unforgettable moments was preparing shuwa outdoors in the desert. 'It's not just a dish — it's a celebration,' said Mark. 'The variations of shuwa across Oman are astounding. Each has a unique flavour profile, yet all carry the essence of togetherness.' They also explored lesser-known dishes like paplo, a comforting rice-and-meat blend and maleh salad, made from dried, marinated fish. 'Paplo deserves international recognition,' Ahmed remarked. 'It's simple yet layered with flavour.' Mark, who has tasted everything from Thai street food to Tanzanian nyama choma, was especially impressed by Omani ingredients like dried lemons and date syrup. 'Dried lemons are my favourite. They perfume the dish in a way nothing else does,' he said. 'And Omani halwa — its complexity and craftsmanship blew me away.' The trip wasn't just about food — it was a cultural exchange. At every stop, Omanis recognised Mark, stopping him for selfies and thanking him for spotlighting their country. 'It showed us how powerful storytelling can be in promoting tourism and culture,' Ahmed noted. Global food blogger Mark Wiens and Ahmed al Lawati with freshly caught kingfish at Muttrah fish market Their collaboration aligns naturally with Oman's tourism vision: showcasing the Sultanate of Oman not just as a scenic escape, but as a living, breathing archive of traditions, tastes and tales. 'Videos like these are not only visual treats but tools for education and cultural exchange,' said Ahmed. Back in Bangkok, Mark reflects on the journey with warmth. 'You travel for food, but it's really about the people you meet along the way,' he said. 'Sharing meals, stories and laughter — that's the real journey.' And Oman? 'I brought back dates and halwa,' he smiled, 'but I'm already planning my return. There's so much more to discover.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Are East African governments uniting to silence dissent?
Kenya has been hit by a recent wave of repression, tarnishing its reputation as a beacon of democracy in East Africa. Critics fear that it is sliding down the path of her neighbours - Uganda and Tanzania, both of which are notorious for cracking down on dissent. Kenya's laws are widely regarded as being more progressive - particularly in protecting fundamental freedoms like the right to protest. But Kenya has witnessed an increasing crackdown on protests - the latest example being the killing of at least 10 people in nationwide demonstrations against President William Ruto's government while it attempted to ban live TV and radio coverage of the protests. "Rogue Regime" - declared the headline of Kenya's respected Standard newspaper as it pointed out that young people had flooded the streets in defiant remembrance of those gunned down a year ago in mass anti-tax demonstrations but "Instead of a listening ear they were met with razor wire, armoured trucks and the cold grip of repression". But as far as Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen is concerned, the police showed "remarkable restraint" as they foiled an "attempted coup". "We condemn the criminal anarchists who in the name of peaceful demonstrations unleashed a wave of violence, looting, sexual assault and destruction upon our people," he said, accusing the protesters of attacking police stations and injuring 300 officers. However, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) condemned the police for their handling of the protest. "The unnecessary aggression and brute force that culminated in the senseless loss of life and senseless destruction of property have no place in a free democratic society," it said. The crackdown came just weeks after a 31-year-old blogger and teacher, Albert Ojwang, died in police custody. He was arrested after being accused of defaming a senior police officer - and died in detention of assault wounds, an autopsy found. His death triggered a small protest in the capital, Nairobi, which police clamped down on and a street vendor, who was caught in the crossfire - shot at close-range, is fighting for his life in hospital. The LSK denounced his shooting as unbefitting for "any sane democracy". Its comment brought into sharp focus the fact that Kenya risks losing its status as a democracy that many Tanzanians and Ugandans envied – and drew inspiration from. Tanzanian political analyst Nicodemus Minde said there had long been an "appreciation" among Tanzanians of the ability of Kenyans to "speak truth to power". It was a view shared by Tanzania's main opposition leader Tundu Lissu who told the BBC last year that "We have not pressed hard enough for democratic reform". "What Kenya did to build its democratic space is something we need to do," he said. Having miraculously survived an assassination attempt after being shot 16 times in 2017, Lissu has become a symbol of state repression in Tanzania. He is currently in detention, charged with treason for rallying his supporters under the slogan "No reform; no elections". The government saw this as an attempt by Lissu to launch a rebellion – and he risks being sentenced to death if convicted. The 57-year-old opposition leader sees his detention as an attempt by the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party – which has been in power since independence in 1961– to clear its path to victory in presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for October. This perception has been strengthened by the fact that his Chadema party has been barred from contesting the poll after it refused to sign an electoral code of conduct that it believed would undermine its right to campaign freely. The opposition in Uganda sees itself in a similar situation, pointing out that President Yoweri Museveni has been in power for almost 40 years, and – along with his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who heads the army – is cracking down on political rivals in the build-up to elections in early 2026. Ugandan opposition politician Kizza Besigye has been in detention since November, with the government wanting to try him for treason in a military court after accusing him of plotting to overthrow the government – a charge he denies. Although Kenya has an independent judiciary and holds regular elections that lead to power changing hands, Martha Karua – one of the country's most respected human rights lawyers, a former justice minister and the leader of a small opposition party – believes that democracy is under threat in all three East African states. "We are staring at a regional crisis – not at an economic crisis, not a crisis of trade, but of democracy itself," she said at a recent press conference. Activists like her are alarmed by the fact that more than 80 Kenyans have been abducted in the past year by people who never identified themselves, raising fears that this was the government's latest strategy to crush dissent after the protests over moves to increase taxes amidst a cost-of-living crisis. There is also mounting evidence that Kenya is no longer a safe haven for Ugandans and Tanzanians, with security agencies from the three states apparently colluding to crack down on the opposition. Besigye was in Nairobi for a book launch in November, when he vanished - only to surface four days later in a military court in Uganda. The government in Uganda accused him of trying to negotiate an arms deal in Kenya to launch a rebellion back home and said he had been arrested in a cross-border operation carried out with the knowledge of Kenya's intelligence services. Kenya's government initially denied this, saying it was unaware of the Ugandan operation on its soil, although Kenya's foreign minister recently told local media that "there were certain issues" about Besigye's visit in Kenya and "he had to go". He did not elaborate. About two months after Besigye's ordeal, exiled Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai said she was abducted by armed men in Nairobi who then, luckily for her, released her several hours later. Ms Tsehai said she was manhandled and choked by four assailants who forced her into a vehicle. "I am sure that the reason for the abduction was to get access to my social media and [because of] the whistleblowing job that I do," she said, as her abductors kept asking how to unlock her phone. Ms Tsehai is a staunch critic of Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and has accused her government of bringing "tyranny back" to the country, despite promising reforms when she took office in 2021 following the death of her authoritarian predecessor, John Magufuli. Karua said that despite the "backsliding" of democracy and human rights in East Africa, there was little concern about this internationally, with the African Union "silent", the United Nations offering "rhetoric - not redress", while the US - "a self-declared champion of liberty" - was facing its "own issues of liberty" under the administration of President Donald Trump. Tanzania deported Karua and two Kenyan activists when they flew into the country in May to show solidarity with Lissu, while Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan lawyer Agather Atuhaire were detained after being allowed to enter. Following their release, both accused the Tanzanian police of sexually abusing them. Tanzania's police denied the accusation, however amidst the outcry over the detention and deportation of foreign activists, President Samia issued a stark warning. "If they have been contained in their country, let them not come here to meddle. Let's not give them a chance. They have already created chaos in their own country," she said. To the dismay of activists, Kenya's President Ruto failed to condemn the alleged abuse and instead, apologised to the Tanzanian government. "To our neighbours from Tanzania, if we have wronged you in any way, forgive us," he said. "If there is anything that Kenyans have done that is not right, we want to apologise." Macharia Munene, a Kenyan professor in international relations, told the BBC that Ruto's apology stemmed from his "perceived failure to keep people [Kenyans] in check". He added that the Tanzanian government had become "jittery" of the potential influence of Kenyan activists on the October elections, with Ruto's government under pressure to "contain troublemakers". For Kenyan activists the worsening repression in the three states has merely strengthened their resolve to fight back. Mr Mwangi, one of Kenya's most prominent human rights campaigners, summed it up by saying: "If these people are united in oppressing their citizens, then we must be united in fighting to remove them from power." 'We live in fear' - forced expulsions taint Kenya's safe haven image BBC identifies security forces who shot Kenya anti-tax protesters Could this be the end of the road for Tanzania's great survivor, Tundu Lissu? Why Kenya's president has so many nicknames Uganda's Yoweri Museveni: How an ex-rebel has stayed in power for 35 year Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Focus on Africa This Is Africa
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Food firm boss takes on Tanzania charity challenge
Departing on July 3, Mr Rowan will raise money for AWARE Scotland, which supports young people through respite breaks and days out; and The Haven, a Lanarkshire-based organisation that helps individuals and families affected by life-limiting conditions. The expedition will see Rowan join fellow riders from The Country Range Group for up to nine hours a day in the saddle under the Tanzanian sun. READ MORE: The route will pass through mountain trails, rural villages, and the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, ending at the Ngorongoro Crater National Park, one of Africa's most iconic landscapes. Together, the team is raising vital funds for MAG (Mines Advisory Group) International, which clears landmines, cluster munitions and unexploded ordnance in former war zones. Mr Rowan was also determined to make the challenge count closer to home by using the 'Bikes Against Bombs' ride to support Dunns' long-standing charity partners in Scotland. Mr Rowan, who has been with the company since 1989, said: 'Taking part in this challenge reflects the values we hold as a company. I wanted to mark the 150th milestone by doing something that makes a real difference to the lives of others. 'This will mark Bikes Against Bombs 10th ride, an initiative created by people in our industry to make a real difference. To mark 150 years of Dunns Food and Drinks, chairman Jim Rowan will cycle 380km across Tanzania this July in aid of Scottish charities AWARE Scotland and The Haven (Image: Herald Picture Agency) 'As a fourth-generation, family-owned business, we've been committed to fully participating within our communities . It's a privilege to ride in support of these causes, and it's been a privilege to spend so much of my working life as part of this company. 'It's going to be incredibly tough, but it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I'm hoping through the generosity of sponsors will make a meaningful impact to the two Dunns' charities.' Founded in 1875, Dunns is one of Scotland's longest-established wholesalers, supplying food and drink to hospitality venues across the country. Ahead of its anniversary year, the business has outlined bold growth plans – but insists community and charitable work will remain central to its mission. Managing Director Julie Dunn carries on the family name in Dunns Food and Drinks in the footsteps of her father, Christopher Dunn, her grandfather, William, and great-grandfather/company founder, Joseph Dunn. She commented: 'The whole team is behind Jim and incredibly proud of what he's doing. Charity and community have been central to Dunns since day one, and I couldn't think of a better way to mark our 150th anniversary celebrations. 'But this is just the beginning, and we look forward to sharing more about our exciting plans to celebrate this big birthday.' The ride takes place from July 3 to 11 and is expected to raise tens of thousands of pounds. Supporters can follow the journey and donate here:
The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs to face Ghanaian giants in Toyota Cup
Kaizer Chiefs have announced Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko as their opponents for this year's Toyota Cup. Amakhosi held a launch at their headquarters in Naturena on Thursday morning where Kotoko were represented. Kaizer Chiefs Marketing Director Jessica Motaung confirmed that the Toyota Cup will take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium. This one-day event will take place on Saturday, 26 July, just a week after their return from the Netherlands. Last season, Chiefs played against Tanzanian giants Yanga SC and lost 4-1 in what was Nasreddine Nabi's 'first match' in South Africa. Kaizer Chiefs supporters hoping for a better season. Image: @KaizerChiefs/X Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Time Business News
3 days ago
- Time Business News
Fanjove Island: The Ultimate Private Island Escape for CEOs, Curated by Trail Safari Explorers
When the boardroom buzz becomes a burden and clarity feels elusive, the world's most discerning leaders know where to turn: away from the headlines, the inbox, the endless pings—and toward a horizon where turquoise waters kiss untouched shores. Welcome to Fanjove Island, a jewel of the Tanzanian coast and one of the Indian Ocean's best-kept secrets. Accessible only by private charter and dream, this castaway-chic escape is everything a CEO, founder, or high-performing executive could crave: utter seclusion, sustainable luxury, and soul-deep renewal. And when experienced through Trail Safari Explorers—Tanzania's most trusted name in eco-luxury travel—the island transcends mere destination and becomes a transformative retreat. Set within the Songo Songo Archipelago (not Quirimbas—Fanjove belongs to a separate chain), Fanjove Island is the stuff of barefoot fantasies. Just six eco-designed villas are tucked discreetly along powder-white beaches, with no roads, no crowds, and no noise—save for the rustle of palms and the hush of tides. For captains of industry seeking to unplug, recalibrate, or map the next big idea, there may be no better boardroom than this. Whether you're hosting a strategic offsite with a trusted few or simply seeking solitude under star-strewn skies, Fanjove offers an ambiance that's equal parts monastic and magnificent. The lodge here doesn't scream opulence—it whispers it. Villas are crafted from local wood and makuti thatch, elevated on stilts to catch the breeze, and powered by solar energy. Rainwater harvesting and zero-waste systems mean that indulgence never comes at the expense of ecology. For leaders who see sustainability as non-negotiable, this is luxury with a conscience. But Fanjove's true magic is unlocked through Trail Safari Explorers, a boutique adventure company known for blending world-class hospitality with deep local intelligence. From the moment your feet touch Tanzanian soil—whether in Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar—their team orchestrates your journey with quiet precision: private charters, bespoke cultural immersions, discreet on-island guides. But this is no ordinary concierge service. With Trail Safari Explorers, you're not simply vacationing—you're connecting. Every snorkel trip, dhow sail, or village walk is infused with meaning, storytelling, and purpose. Dawn: A private yoga session as the sun ignites the ocean in gold, followed by a breakfast of passionfruit, coconut chapati, and line-caught tuna. Late Morning: Paddle through mangroves, snorkel over technicolor coral gardens, or dive the untouched reef walls just beyond the lagoon. Afternoon: Engage in thoughtful conversation with a Swahili artisan or join a conservation walk guided by marine biologists restoring the island's reefs. Evening: Sip a lemongrass-infused drinks as the sun melts into the sea. Then, dine under the stars—just you, your thoughts, and the gentle rhythm of the waves. Privacy with Purpose: Total seclusion for deep thinking, digital detoxing, or leadership recalibration. Total seclusion for deep thinking, digital detoxing, or leadership recalibration. Tailored to You: No two itineraries are alike. Whether it's adrenaline or stillness you crave, it's yours. No two itineraries are alike. Whether it's adrenaline or stillness you crave, it's yours. Sustainable by Design: For those who lead with values, Fanjove is a model of environmental integrity. For those who lead with values, Fanjove is a model of environmental integrity. Unmatched Local Insight: Trail Safari Explorers provides a masterclass in authentic, responsible travel. With each visit, guests are not only restoring their own energy but also contributing to a broader mission. Trail Safari Explorers partners with local conservation programs, marine biologists, and community development initiatives—ensuring that Fanjove remains as pristine tomorrow as it is today. This is travel that leaves a legacy. Ready to trade in pressure for presence? To rediscover vision not in slides, but in salt air and starlight? Let Trail Safari Explorers craft your private leadership retreat on Fanjove Island—a destination where luxury meets intention, and every sunrise is an invitation to begin again. 📍 Trail Safari Explorers – Arusha, Tanzania 🌐 📧 info@ +255 783 255 249 📸 Instagram: @TrailSafariExplorers 📌 Pinterest: TrailSafariExplorers 🎥 TikTok: @trailsafariexplorers
