The three major international human rights courts—the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights (AfCHPR), the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR)—have convened for the Fourth International Human Rights Forum, which began today, March 3, 2026, in Arusha, Tanzania. The forum aims to strengthen cooperation among the courts, facilitate the exchange of experiences, and address common human rights issues impacting their respective regions.

This event is taking place within the framework of the African Court's 80th Ordinary Session, running from March 2 to 27, 2026, at the Court’s headquarters in Arusha. Over the course of the two-day forum, judges and experts from the three courts will engage in discussions on a range of important human rights issues, including the impact of emerging technologies, climate change, and the ongoing threats to fundamental human rights and the rule of law.

Judge Blaise Tchikaya – President of the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights (AfCHPR) opened the forum with a warm welcome to all participants, emphasizing the African Court’s 20th anniversary as a significant milestone. 

He highlighted the Court’s ongoing commitment to defending human rights across Africa and its efforts to address the challenges posed by political conflicts and geopolitical issues.

"We celebrate our achievements, but we are also keenly aware of the continuing challenges in protecting human rights, especially in light of current conflicts and political instability," Judge Tchikaya remarked. 

He also mentioned the upcoming relocation of the African Court’s headquarters to Lakilaki area , aimed at improving its operations and visibility.

Judge Matthias Guyomar – Vice President of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), congratulated the African Court on its 20th anniversary and expressed his support for the Forum’s objectives. 

He underscored the importance of collaboration between international human rights courts, particularly as the world faces rising authoritarianism and a decline in democratic values. 

"We are witnessing a global trend of diminishing faith in democracy and growing authoritarianism. 

As human rights courts, it is our shared responsibility to ensure that human rights continue to be upheld," said Judge Guyomar.

Judge Nancy López – Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR), stressed the importance of regular meetings among international human rights courts to address the emerging challenges of the digital age, climate change, and the protection of individual freedoms. 

"Technology and digital surveillance are increasingly encroaching on privacy and freedom of expression. It is crucial that we work together to develop a unified legal approach to safeguard these rights in a rapidly changing world," she noted.

The Fourth International Human Rights Forum is focusing on critical contemporary issues, including the role of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping human rights and governance. Judges and experts will explore both the opportunities and the associated risks that new technologies present to privacy, freedom of expression, and human rights protection.

Additionally, the three courts will renew their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which was initially signed in 2023, further solidifying their collaboration in advancing human rights worldwide.

The Fourth International Human Rights Forum serves as a vital platform for dialogue and cooperation among the three major international human rights courts. It reinforces their shared commitment to addressing the challenges of safeguarding human rights and the rule of law in a world marked by political, technological, and environmental changes.

Arusha, Tanzania — March 2, 2026. The President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, today officially launched the 2026 Judicial Year of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, marking the institution’s 20th anniversary with a strong call for African nations to deepen their commitment to human rights and judicial independence.

Speaking during the ceremony held in Arusha, Mahama urged African Union member states that have not yet ratified the Court’s Protocol to do so without delay. He also encouraged governments to respect and implement the Court’s judgments in good faith and to allow individuals and non-governmental organizations direct access to the Court.

The Ghanaian leader reflected on his personal history, recounting how his father was detained and later forced into exile for his political views. He said the experience shaped his enduring belief in the protection of human rights and the rule of law.

“I stand before you not only as a Head of State, but as the child of a man who was detained for serving his country and advising its leader,” Mahama said. “No one stands alone when injustice occurs. Its impact extends to families, communities, and entire nations.”

He emphasized that although Africa is made up of 55 sovereign states, their destinies are interconnected and require a strong continental institution capable of safeguarding shared values. Over the past two decades, he noted, the Court has demonstrated courage and fortitude in defending the principles enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Mahama also referenced prominent African figures who suffered persecution or assassination during liberation struggles, including Patrice Lumumba, Thomas Sankara, and Nelson Mandela, saying Africa lost invaluable human potential during those turbulent decades.

Quoting Tanzania’s founding President, Julius Nyerere, who once said, “One does not judge one’s state of health by comparing it to a sick person,” Mahama called on African nations to define their own standards of justice, democracy, and governance.

With Africa’s population projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, he said the continent holds immense demographic power that must be matched by strong institutions that protect dignity, liberty, and self-determination.

“Now is the time for Africa to step into its greatness,” he declared.

On behalf of the citizens of Africa, President Mahama officially declared the 2026 Judicial Year of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights open, reaffirming the continent’s collective responsibility to uphold justice and human dignity.

Arusha, Tanzania The United Republic of Tanzania has reiterated its firm commitment to strengthening the African human rights system as the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR) officially opened its 2026 Judicial Year during a solemn ceremony held in Arusha.

The Deputy Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Zainab Athumani Katimba, described Tanzania’s role as Host State as “a profound privilege” and reaffirmed the Government’s enduring support for the Court’s mandate.

The ceremony was graced by the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, who attended as Guest of Honour, alongside the President of the Court, Honourable Judge Blaise Tchikaya, Vice President Lady Justice Bensaoula Chafika, representatives of African Union institutions, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society organisations, and members of the press.

Conveying “warm and fraternal greetings” from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Katimba welcomed delegates from across the continent, noting that their presence reflected the high esteem in which the Court is held and the shared commitment to advancing justice in Africa.

“The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights has a noble mandate: to ensure the protection of human and peoples’ rights across our Continent,” Katimba stated, congratulating the Court on its twentieth anniversary.

She observed that over the past two decades, the Court has demonstrated “dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment,” ensuring meaningful access to justice at regional and international levels. She further noted that the institution has contributed significantly to the vision of “African Solutions to African Problems” by strengthening an adjudicatory system that bridges diverse legal traditions and advances justice across Member States.

Acknowledging existing challenges — including hesitancy by some States to accede to the Court’s jurisdiction, withdrawals of declarations under Article 34(6) of the Protocol, and non-implementation of certain judgments — Katimba emphasized that the Court has nonetheless “remained steadfast in its resolve and consistent in its jurisprudential development,” navigating complex legal and political landscapes with “prudence, integrity, and professionalism.”

“The strength of the African Court ultimately reflects our collective commitment to the rule of law, accountability, and human dignity,” she said.

Katimba highlighted Tanzania’s longstanding engagement with the Court since its establishment in 2006, describing the relationship as one characterised by sustained cooperation and mutual respect. She pointed to domestic legal reforms influenced by the Court’s jurisprudence, including developments following *Alex Thomas v. Tanzania* that contributed to the enactment of the Legal Aid Act, as well as judicial reasoning referenced in *Attorney General v. Dickson Paulo Sanga* drawing from *Anaclet Paulo v. Tanzania*.

She further affirmed that Tanzania remains engaged in “constructive dialogue with the Court on matters relating to access under Article 34(6) of the Protocol,” describing the dialogue as part of efforts to strengthen mutual confidence, institutional effectiveness, and the broader aspiration for justice and accountability across the continent.

Under the theme, *“20 Years of Service in Protecting Human and Peoples’ Rights in Africa,”* Katimba described the anniversary as a timely opportunity to reflect on the Court’s journey, celebrate its milestones, and draw lessons to guide its future direction.

“As this Court marks this important milestone, may the coming decades further consolidate its noble mandate as a steadfast guardian of human and peoples’ rights and as an enduring beacon of Africa’s justice, dignity, and moral authority,” she concluded.

The ceremony formally marked the commencement of the 2026 Judicial Year of the AfCHPR, reinforcing Africa’s collective resolve to uphold justice, constitutionalism, and the protection of human rights across the continent.

Arusha, Tanzania — March 2, 2026. The East African Community (EAC) Heads of State are set to convene for the 25th Ordinary Summit on March 7, 2026, in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania, reaffirming their commitment to deepening regional integration and improving the livelihoods of East African citizens.

Held under the theme, “Deepening Integration for Improved Livelihoods of EAC Citizens,” the Summit — the highest decision-making organ of the Community — will bring together leaders from the eight EAC Partner States to deliberate on strategic issues shaping the future of the regional bloc.

Key agenda items include reviewing progress in the implementation of regional programmes, considering institutional reports, and advancing strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating integration and promoting sustainable socioeconomic development.

Among the highlights of the Summit will be the launch of the EAC Customs Bond, a single regional customs guarantee designed to replace the current requirement for multiple national bonds along transit routes. Under the new framework, traders and clearing agents will secure one bond recognized across all Partner States, significantly reducing compliance costs and border delays.

The Customs Bond links customs administrations, insurers, and financial institutions within a unified regional system. The initiative is expected to safeguard government revenue, facilitate faster movement of goods, and enhance trade efficiency across the Community.

The Heads of State will also officially launch the 7th EAC Development Strategy (2026/27–2030/31), which outlines the Community’s strategic direction for the next five years. The Strategy builds on lessons from the previous development cycle and aligns with EAC Vision 2050, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Speaking ahead of the Summit, EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva emphasized the importance of the meeting as a platform for collective leadership and decisive regional action.

“The Summit of the EAC Heads of State remains the most important platform for guiding the Community’s integration agenda. Convening in Arusha provides an opportunity for our leaders to take strategic decisions that strengthen cooperation, promote trade, and advance shared prosperity for the people of East Africa,” she said.

She added that the launch of the Customs Bond and the 7th Development Strategy reflects the Community’s shift toward practical solutions that enhance competitiveness and economic resilience.

The Summit will also consider the Report of the Council to the Heads of State covering the period from November 30, 2024, to December 31, 2025, as well as modalities for implementing the directive of the 24th Summit on sustainable financing of the EAC budget based on a 65 percent equal contribution and 35 percent assessed contribution formula.

Other key decisions expected include the appointment of a new EAC Secretary General, the appointment of Judges to the East African Court of Justice, renewal of Deputy Secretaries General, appointment of Commissioners to the EAC Competition Authority, and assent to Bills passed by the East African Legislative Assembly.

The Summit follows an extraordinary meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers taking place from March 2 to 5, 2026, at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha.

The outcomes of the 25th Ordinary Summit are expected to reinforce policy alignment among Partner States and accelerate implementation of key regional programmes aimed at fostering inclusive growth and deeper economic integration across East Africa.

 

Washington/Tehran — Rais wa Marekani, Donald Trump, ameionya Iran dhidi ya kuchukua hatua zozote za kijeshi kuelekea Marekani au washirika wake, akiahidi kutumia “nguvu ambayo haijawahi kuonekana” iwapo vitisho vitatekelezwa.

Katika ujumbe aliouchapisha kwenye mtandao wake wa kijamii wa Truth Social, Trump aliandika kwa herufi kubwa: “Iran hivi punde imesema kwamba itafanya mashambulizi makali ambayo hayajawahi kuonekana. WASIJARIBU KUFANYA HIVYO KWA SABABU WAKIDHUBUTU, TUTAWAKABILI KWA NGUVU AMBAYO HAIJAWAHI KUONEKANA!”

Kauli hiyo inajiri saa chache baada ya Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) kuonya kuwa itaanzisha operesheni kali za kijeshi dhidi ya maeneo inayoyataja kuwa ni “yanayokaliwa kimabavu” pamoja na vituo vya kijeshi vya Marekani, kulipiza kisasi kifo cha Kiongozi Mkuu wa Iran, Ali Khamenei.

Katika taarifa yake, IRGC ilisema: “Tutaanza operesheni mbaya zaidi katika historia ya vikosi vya jeshi vya Jamhuri ya Kiislamu ya Iran kuelekea maeneo yanayokaliwa kimabavu na vituo vya kigaidi vya Marekani muda mfupi ujao.”

Matamshi hayo yameongeza hofu ya kuongezeka kwa mapambano ya moja kwa moja kati ya Iran kwa upande mmoja na Marekani pamoja na Israel kwa upande mwingine, hali inayoweza kuathiri kwa kiasi kikubwa usalama wa Mashariki ya Kati.

Wakati mvutano ukiendelea, mwana wa shah wa mwisho wa Iran aliyeondolewa madarakani mwaka 1979, Reza Pahlavi, ametoa kauli akiunga mkono kuuawa kwa Khamenei. Katika makala iliyochapishwa na The Washington Post, Pahlavi alimshukuru Trump kwa ujumbe wake kwa watu wa Iran kwamba “wakati wa uhuru wenu imekaribia.”

Pahlavi alidai kuwa kwa karibu nusu karne, Jamhuri ya Kiislamu ya Iran imekuwa ikivuruga utulivu wa majirani zake, kuchochea migogoro kimataifa na kuendeleza mpango wa silaha za nyuklia na makombora ya masafa marefu. Aidha, alitaja kile alichokiita ukiukwaji mkubwa wa haki za binadamu ndani ya Iran, ikiwemo mauaji ya waandamanaji katika misako ya usalama.

Amesema mustakabali wa Iran unapaswa kuhusisha kuandikwa kwa katiba mpya kupitia kura ya maoni na kufuatiwa na uchaguzi huru chini ya uangalizi wa kimataifa.

Ndani ya Iran, mamlaka zimetangaza kuwa rais wa nchi, mkuu wa mahakama na mmoja wa wanasheria wa Guardian Council watasimamia kipindi cha mpito kufuatia kifo cha Khamenei. Wakati huo huo, Assembly of Experts — chombo cha maulama chenye jukumu la kikatiba — kinatarajiwa kukutana haraka iwezekanavyo kumteua Kiongozi Mkuu mpya.

Kwa mujibu wa katiba ya Iran, uteuzi wa kiongozi mpya unapaswa kufanyika bila kuchelewa. Hata hivyo, wachambuzi wa masuala ya kisiasa wanasema kuwa hali ya kiusalama inayotokana na mashambulizi ya kijeshi inaweza kufanya mchakato huo kuwa mgumu zaidi.

Kadri pande husika zinavyoendelea kutoa matamshi makali, jumuiya ya kimataifa inaendelea kufuatilia kwa karibu hali hiyo, huku kukiwa na hofu ya kuzuka kwa vita pana zaidi katika eneo ambalo tayari limekumbwa na misukosuko ya muda mrefu.

Serikali ya Jamhuri ya Kiislamu ya Iran imetangaza rasmi kifo cha Kiongozi Mkuu wa nchi hiyo, Ali Khamenei, kufuatia mashambulizi ya anga yaliyoripotiwa kufanywa na Marekani kwa ushirikiano na Israel.

Tangazo hilo lililotolewa kupitia televisheni ya taifa ya Iran limesema kuwa Khamenei, mwenye umri wa miaka 86, aliuawa mapema Jumamosi asubuhi akiwa katika ofisi yake jijini Tehran. Serikali imetaja tukio hilo kuwa ni “kufikiwa kwa shahada” na imetangaza siku 40 za maombolezo ya kitaifa pamoja na siku kadhaa za mapumziko ya umma kote nchini.

Kwa mujibu wa taarifa rasmi, mashambulizi hayo yalilenga maeneo kadhaa nyeti, ikiwemo jengo la Leadership House — makao rasmi ya Kiongozi Mkuu. Uchambuzi wa picha za satelaiti umeonesha uharibifu mkubwa katika sehemu ya jengo hilo.

Awali, Rais wa Marekani, Donald Trump, alikuwa amesema katika mahojiano na vyombo vya habari vya Marekani kwamba anaamini Khamenei amefariki, ingawa alikiri kuwa anasubiri uthibitisho kamili. Trump pia alidai kuwa operesheni ya kijeshi dhidi ya Iran “imefanikiwa” na kwamba viongozi kadhaa wa juu wa Iran wameuawa.

Waziri Mkuu wa Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, naye alisema makao ya Khamenei mjini Tehran yaliharibiwa katika kile alichokiita “shambulio kali na la kushtukiza,” akidokeza kuwa kuna dalili kwamba kiongozi huyo “hayupo tena.”

Serikali ya Iran imeelezea tukio hilo kuwa ni “uhalifu wa wazi” na imeapa kulipiza kisasi. Msemaji wa Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje ya Iran amesema taifa hilo litachukua hatua kali dhidi ya Marekani na Israel, huku akiitaka Baraza la Usalama la Umoja wa Mataifa kuitisha kikao cha dharura kujadili hali hiyo.

Urusi imelaani mashambulizi hayo na kuonya kuwa yanaweza kusababisha mzozo mkubwa na usiodhibitika katika Mashariki ya Kati. Nchi hiyo imetoa wito wa kurejea katika mazungumzo ya kidiplomasia ili kuzuia kuongezeka kwa vita katika eneo hilo.

Kwa mujibu wa Katiba ya Iran, endapo Kiongozi Mkuu atafariki, Baraza la Wataalamu (Assembly of Experts) lina jukumu la kuchagua mrithi wake. Hatua hiyo inatarajiwa kufanyika katika mazingira ya mvutano wa kisiasa na kijeshi, huku jumuiya ya kimataifa ikifuatilia kwa karibu maendeleo yanayofuata.

Kifo cha Khamenei, ni tukio lenye athari kubwa katika siasa za ndani ya Iran na usalama wa Mashariki ya Kati kwa ujumla. Macho ya dunia sasa yameelekezwa Tehran na mwelekeo wa hatua zitakazochukuliwa katika kipindi hiki cha mpito.

The African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights (AfCHPR) has elected Honourable Justice Blaise Tchikaya of the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) as its new President, succeeding Honourable Justice Modibo Sacko, whose term as President has ended. The election took place on 23 February 2026.

Honourable Justice Tchikaya will serve the remainder of the term of the outgoing President, Justice Modibo Sacko, who was elected on 2 June 2023 for a two-year term. Justice Sacko will continue to serve as a Judge of the Court. 

In his farewell speech, the outgoing President, Honourable Justice Sacko, expressed heartfelt gratitude to his fellow Judges, the Court’s Registry, staff members, and all stakeholders for their steadfast support and cooperation during his tenure.

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected President, Honourable Justice Tchikaya, conveyed his deep honor in assuming the new responsibility. 

He emphasized his commitment to upholding the Court’s mandate and reiterated his dedication to strengthening the Court’s role in the protection of human and peoples' rights across the African continent.

“I assume this responsibility with a profound sense of duty,” said Justice Tchikaya. “As we prepare for the 20th Anniversary celebrations of the Court, I look forward to working closely with my fellow Judges, the Registry, staff, and all stakeholders to reflect on the Court’s achievements and address the existing challenges.”

Justice Tchikaya also took the opportunity to express the Court's appreciation to Justice Sacko for his leadership and service during his term as President.

The new leadership Bureau now consists of Honourable Justice Blaise Tchikaya as President and Honourable Lady Justice Bensaoula Chafika from Algeria, who has been elected as Vice President of the Court.

The African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights (AfCHPR) is a continental institution established by African Union Member States to ensure the protection of human and peoples' rights in Africa.

 It serves as an organ of the African Union and complements the work of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights. The Court is composed of eleven Judges elected in their individual capacities, who meet four times annually in Ordinary Sessions and may hold Extra-Ordinary Sessions when necessary.

Arusha, February 16, 2026 — The Government of Tanzania has been urged to formally recognize donkeys and integrate them into national livestock development initiatives. 

Key recommendations include conducting a comprehensive census to determine their population and ensuring donkeys receive proper veterinary care, vaccinations, and other essential services, similar to other domesticated animals. 

Stakeholders emphasize that these measures are vital for safeguarding donkey welfare and sustaining their critical contributions to household livelihoods and the national economy.

The call was made in Arusha during a stakeholders’ workshop that brought together journalists, livestock experts, and animal welfare advocates to discuss “Tracking the Cost of Exclusion.” Organized by the Arusha  Society for the Protection of Animals (ASPA) in collaboration with Brooke East Africa, the forum focused on the economic and social consequences of excluding donkeys from formal livestock policies and services.

Donkeys: The Overlooked Pillars of Rural Livelihoods

Speaking at the workshop, ASPA Director Livingston Masija highlighted the indispensable role of donkeys in rural communities. Donkeys are widely used to transport agricultural produce, water, firewood, charcoal, and other essential goods. Beyond generating direct income for owners, they support broader economic activities by facilitating affordable transport and access to energy.

“Ensuring donkeys receive proper nutrition, healthcare, and humane treatment is not merely an animal welfare concern—it is an economic imperative,” Masija said. 

He stressed that existing animal welfare laws protect animals from cruelty and neglect, and donkeys deserve equal recognition under these frameworks.

One of the key challenges identified is the species’ slow reproductive rate. On average, there is a five-year gap between the birth of one foal and the next from the same mother. This low reproductive rate renders donkey populations particularly vulnerable to decline, especially in the context of illegal trade and unregulated slaughter.

Gaps in Veterinary Services and Data

Dr. Lazaro Mirama, ASPA’s Livestock Officer, highlighted systemic challenges affecting donkeys in Tanzania. Unlike cattle, goats, and sheep, donkeys are often excluded from national vaccination campaigns and livestock health programs. Furthermore, there is no comprehensive census to determine their exact numbers.

According to Dr. Mirama, formally recognizing and enumerating donkeys would facilitate better planning of veterinary services, help curb theft and illegal cross-border trade, and enable owners to leverage donkeys as assets when seeking credit from financial institutions.

Research presented at the workshop indicates that donkeys rank among the top contributors to household income in many rural areas due to their role in transport and small-scale commerce. Stakeholders therefore argued that now is the opportune time for the government to integrate donkeys into livestock insurance schemes, vaccination programs, and broader development initiatives.

Government Enforcement and Collaboration

Dr. Justin Kimanga, a Veterinary Officer from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Northern Zone, affirmed that the government continues to enforce a ban on the export and trade of donkeys. Veterinary officers stationed at inspection points and border posts actively monitor compliance to prevent illegal transportation.

Dr. Kimanga underscored the importance of collaboration between government authorities, animal welfare organizations, and local communities to protect donkeys. He also urged citizens to adhere to animal welfare regulations by providing adequate feed, safe shelter, and appropriate harnessing equipment to prevent injuries caused by overloading.

Community Success Stories

Workshop participants expressed satisfaction with positive changes observed in communities that have received training from ASPA on proper donkey care. In areas such as Rwamgasa, improved feeding practices, timely medical treatment, vaccination uptake, and the use of ergonomically designed harnesses have significantly enhanced donkey welfare.

Residents of Rwamgasa have also innovated by constructing wooden carts fitted with rubber tires, pulled by donkeys. This initiative has eased transportation challenges and opened new business opportunities in cart manufacturing and repair.

Communities are increasingly ensuring that donkeys rest in shaded areas, travel on safe routes to protect their hooves, and carry loads within safe limits. 

These improvements demonstrate that with awareness, training, and policy support, donkey welfare can be strengthened—benefiting both the animals and the communities that rely on them.

The discussions  highlighted a clear message: excluding donkeys from national livestock systems incurs significant economic and social costs. Recognizing, counting, vaccinating, and protecting donkeys is not merely a welfare obligation; it is a strategic investment in rural development and poverty reduction.

As Tanzania advances its livestock sector, stakeholders insist that integrating donkeys into formal programs is both timely and essential.

 

Sharobaro  wa Nyumbu  au kijana wa nyumbu anayezaliwa Ndutu ni tofauti na vijana binadamu wanaozaliwa mijini kama  Dar es Salaam

Nyumbu wana mpangilio wa kushika mimba na kuzaliwa kwa pamoja kitaalumu (Synchronization.) Hii ni moja ya maajabu makubwa ya nyumbu wanaopatikana Hifadhi ya Ngorongoro  na wanaokamilisha ikolojia ya Nyumbu katika mfumo wa Serengeti.

Ndama wa nyumbu ni wa kipekee, ndani ya dakika chache tu baada ya kuzaliwa, tayari anakuwa na uwezo wa kusimama na kukimbia huku akianza kujitegemea.

Katika kudhihirisha kuwa titi la mama ni tamu sharobaro wa nyumbu pamoja na kuzaliwa wengi lakini hakuna ndama atakayenyonya titi la mama si wake ingawa jukumu la ulinzi ni la jamii yote hii ni kudhihirisha mtoto wa mwenzio ni wako.

Mtoto wa nyumbu akitimiza miezi sita mpaka kumi na mbili anaanza kupiga michongo ya masafa marefu Kama walivyo wangoni na wasumbwa ambao kutembea masafa kwao si shida.

Pamoja na mnyama Nyumbu kudharaulika lakini ni mwepesi wa kujitegemea tofauti kabisa na baadhi ya mashorobaro wa mjini ambao hadi wanazeeka hutegemea wazazi kwa chakula, malazi, mavazi na mengineyo.

Journalists from the Northern and Central Environmental Media Networks are encouraged to focus on investigative reporting that drives policy reforms and promotes accountability.

During a training session for environmental journalists organized by the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) in partnership with the Media Institute for Indigenous and Community Affairs (MAIPAC), the Director of the Union of Tanzania Press Clubs (UTPC), Kenneth Simbaya, and the Director of MAIPAC, Mussa Juma, emphasized that the era of event-based reporting has passed.

Simbaya emphasized the significance of modern journalism, advocating for journalists to focus on writing stories that drive policy and legal reforms rather than merely reporting daily events.

“LHRC and MAIPAC have organized this training to equip you with the tools to investigate environmental issues that spark change, while adhering to ethical standards,” Simbaya said.

On his part, Juma encouraged journalists to prioritize investigative reporting that fosters accountability within communities, but also reminded them to respect ethical standards, cultural values, and traditions in their work.

“Let us write stories that highlight gaps in policies, regulations, and laws, but also those that increase public participation and enable better decision-making,” Juma stated.

In his presentation on reporting for Indigenous communities, Juma urged journalists to respect the cultural norms and traditions of these communities, advising them not to write stories without obtaining consent from individuals or groups involved.

"A concerning trend has emerged, where journalists visit indigenous communities, such as the Hadzabe, take photos, and write stories without obtaining the community’s consent or understanding," he explained.

Juma emphasized the significance of respecting cultural norms when reporting on Indigenous communities, avoiding derogatory language, and ensuring that the community members are allowed to share their own narratives.

He added that the training aimed to equip journalists with the necessary skills to investigate the impact of climate change on marginalized communities and to address the emerging land conflicts in these areas.

On security and safety issues for environmental journalists, lawyer Paul Kisabo advised reporters to conduct thorough security assessments before embarking on any assignments and take necessary precautions.

Kisabo also outlined various laws and regulations related to media and the environment that journalists should be familiar with and apply in their work.

This training, attended by 35 journalists from regions such as Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Tanga, Singida, Dodoma, and Manyara, was funded by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In addition, further training sessions are scheduled to take place in the Lake Zone, Eastern and Coastal regions, and Zanzibar.