Tanzanian news on March 5, 2025, covered SADC’s discussions on DRC security, improvements to the Biometric Voter Registration Kit by INEC, legal actions by ACT-Wazalendo against human rights abuses, and challenges faced by women against sextortion in the workplace.
On March 5, 2025, Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, led an extraordinary summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Ministerial Committee, focusing on the escalating security crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This meeting was held in preparation for the Extra-Ordinary Organ Troika Summit scheduled for March 6, where leaders will discuss the situation involving troops from SADC member states in the DRC amidst advancing M23 rebel forces.
Prior to the ministerial summit, a preparatory meeting of Permanent Secretaries from the SADC Organ on Politics, Defense, and Security took place to finalize the agenda. This follows earlier meetings in February, highlighting the urgency of addressing the deteriorating security conditions in the DRC, where M23 rebels have gained ground.
The DRC government is intensifying diplomatic outreach to allies like the United States and European nations while leveraging its mineral resources for security assurances. As a consequence of its support for the M23 rebels, Rwanda faces sanctions from the U.S., Germany, and Canada, with the UN calling for troop withdrawal. Rwanda criticized these sanctions, viewing them as interference in an African-led solution.
The Tanzania Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced key enhancements to the Biometric Voter Registration Kit (BVR Kit) in a recent stakeholder meeting. The new version runs on an Android system and is designed to be more portable, weighing just 18 kilograms compared to its predecessor’s 35 kilograms. This upgraded kit will be used during a voter registration update exercise slated for March 17-23, 2025.
In addition to its portability, the new BVR Kit features integration with the National Identification Authority (NIDA) database, allowing eligible voters to update their information online. Offline operation remains possible, with data transitioning to the system when an internet connection is secured. This will facilitate smoother operations, especially in remote areas facing connectivity challenges.
The opposition party ACT-Wazalendo declared its intent to pursue legal actions against public officials implicated in human rights violations against its members. Party attorney general Omar Said Shaaban announced this initiative, citing interference with voter registration activities by regional and district commissioners, who allegedly act to benefit the ruling party, Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM).
The article illustrates the challenges faced by Tanzanian women against sextortion in the workplace. Furaha Msami’s experience, after being subjected to unwanted advances by her supervisor, highlights the difficulties women encounter. Despite reporting her case, she faced retaliation and isolation within her workplace until reassigned, which partially alleviated her situation yet left lingering effects on her professional life.
The article outlines several significant developments in Tanzanian news, including international discussions regarding security in the DRC led by SADC, advancements in Tanzania’s biometric voting technology intended to enhance electoral integrity, and the ACT-Wazalendo party’s commitment to confronting human rights violations. Additionally, it sheds light on women’s ongoing struggles against sexual harassment in the workplace, underscoring the need for protective measures and reforms.
Original Source: thechanzo.com
