Tanzania president who denies coronavirus reportedly infected

Tanzania's main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, is demanding disclosure of president Magufuli's whereabout and health status.

According to Lissu who is currently on exile in Belgium, previous presidents have publicly declared their health status and it should not be different with the incumbent.

"The President’s well-being is a matter of grave public concern. We’re informed when Kikwete had prostate surgery. We’re told when Mkapa went for hip replacement. We’re not kept in the dark when Mwalimu fought leukemia. What’s it with Magufuli that we don’t deserve to know?" he said in a tweet.

Reports on social media suggest that the president has contracted COVID-19 even though there has been no confirmation or denial from the government.

The Magufuli government is on record to have denied the existence of the virus, refusing to impose virus restrictions but rather call for prayers and fasting and also call on people to use steam baths to combat any virus symptoms.

Recently, the Finance Minister addressed a press conference to dispel rumours that he was incapacitated with possible coronavirus. He delivered his address amid incessant coughs.

Tanzania has yet to report coronavirus statistics to the World Health Organization since about a year ago. At a time governments are rolling out vaccinations, authorities say they are not interested in inoculation.

The President’s well-being is a matter of grave public concern. We’re informed when Kikwete had prostate surgery. We’re told when Mkapa went for hip replacement. We’re not kept in the dark when Mwalimu fought leukemia. What’s it with Magufuli that we don’t deserve to know?

— Tundu Antiphas Lissu (@TunduALissu) March 9, 2021

BREAKING NEWS: Tanzanian President Magufuli is said to be seriously ill. I heard from 2 different sources days ago that he has COVID but wanted to avoid hospital given his stance it is not that bad. So don’t expect the government to be forthcoming with info ... #COVID19 #magufuli https://t.co/w543mgppAZ

— Prof Nic Cheeseman (@Fromagehomme) March 9, 2021