Magufuli, 61, who is Africa’s most prominent coronavirus sceptic, has not been seen in public since Feb. 27. But the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation quoted Tanzania’s ambassador in Windhoek, Modestus Kipilimba, as saying Magufuli was in good health and remained in Tanzania. “High Commissioner Kipilimba dismissed the reports, saying Magufuli is in Tanzania going about his normal duties,” NBC said, in what would be the first public comments from a Tanzanian official about Magufuli’s situation since questions were raised. In power since 2015 and nicknamed “The Bulldozer”, Magufuli has played down the threat from COVID-19, saying God and remedies such as steam inhalation would protect Tanzanians. Magufuli, a former chemistry professor from the village of Chato in northwest Tanzania, was first elected president in 2015.

Source: Daily Nation March 12, 2021 07:41 UTC