In Tanzania, the mystery is getting thicker. It has been 18 days since President John Magufuli appeared in public. Is he hospitalized for Covid-19? And if so, where? The authorities remain silent. The government is even trying to prevent rumors about the president’s state of health from spreading by making arrests.
John Magufuli is still in Tanzania where he is hospitalized in Kenya or in India, as some rumors claim? For several days, the issue has touched on social networks.
In an attempt to put out the fire, the Tanzanian authorities decided to use the harsh way, as explained by Fergus Kell, a researcher at the think tank in Chatham House, based in London: “Police arrested four Tanzanian citizens for spreading rumors about the president’s health . And the prime minister also accused Tanzanians living abroad of spreading and circulating these rumors. Senior officials also went against these rumors, urging Tanzanians not to release any information about the president’s condition. ”
“It’s pretty normal for someone to have the flu”
The government still refuses to communicate about the health condition of the president and indicate the place where he is. John Magufuli has not reappeared in public for 18 days, an unusual absence for this normally highly visible president, according to Fergus Kell: “His last public appearance was on 27 February. He has not been seen since and he also missed three religious ceremonies. These are traditionally covered live by television and John Magufuli is known for his speeches at these ceremonies. ”
Only Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan hinted on Monday that the president was ill: “It is perfectly normal for someone to have the flu, fever or other illness,” she said. Before she immediately added: “If there is one moment where we need to remain united, it is now”.
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