Tanzanian president, John Pombe Magufui, a known COVID-19 sceptic, is reported to be on life support following a stroke induced by the viral disease.
Opposition leader Tundu Antiphas Lissa reported Tanzania Intelligence and Security Service (TISS) sources saying Magufuli is currently paralysed on one side and from the waist down after a stroke.
Lissu left Tanzania for Belgium after disputing his election defeat to Magufuli last year. He tweeted:
VP Samia suggested today that the Dictator is sick somewhere. My own sources in TISS say he’s on life support with COVID and paralyzed on one side and from the waist down after a stroke. Tell the people the truth! Release Peter Silayo na Melchiory Shayo detained in Kilimanjaro!
VP Samia suggested today that the Dictator is sick somewhere. My own sources in TISS say he’s on life support with COVID and paralyzed on one side and from the waist down after a stroke. Tell the people the truth! Release Peter Silayo na Melchiory Shayo detained in Kilimanjaro!
— Tundu Antiphas Lissu (@TunduALissu) March 15, 2021
Magufuli has not been seen in public since 27 February and reports suggested that he had been airlifted to India for treatment after contracting the coronavirus.
However, two officials recently told Al Jazeera that Magufuli is in good health and working normally. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa is quoted on Friday as saying:
Tanzanians should be at peace. Your president is around, healthy, working hard. To spread rumours that he is sick is just an outcome of hate.
… I have decided to say this to give hope to Tanzanians that our president is around. If he were sick, would I talk to him on the phone? He sent his greetings to you.
….and if he was well and good, why would he send his greeting to the people via a third party. go on TV and greet the people. shame on you
This is what Mature African Politicians as well as Wise Western Powers fo wen their sitting head of state is dying or terminally incapaciated. U DONT TELL THE TRUTH WHEN A KING DIES. U plan ahead and strategise ..and choose the next head of stte FIRST TO STABILIZE THE COUNTRY. No need to frighten the country and cause mayhem on the streets. It also stalls yo enemies-both domestic. And abroad. Coz u got the Ace up yo sleeve. Got it?