Opposition leaders in Tanzania are criticizing the government’s response to the coronavirus after President John Magufuli said he would never close down places of worship.
While Tanzania has been taking the same measures against coronavirus as other African nations — closing schools, quarantining foreign arrivals, and banning public events — Magufuli’s government refuses to close down churches.
At a Sunday service this week, Magufuli said the virus is “satanic” and therefore cannot thrive in churches.
The chairman of the opposition Civic United Front party, Ibrahim Lipumba, told VOA that government statements on the virus should focus on prevention. If people continue gathering in crowds, he said, there will be danger.
SOURCE: VOICE OF AMERICA