You think we’re not afraid of dying? Magufuli poses as he assures citizens, world that Tanzania is COVID-19-free

Tanzania’s President John Magufuli has for the second time declared the country to be coronavirus-free.

He told a gathering at his official residence in the capital, Dodoma, on Monday that “God had heard prayers” by citizens.

The president urged tourists to visit the country — and gave an assurance that they will return to their home countries healthy.

“People are finally finding out the truth that we are safe in Tanzania. You should talk about this, our enemies will not stop talking but we are safe in Tanzania. Look, no one here is wearing a mask. It is because we are safe, you think we are not afraid to die? But coronavirus is far away from us. We eliminated it. We prayed, put God first and he heard us. So Tanzania is safe and you should continue saying that, so tourists should come to see our wildlife and no doubt they will return home healthy”.

President Magufuli had made similar remarks in June.

The authorities in Tanzania have not released official figures on the extent of the outbreak there since the start of May.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern over Tanzania’s strategy on Covid-19.