This archive report was first published on 16 June 2020.
Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli has made a heartfelt appeal to his citizens to continue praying for his ailing mother, who has been bedridden for two years without showing any signs of improvement.
Speaking during the official opening of the 11th Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania in Dodoma on June 16, 2020, President Magufuli expressed his gratitude to the nation for their continued prayers and support for his mother.
"I ask you to continue praying for my mother, who has been bedridden for two years without showing any signs of improvement. She cannot speak, she cannot change her position, she cannot eat, and she cannot drink using her hands. But all these are the blessings of God," President Magufuli said.
President Magufuli also used the opportunity to call on politicians to focus on God in their campaigns ahead of the upcoming general elections, urging them to avoid using dirty politics.
He emphasized that the elections will only be free and fair if the candidates campaign on issues and not on personal attacks.
