This archive report was first published on 11 May 2020.
Published on May 11, 2020, Raila Odinga, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) boss, has criticized Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli for his individualistic approach to combating the coronavirus.
According to Odinga, Magufuli's actions threaten to undermine the benefits achieved by the East Africa Community (EAC) in fighting the deadly virus.
Magufuli has been reported to be skeptical of COVID-19 diagnosis and has stopped daily updates, despite the rising infection and death toll in Tanzania.
"This is a regional issue and our destiny is tied together. We do not want a situation where a country will be forced to close its boundaries against the other. Dialogue is the best way," said Raila, who is one of Magufuli's close friends.
Many countries have expressed concerns over Tanzania's handling of the coronavirus, with some imposing lockdowns and banning social gatherings to combat the virus.
Magufuli has insisted that he will not close churches, despite the risks, and has not engaged adequately with other EAC members to battle the coronavirus.
