This archive report was first published on 17 May 2020.
On May 17, 2020, Tanzania's President John Magufuli warned against economic sanctions that could hinder the country's efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking in a video address, President Magufuli stated, 'Kamwe hatoweka vikwazo vinavyohitilafiana na uchumi wa taifa hilo katika juhudi za kupambana na ugonjwa huu.' (We will never allow economic sanctions that contradict the country's efforts to combat this disease.)
The Tanzanian government has been criticized for its handling of the pandemic, with some accusing it of downplaying the severity of the outbreak.
