#TANZANIA: Pres. Magufuli Cancels $10billion Chinese Loan

[world politics news]

Pres. John Magufuli has cancelled a Chinese loan worth $10 billion saying that the terms of the Chinese loan agreement could only be accepted by a drunken man.

The loan had been signed by his predecessor Jakaya Kikwete to construct a port at Mbegani creek in Bagamoyo. The move is indicative of original African rethink of loans from China which came with restrictive terms.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#TANZANIA: Pres. Urges Gov't Ministries To "Take Advantage" Of Refugee Crises To "Make A Profit" On Food Sales

[world politics news]

Tanzanian President John Magufuli has urged his government's Ministers to "take advantage" of refugee crises and make money by selling food to international aid organisations. The country hosts around 300,000 refugees. Speaking in the nation's capitol, Dar es Salaam, Magufuli celebrated the signing of a contract to deliver 36,000 tons of corn to the UN World Food Program (WFP) for around $9.1 million. The European Union and the World Bank recently moved to sanction Magufuli's government for its repressive policies.

After his comments in front of ministers and WFP representatives led to some snickers and giggles, the president tried to qualify his words: "I do not say that I wish they fight, but if they fight, that their conflict is a source of profit for us."

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#DENMARK: Development Minister Withholding Aid To Tanzania Over "Homophobic" Comments By Public Official

[world politics news]

Denmark is withholding US$9.8 million in aid to Tanzania after "unacceptable homophobic comments" from a senior politician, a minister says. Development Minister Ulla Tornaes did not name the official but said she was "very concerned" by the comments.

Last month, Paul Makonda, commissioner for the commercial capital Dar es Salaam, called on the public to report suspected gay men to the police. He said he would set up a surveillance squad to track down gay people. The government stressed at the time that Makonda was expressing his personal opinion, not government policy.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#TANZANIA: Post-Election Stalemate In Zanzibar Region Causes Confusion, Turmoil

[world politics news]

More than two months after Tanzania's general elections, the island region of Zanzibar's political parties are still arguing over who won, and the results are affecting the nation's economy. After Zanzibaris went to the polls October 25, the region's electoral commission annulled the vote, citing election irregularities.

#TANZANIA: Unrest In Zanzibar Region As Election Results Invalidated; Oppo. Ldr. Rejects National Results

[world politics news]

Main opposition presidential candidate Edward Lowassa, who lost Sunday's election to the governing party's candidate, has rejected the results of the presidential election, citing alleged fraud. Meanwhile, violence erupted in the Zanzibar region, where the election results have been thrown out over fraud allegations.

#TANZANIA: Anti-Corruption Crusader #JohnMagufuli Wins Landslide In Pres. Election

[world politics news]

John Magufuli, a government minister well-known for his tactic of hiding in trucks and popping out at weigh stations to nail crooked police officers, handily won Tanzania’s presidential election. Magufuli, 56, trounced his closest rival, Edward Lowassa, a former prime minister and opposition leader, winning 58% to Lowass's 40%.

#TANZANIA: New Oppo. Ptys Seek To Break 54-Year Rule Of Incumbents

[world politics news]

Turnout has been high in Tanzania's most competitive general elections, officials say, as a new opposition coalition tries to end the governing party's 54-year grip on power. In some areas, voting was extended to allow those still in queues to cast their ballots. Opinion polls have put the governing Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party ahead, but the result is expected to be close.

#TANZANIA: Energy Minister Quits Amid Growing Energy Corruption Scandal

[world politics news]

Minister for Energy and Minerals Sospeter Muhongo resigned amid a graft and bribery scandal. Attorney General Frederick Werema earlier resigned and Pres. Jakaya Kikwete fired Lands and Housing Minister Anna Tibaijuka for accepting a $1 million payment from a Tanzanian businessman linked to an energy scandal.