Tanzania's President John Magufuli has termed the Covid-19 pandemic as a "test from God" and called for three days of prayers and fasting to overcome it.
President Magufuli made the comments on Friday at the funeral of his chief secretary, John Kijazi, who died of an undisclosed illness while undergoing treatment.
The government spokesperson tweeted the president's comments:
"It is possible this is another test but with God, we will win. Let's not scare each other because we will not overcome. It's possible we have offended God or we're being tested and I'm urging that we stand by God."
Inawezekena hili ni jaribu lingine lakini tukisimama na Mungu tutashinda, tusitishane na kuogopeshana kwa sababu tutashindwa kufika. Inawezekana kuna mahali tumemkosea Mungu au tunapata jaribu lakini ninatoa wito kuwa tusimame na Mungu - Rais @MagufuliJP #TanzaniaUpdates
— Msemaji Mkuu wa Serikali (@TZMsemajiMkuu) February 19, 2021
"I ask you Tanzanians if we have slipped let's continue praying to God and fasting from today, tomorrow, and the day after. Religious leaders continue encouraging prayers, we will win. God cannot forsake this nation."
Ninawaomba Watanzania, kama kuna mahali tumetetereka tuendelee kumuomba Mungu na kufunga kuanzia leo, kesho na keshokutwa, viongozi wa dini endeleeni kuhimiza maombi, tutashinda. Kamwe Mungu hawezi kuliacha Taifa hili - Rais @MagufuliJP #TanzaniaUpdates
— Msemaji Mkuu wa Serikali (@TZMsemajiMkuu) February 19, 2021
For months the government has insisted the Covid-19 pandemic was under control and encouraged the use of herbal remedies.
The vice-president of Tanzania's semi-autonomous islands of Zanzibar, Seif Sharif Hamad, died on Wednesday - nearly three weeks after his party said he had contracted Covid-19.
He was the most prominent political figure in Tanzania to have openly declared that he had Covid-19.
The government has not published data on coronavirus for months.
Latest Stories
-
More than 70% of power outages were due to planned maintenance works – ECG to PURC
29 seconds -
Access Bank partners Horseman Shoes to boost local shoe manufacturing industry
12 mins -
Election 2024: Don’t vote for candidates making empty promises – CDD to Ghanaians
17 mins -
IGP shares Easter safety tips on Adom FM’s ‘Ofie Kwanso’
42 mins -
Ebo Whyte offers fully-funded trip as he unveils new play ‘Dubai or No Sex’
54 mins -
Ancient culture of Anlo Kingdom: Exploring “Torkor Atorlia,” the fifth landing stage’s old ways of punishment
1 hour -
Leaders from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Botswana, Cameroon and Sierra Leone to lead discussions at Africa Finance Corporation’s (AFC) 4th Country & Stakeholder Symposium
2 hours -
Network International Delivers Strong 2023 Revenue growth at 15% y/y and free cashflow growth of 16% y/y
2 hours -
President Akufo-Addo extends Easter Greetings to Ghanaians, urges safe drive
2 hours -
Government pushes for use of more local materials in housing, other infrastructure projects
2 hours -
Dr Bawumia extends Easter greetings to Christians
3 hours -
CAF Confederation Cup: ‘Ghanaians should expect victory against Stade Malien’ – Dreams FC forward Ishmael Dede
3 hours -
CAF Confederation Cup: ‘We want to go there and win’ – Karim Zito on Stade Malian clash
3 hours -
Togbe Adzie Lãkle Howusu XII endorses youth leadership as New Force Movement gains momentum
4 hours -
Public Utility Workers Union appeals to PURC to address power crisis
4 hours