Tanzania president not TV presenter, jogging club leader - Minister justifies absence

Finally, a response to the whereabouts of Tanzania president John Pombe Magufuli. Not to tell where the 'absent' president is, but a justification for his absence.

Justice minister Mwigulu Nchemba, dismissed concerns about the whereabouts of Magufuli, amid widespread social media rumours that he was evacuated to seek treatment from COVID-19.

Mr Magufuli was not a TV presenter or leader of a jogging club so he didn't need to post selfies of himself every day, the minister justified. The president has not been seen in public for nearly two weeks.

Exiled opposition leader Tundu Lissu has been at the forefront of demanding the whereabouts of Magufuli. He tweeted that the president had been transferred to India from Kenya, where he is receiving medical attention.

The Associated Press quoted another anonymous Tanzanian politician as saying that he had spoken to people close to the president who said he was seriously ill and in hospital.