President Magufuli sacks minister over $453m contract

Tanzania's president has sacked his home affairs minister for allegedly mismanaging a $453m (£345m) fire department contract.

President John Magufuli said the home affairs ministry, under Kangi Lugola, had signed a contract with a Romanian company without notifying the finance ministry or seeking approval from the parliament.

The president cited "lack of integrity" as a key reason for the sacking, according to Reuters news agency.

The deal was for the purchase of fire-fighting equipment.

When he came to office in November 2015, President Magufuli promised to stamp out corruption.

In the past, he has been known to make spot visits to government offices and berated officials who he believed were not doing their work.