John Pombe Magufuli's most controversial 'policies'

In this Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015 file photo, Tanzania's President John Magufuli holds up a ceremonial spear and shield to signify the beginning of his presidency, shortly after swearing an oath during his inauguration ceremony at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. (AP Photo/Khalfan Said, File)

Covid-19 denial

Since the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world, Tanzania’s John Pombe Magufuli always maintained the disease was not in the country. He urged residents to ignore directives from the World Health Organization (WHO) on how to protect themselves against the virus and instead asked them to pray against it.