Tanzania President Magufuli bans foreign trips for government officials

President John Magufuli

DAR ES SALAAM: Tanzania’s newly elected President John Magufuli Saturday banned foreign trips for ministers and senior government officials.

Instead, the president ordered current ministers to visit the nation’s countryside to familiarize themselves with what is happening in the villages adding that embassies are capable of representing Tanzania abroad.

A statement released by the State House in Dar es Salaam after Magufuli met the country’s Central Bank Governor and the head of revenue authority added that the ban does not include critical matters that also must be approved by the Chief Secretary.

Magufuli who was sworn in on Thursday is expected to appoint his own cabinet ministers to replace or retain those who served during retired President Jakaya Kikwete’s regime.