John Magufuli

{{short description|President of Tanzania from 2015 to 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix = [[His Excellency]]
| image               = John Magufuli 2015.png
| office              = 5th [[President of Tanzania]]
| primeminister       = [[Kassim Majaliwa]]
| vicepresident       = Samia Suluhu
| term_start          = 5 November 2015
| term_end            = 17 March 2021
| predecessor         = [[Jakaya Kikwete]]
| successor           = [[Samia Suluhu Hassan|Samia Suluhu]]
| office2             = Chairman of [[Southern African Development Community]]
| term_start2         = 17 August 2019
| term_end2           = 17 August 2020
| predecessor2        = [[Hage Geingob]]
| successor2          = [[Filipe Nyusi]]
| office3             = [[Ministry of Works (Tanzania)|Minister of Works, Transport and Communications]]
| primeminister3      = [[Mizengo Pinda]]
| term_start3         = 28 November 2010
| term_end3           = 5 November 2015
| predecessor3        = [[Shukuru Kawambwa]]
| successor3          = [[Makame Mbarawa]]
| primeminister4      = [[Frederick Sumaye]]
| term_start4         = November 2000
| term_end4           = 21 December 2005
| predecessor4        = 
| successor4          = [[Basil Mramba]]
| office5             = [[Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development|Minister of Livestock and Fisheries Development]]
| primeminister5      = Mizengo Pinda
| term_start5         = 13 February 2008
| term_end5           = 6 November 2010
| predecessor5        = [[Anthony Diallo]]
| successor5          = [[David Mathayo David]]
| office6             = Minister of Lands and Human Settlements
| primeminister6      = [[Edward Lowassa]]
| term_start6         = 6 January 2006
| term_end6           = 13 February 2008
| predecessor6        = 
| successor6          = [[John Chiligati]]
| office7             = [[National Assembly (Tanzania)|Member of Parliament]] for<br />[[Biharamulo District|Biharamulo East]] and [[Chato District|Chato]]
| term_start7         = November 1995
| term_end7           = July 2015
| predecessor7        = 
| successor7          = [[Medard Kalemani]]
| birth_name          = John Pombe Joseph Magufuli
| birth_date          = {{birth date|1959|10|29|df=y}}
| birth_place         = [[Chato District|Chato]], [[Tanganyika (territory)|Tanganyika]] {{small|(now [[Tanzania]])}}
| death_date          = {{death date and age|2021|3|17|1959|10|29|df=y}}
| death_place         = [[Dar es Salaam]], Tanzania
| death_cause         = Officially [[atrial fibrillation]],<ref>{{Cite news|date=17 March 2021|title=Chronic atrial fibrillation a condition that killed President Magufuli|language=en-US|work=The Citizen|url=https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/chronic-atrial-fibrillation-a-condition-that-killed-president-magufuli-3327486|access-date=25 June 2021|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204602/https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/chronic-atrial-fibrillation-a-condition-that-killed-president-magufuli-3327486|url-status=dead}}</ref> for details see ''[[#Death|Death]]''
| party               = [[Chama Cha Mapinduzi]]
| spouse              = [[Janeth Magufuli]]
| children            = 7
| education           = [[University of Dar es Salaam]] ([[Bachelor of Science|BS]], [[Master of Science|MS]], [[Doctor of Philosophy|PhD]])
| allegiance          = {{flag|Tanzania}}
| branch              = [[National Service (Tanzania)|National Service]]
| serviceyears        = 1983–1984
| caption             = Magufuli in 2015
}}
'''John Pombe Joseph Magufuli'''<ref>{{cite news |title=Profile Details : Former President |url=https://www.tanzania.go.tz//profiles/profiles/details/23 |access-date=18 March 2021 |work=[[Government of Tanzania]]}}</ref> (29 October 1959 – 17 March 2021)<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|date=17 March 2021|title=John Magufuli: Tanzania's President John Magufuli dies aged 61|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56437852|access-date=17 March 2021}}</ref> was the fifth [[president of Tanzania]], serving from 2015 until his death in 2021. He served as [[Ministry of Works (Tanzania)|Minister of Works, Transport and Communications]] from 2000 to 2005 and 2010 to 2015 and was chairman of the [[Southern African Development Community]] from 2019 to 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/news/1840340-5239016-9a6avp/index.html|title=President Magufuli assumes Sadc chairmanship, calls for the West to lift sanctions against Zimbabwe|work=The Citizen|location=Tanzania|date=17 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928234512/https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/news/1840340-5239016-9a6avp/index.html|archive-date=28 September 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://allafrica.com/stories/202008180219.html|title=Southern Africa: Nyusi Takes Chair, Praises Magufuli|date=18 August 2020|via=AllAfrica|work=[[Daily News (Tanzania)|Daily News]]|location=Dar es Salaam}}</ref><ref name="BBCBulldozer">{{Cite news|date=17 March 2021|title=John Magufuli: Tanzania's 'bulldozer' president|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56293519|access-date=17 March 2021}}</ref>

First elected as a [[Member of parliament|Member of Parliament]] in 1995, he served in the [[Cabinet of Tanzania]] as Deputy Minister of Works from 1995 to 2000, Minister of Works from 2000 to 2005, Minister of Lands and Human Settlement from 2006 to 2008, Minister of Livestock and Fisheries from 2008 to 2010, and as Minister of Works for a second time from 2010 to 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.parliament.go.tz/index.php/members/mpcvs/1014/2010-2015 |title=Member of Parliament CV |publisher= [[Parliament of Tanzania]] |access-date=20 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713055515/http://www.parliament.go.tz/index.php/members/mpcvs/1014/2010-2015 |archive-date=13 July 2015}}</ref>

Running as the candidate of [[Chama Cha Mapinduzi]] (CCM), the country's dominant party, Magufuli won the [[2015 Tanzanian general election|October 2015 presidential election]] and was [[Inauguration of John Magufuli|sworn in]] on 5 November 2015; he was [[2020 Tanzanian general election|re-elected in 2020]]. He ran on a platform of reducing government corruption and spending while also investing in Tanzania's industries, but his rule had [[Autocracy|autocratic]] tendencies, as seen in restrictions on freedom of speech, restrictions on LGBTQ rights, and a crackdown on members of the political opposition and civil society groups.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Cheeseman|first1=Nic|last2=Matfess|first2=Hilary|last3=Amani|first3=Alitalali|date=2021|title=Tanzania: The Roots of Repression|url=http://pure-oai.bham.ac.uk/ws/files/133850030/CheesemanN2021Tanzania.pdf|journal=Journal of Democracy|volume=32|issue=2|pages=77–89|doi=10.1353/jod.2021.0020|s2cid=234901282|issn=1086-3214}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=29 October 2020|title=Tanzania opposition loses key seats in vote marred by fraud claim|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/29/tanzania-opposition-loses-key-seats-in-vote-marred-by-fraud-claim|access-date=30 October 2020|website=Al Jazeera|language=en}}</ref> Despite all the accusations, a spokesman for the ruling party assured that Magufuli would not remain in power beyond the two limits allowed by the constitution.<ref>{{Cite web |last=admin |first=N. P. |date=2021-02-10 |title=Tanzania's president 'will not be seeking third term' |url=https://nilepost.co.ug/2021/02/10/tanzanias-president-will-not-be-seeking-third-term/ |access-date=2022-08-19 |website=Nile Post |language=en-US}}</ref>

Under his presidency, Tanzania experienced one of the strongest economic growths on the continent (6% on average per year according to the IMF) and moved from the category of lower-low income countries to lower-middle income countries.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2021/03/19/tanzanie-john-magufuli-le-president-bulldozer-disparait-a-l-age-de-61-ans_6073700_3212.html|title=Tanzanie : John Magufuli, le président " bulldozer ", disparaît à l'âge de 61 ans|newspaper=Le Monde.fr|date=19 March 2021}}</ref>

Contrary to leaders elsewhere in the world, Magufuli ordered [[COVID-19 testing]] to stop and resisted calls to implement public health measures during the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Tanzania]].<ref>{{cite journal|title=Magufuli saved thousands|first=David|last=Bell|journal=NewsAfrica|date=May 2021|page=9|volume=3|number=21|url=https://www.newsafrica.net/print-editions/2021/may-edition|access-date=21 July 2021|archive-date=23 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723092923/https://www.newsafrica.net/2021/may-edition|url-status=dead}}</ref> He also expressed distrust of American- and European-developed [[COVID-19 vaccine|vaccines]],<ref name=Makoni>{{cite journal|title=Tanzania refuses COVID-19 vaccines|first=Munyaradzi|last=Makoni|journal=The Lancet|volume=397|issue=10274|page=566|date=13 February 2021|doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00362-7|pmid=33581810|pmc=7906632}}</ref> preferring to rely on faith to protect his nation.<ref name="Coronavirus in Africa - Not immune">{{Cite news|date=28 March 2020|title=Coronavirus in Africa - Not immune|url=https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2020/03/26/africa-is-woefully-ill-equipped-to-cope-with-covid-19 |newspaper=The Economist|volume=9187|pages=42}}</ref> Magufuli's approach has been characterised as [[COVID-19 denialism]].<ref name="Buguzi2021">{{cite journal|last1=Buguzi|first1=Syriacus|title=Covid-19: Counting the cost of denial in Tanzania|journal=BMJ|year=2021|volume=373|page=n1052|doi=10.1136/bmj.n1052|pmid=33906903|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref name="CarlitzYamanis2021">{{cite journal|last1=Carlitz|first1=Ruth|last2=Yamanis|first2=Thespina|last3=Mollel|first3=Henry|title=Coping with Denialism: How Street-Level Bureaucrats Adapted and Responded to COVID-19 in Tanzania|journal=Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law|year=2021|volume=46|issue=6|pages=989–1017|doi=10.1215/03616878-9349128|pmid=34075413|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.africanews.com/2021/02/18/tanzania-still-in-denial-about-covid-19-existance-despite-surge-in-cases//|title=Tanzania still in denial about Covid-19 existence despite surge in cases|publisher=Africanews|first=Michael|last=Oduor|date=18 February 2021|accessdate=22 July 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://theconversation.com/tanzanias-john-magufuli-a-brilliant-start-but-an-ignominious-end-157092|title=Tanzania's John Magufuli: a brilliant start but an ignominious end|first=Aikande Clement|last=Kwayu|work=The Conversation|date=18 March 2021|accessdate=22 July 2021}}</ref>

His death on 17 March 2021 was attributed by the government to a long-standing heart issue. He was succeeded by his vice-president, [[Samia Suluhu]].

==Education==

John Magufuli was born in 1959 in northwestern Tanzania (then Tanganyika), on the shores of Lake Victoria, into a poor family. He lived in a small thatched house, looking after the cattle and selling milk and fish to support his family.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lepoint.fr/afrique/tanzanie-le-president-john-magufuli-est-decede-17-03-2021-2418336_3826.php|title=Tanzanie : Mort de John Magufuli, le président qui défiait le Covid|date=17 March 2021}}</ref>

Magufuli started his education at the Chato Primary School from 1967 to 1974 and went on to the Katoke Seminary in Biharamulo for his secondary education from 1975 to 1977 before relocating to Lake Secondary School in 1977 and graduating in 1978. He joined Mkwawa High School for his Advanced level studies in 1979 and graduated in 1981. That same year he joined Mkwawa College of Education (a constituent college of the [[University of Dar es Salaam]]) for a Diploma in Education Science, majoring in chemistry, Mathematics, and Education.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tanzaniatoday.co.tz/news/and-this-is-dr-john-pombe-magufuli-cv |title=Hon. Dr. John P. Magufuli's CV |access-date=11 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151204232451/http://www.tanzaniatoday.co.tz/news/and-this-is-dr-john-pombe-magufuli-cv |archive-date=4 December 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Magufuli earned his [[Bachelor of Science]] in education degree, majoring in Chemistry and Mathematics as teaching subjects from the University of Dar es Salaam in 1988. He also earned his master's degree, and doctorate degrees in chemistry from the University of Dar es Salaam in 1994 and 2009, respectively.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mow.go.tz/index.php/mow/about/dr-john-p-magufuli |title=Hon. Dr. John P. Magufuli (MP) |publisher=[[Ministry of Works (Tanzania)|Tanzania Ministry of Works]] |access-date=3 November 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151103132508/http://mow.go.tz/index.php/mow/about/dr-john-p-magufuli |archive-date=3 November 2015 }}</ref> In late 2019, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the [[University of Dodoma]] for improving the economy of the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/ea/Tanzania-John-Magufuli-honorary-degree-over-leadership/4552908-5357214-12eakdkz/index.html|title=John Magufuli gets honorary PhD for outstanding leadership|work=[[The EastAfrican]]|date=21 November 2019|agency=Xinhua|access-date=21 March 2021}}</ref>

==Early life and political career==
Magufuli ventured into elective politics after a short period as a teacher at The Sengerema Secondary School between 1982 and 1983. He taught chemistry and mathematics. Later on, he quit his teaching job and was employed by The Nyanza Cooperative Union Limited as an industrial chemist. He remained there from 1989 to 1995,<ref name="www3_Univ">{{Cite web |title=Alumni of the Month—John Pombe Joseph Magufuli |work=[[University of Dar es Salaam]] |access-date=21 March 2021 |url=https://www3.udsm.ac.tz/web/index.php/alumni/name/1 |archive-date=30 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730160418/https://www3.udsm.ac.tz/web/index.php/alumni/name/1 |url-status=dead }}</ref> when he was elected as Member of Parliament (MP) representing Chato district. He was appointed Deputy Minister for Works in his first term as MP.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Magufuli the African giant—A peasant's son who became President|url=https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/magufuli-the-african-giant-a-peasant-s-son-who-became-president-3327116|access-date=18 March 2021|website=The Citizen|language=en|date=18 March 2021|location=Tanzania|first=William|last=Shao|archive-date=30 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730141631/https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/magufuli-the-african-giant-a-peasant-s-son-who-became-president-3327116|url-status=dead}}</ref> He retained his seat in the 2000 election and was promoted to a full ministerial position under the same docket. After President [[Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete]] was requested to take office, he moved John Joseph Magufuli to the post of Minister of Lands and Human Settlement on 4 January 2006.<ref>{{cite news|first=Hassan|last=Muhiddin|url=http://www.ippmedia.com/ipp/guardian/2006/01/05/57238.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121150509/http://www.ippmedia.com/ipp/guardian/2006/01/05/57238.html|title=JK's beefed up team|work=The Guardian|location=Tanzania|date=5 January 2006|archive-date=21 November 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> Subsequently, he served as Minister of Livestock and Fisheries from 2008 to 2010 and again as Minister of Works from 2010 to 2015.<ref name="BBCBulldozer"/><ref>{{Cite web|title=Magufuli: A tough president who demanded for accountability|url=https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2021-03-18-magufuli-a-tough-president-who-demanded-for-accountability/|access-date=21 March 2021|website=The Star|language=en-KE|first=Kevin|last=Cheruiyot|date=18 March 2021|location=Nairobi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=18 March 2021|title=Tanzanian President John Magufuli is dead|url=https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/news/east-africa/tanzania/tanzanian-president-john-magufuli-is-dead-3326496|access-date=18 March 2021|website=Business Daily Africa|language=en}}</ref>

===2015 presidential election===
{{See also|2015 Tanzanian general election}}
On 12 July 2015, Magufuli was [[2015 Chama Cha Mapinduzi presidential primaries|nominated]] as CCM's presidential candidate for the [[2015 Tanzanian general election|2015 election]], after winning a majority vote in the final round of the primary over two opponents: Justice Minister and former United Nations Deputy Secretary-General [[Asha-Rose Migiro]], and the African Union Ambassador to the United States, [[Amina Salum Ali]].<ref>{{Cite tweet |author=CCM |author-link=Chama Cha Mapinduzi |user=ccm_tanzania |number=620171743114559488 |date=12 July 2015 |title=MKUTANO MKUU WA TAIFA umefanikiwa kumteua mgombea Urais 2015 ambaye ni Mhe.John Joseph. Magufuli #UmojaNiUshindi |trans-title=The NATIONAL CONFERENCE has been successfully appointed presidential candidate 2015 which is Mhe.John p. End #UmojaNiUshindi |retweet= |access-date=12 July 2015 |language=sw }}</ref>

Although Magufuli faced a strong challenge from opposition candidate and previous CCM political party member [[Edward Lowassa]] in the election, held on 25 October 2015, Magufuli was declared the winner by the National Electoral Commission (NEC) on 29 October; he received 58% of the vote. His running mate, [[Samia Suluhu]], was also declared vice-president. He was [[Inauguration of John Magufuli|sworn in]] on 5 November 2015.<ref>{{Cite news|date=29 October 2015|title=Ruling party wins Tanzania presidency|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-34669468|access-date=23 July 2020}}</ref>

===2020 presidential election===
{{See also|2020 Tanzanian general election}}
In July 2020, Magufuli was nominated as the CCM's presidential candidate in elections scheduled for October 2020. His nomination was not opposed after the expulsion from the party earlier in the year of [[Bernard Membe]], a former foreign minister who had planned to challenge the [[2020 Chama Cha Mapinduzi presidential primaries|nomination]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tanzania's Ruling Party Nominates Magufuli for Re-Election|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-07-11/tanzania-s-ruling-party-nominates-magufuli-for-re-election|access-date=21 March 2020|website=Bloomberg|language=en|url-access=limited|date=11 July 2020|first=Fumbuka|last=Ng'Wanakilala}}</ref> He received the highest votes and was therefore re-elected to extend his presidency until 2025 for a second term.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latestnewssouthafrica.com/2021/03/17/tanzania-president-john-magafuli-dies-at-the-age-of-61/|title=Tanzania president John Magafuli dies at the age of 61|date=17 March 2021|access-date=21 March 2021|work=Latest News South Africa}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/news/Magufuli-wins-Tanzania-s-presidency-for-the-second-term/1840340-5637358-3ahqjq/index.html|title=Tanzania Election 2020: Magufuli wins Tanzania's presidency for a second term|work=The Citizen|date=30 October 2020|location=Tanzania|access-date=21 March 2021}}</ref>

According to [[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]], "The election was marred by allegations of arrests of candidates and protesters, restrictions on agents of political parties to access polling stations, multiple voting, pre-ticking of ballots, and widespread blocking of social media." A local elections watchdog group noted a heavy deployment of military and police whose conduct created a "climate of fear".<ref>{{cite news|title=Magufuli wins re-election in Tanzania; opposition cries foul|work=Al Jazeera|date=30 October 2020|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/30/magufuli-wins-re-election-in-tanzania-says-electoral-commission|access-date=21 March 2021}}</ref> Writing in the ''[[Journal of Democracy]]'', political scientist Dan Paget stated that "The CCM sweep was an authoritarian landslide, achieved through electoral manipulation that was unprecedented in both scale and audacity. This was accompanied by high levels of violent oppression".<ref name="Paget2021">{{cite journal|last1=Paget|first1=Dan|title=Tanzania: The Authoritarian Landslide|journal=Journal of Democracy|volume=32|issue=2|year=2021|pages=61–76|doi=10.1353/jod.2021.0019|hdl=2164/16518|s2cid=234993696|hdl-access=free}}</ref>

==Presidency==
[[File:Prime Minister Narendra Modi with President of Tanzania John Magufuli.jpg|thumb|right|Magufuli with Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]], 10 July 2016]]

After taking office, Magufuli immediately began to impose [[Austerity|measures]] to curb government spending, such as barring unnecessary foreign travel by government officials, using cheaper vehicles and board rooms for transport and meetings respectively, shrinking the delegation for a tour of the Commonwealth from 50 people to 4, dropping its sponsorship of a [[World AIDS Day]] exhibition in favour of purchasing AIDS medication, banning officials from flying first and business class, and discouraging lavish events and parties by public institutions (such as cutting the budget of a state dinner inaugurating the new parliamentary session).<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.lusakatimes.com/2015/11/26/new-tanzanian-president-john-magufuli-makes-radical-changes/|title=New Tanzanian President John Magufuli makes radical changes|date=26 November 2015|work=Lusaka Times|access-date=21 March 2021}}</ref> Magufuli reduced his own salary from US$15,000 to US$4,000 per month.<ref>{{cite news|first=Ristel|last=Tchounand|url=https://afrique.latribune.fr/politique/2017-10-04/tanzanie-touchant-4-fois-moins-de-que-son-predecesseur-le-president-magufuli-devoile-son-salaire-752872.html|title=Tanzanie: touchant 4 fois moins que son prédécesseur, le président Magufuli dévoile son salaire|work=La Tribune Afrique|language=fr|date=4 October 2017|access-date=21 March 2021}}</ref>

Magufuli suspended the country's Independence Day festivities for 2015, in favour of a national cleanup campaign to help reduce the spread of [[cholera]]. He personally participated in the cleanup efforts, having stated that it was "so shameful that we are spending huge amounts of money to celebrate 54 years of independence when our people are dying of cholera". The cost savings were to be invested in improving hospitals and sanitation in the country.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thecitizen.co.tz/News/1840340-2969570-xr3dv6z/index.html|title=Magufuli strikes again: Uhuru Day scrapped|date=24 November 2015|work=The Citizen|location=Tanzania|access-date=25 April 2018}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/01/tanzania-cost-cutting-president-john-magufuli-twitter|title=What would Tanzania's cost-cutting president do? Twitter responds|first=Ndesanjo|last=Macha|date=1 December 2015|website=The Guardian|access-date=21 March 2021|location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-34909111 |title=Tanzania's Magufuli scraps independence day celebration |work=BBC News|date=24 November 2015|access-date=5 November 2015}}</ref>

On 10 December 2015, more than a month after taking office, Magufuli announced his [[Magufuli cabinet|cabinet]]. Its size was reduced from 30 ministries to 19 to help reduce costs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://qz.com/570860/tanzanias-magufuli-finally-names-his-cabinet-and-its-half-the-size-of-his-predecessors/|title=Tanzania's Magufuli finally names his cabinet—and it's almost half the size of his predecessor's|first=Omar|last=Mohammed|date=11 December 2015|website=Quartz|access-date=12 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://nation.africa/kenya/news/africa/magufuli-appoints-lean-cabinet-of-19-bans-ministers-retreat-to-cut-costs-1152728|first=Felix|last=Lazaro|title=Magufuli appoints lean Cabinet of 19, bans ministers' retreat to cut costs|work=Nation|location=Nairobi|date=11 December 2015|access-date=23 December 2015}}</ref>

On 12 April 2016, Magufuli conducted his first [[List of presidential trips made by John Magufuli|foreign visit]] to Rwanda, where he met his counterpart [[Paul Kagame]] and inaugurated the new bridge and one-stop border post at [[Rusumo Bridge|Rusumo]]. Magufuli also attended the memorial for the 22nd anniversary of the [[Rwandan genocide]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201604130583.html|title=Tanzania: Magufuli's Visit to Rwanda to Positively Impact On Dar, Kigali|via=AllAfrica|access-date=21 March 2021|url-access=subscription|date=12 April 2016|work=[[Daily News (Tanzania)|Daily News]]|location=Dar es Salaam}}</ref>

In July 2016, Tanzania banned [[Hookah|shisha]] smoking, with Magufuli citing its health effects among youth as the reason.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-36715088|title=Tanzania bans shisha pipe smoking|date=5 July 2016|work=BBC News|access-date=25 April 2018}}</ref> In March 2017, Tanzania banned the export of unprocessed ores, in an effort to encourage domestic [[smelting]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/fe0a33b6-6e06-11e7-bfeb-33fe0c5b7eaa|title=Acacia warns of mine closure unless Tanzania lifts export ban|website=Financial Times|access-date=25 April 2018|url-access=limited|location=London|first=Neil|last=Hume|date=21 July 2017}}</ref> In January 2018, Magufuli issued a directive ordering the suspension of [[Ship registration|registration]] for foreign merchant ships, following recent incidents surrounding the seizure of overseas shipments of illegal goods (particularly drugs and weapons) being transported under the flag. Tanzania and Zanzibar had gained reputations for being [[Flag of convenience|flags of convenience]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mg.co.za/article/2018-01-26-00-tanzanias-flags-of-inconvenience|title=Tanzania's flags of inconvenience|last=Allison|first=Simon|work=The M&G Online|access-date=25 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dailynews.co.tz/index.php/home-news/55513-lawyers-back-govt-curb-on-foreign-ship-registers|title=Lawyers back govt curb on foreign ship registers|last=Kapama|first=Faustine|website=[[Daily News (Tanzania)|Daily News]]|access-date=25 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426012129/https://dailynews.co.tz/index.php/home-news/55513-lawyers-back-govt-curb-on-foreign-ship-registers|archive-date=26 April 2018|url-status=dead|location=Dar es Salaam}}</ref> In the same year, Magufuli introduced a free education for all the government schools in 2016 without paying fees.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://africatimes.com/2016/02/09/free-education-in-tanzania/|title=Free education in Tanzania|work=Africa Times|date=9 February 2016|access-date=21 March 2021}}</ref>

The country has amended the laws governing the award of mining contracts, giving itself the right to renegotiate or terminate them in the event of proven fraud. The new legislation also removes the right of mining companies to resort to international arbitration. The tax dispute with [[Acacia Mining]], accused of having significantly undervalued its gold production for years, finally resulted in an agreement: Tanzania obtains 16% of the shares in the mines held by the multinational.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/news/Why-Tanzania-deserves-a-bigger-share-in-Barrick-Gold-deal/1840340-5325912-knoybgz/index.html|title=Why Tanzania deserves a bigger share in Barrick Gold deal|work=The Citizen|date=26 October 2019|location=Tanzania|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105193135/https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/news/Why-Tanzania-deserves-a-bigger-share-in-Barrick-Gold-deal/1840340-5325912-knoybgz/index.html|archive-date=5 November 2019|url-status=dead|first=Louis|last=Kolumbia}}</ref> In May 2020, Acacia Mining paid $100M to the government to end dispute as the first tranche of the $300M.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/news/Tanzania-receives-initial--100-million-payment-from-Barrick-/1840340-5564496-14sqf5qz/index.html|title=Tanzania receives initial $100 million payment from Barrick|work=The Citizen|date=26 May 2020|access-date=21 March 2021|location=Tanzania}}</ref> However, this anti-corruption policy has also "frightened investors, who now fear they will have to deal with Tanzanian justice, and weakened growth", according to [[Zitto Kabwe]], one of the leaders of the opposition [[Alliance for Change and Transparency]] (ACT). With one of the highest economic growth rates on the African continent (5.8% in 2018 and an estimated 6% for 2019 according to the IMF), the Tanzanian government is embarking on a vast programme of infrastructure development, particularly rail infrastructure.<ref name="Servant">{{cite news|title=Tanzania's port out of Africa|first=Jean-Christophe|last=Servant|work=Le Monde Diplomatique|language=en|date=February 2019|access-date=21 March 2021|translator-first=George|translator-last=Miller|url=https://mondediplo.com/2019/02/11tanzania-port}}</ref> The small fishing port of [[Bagamoyo]], to which US$10 billion of investment has been allocated, is expected to become the largest port in Africa by 2030.<ref name="Servant" />

===Infrastructure===
Magufuli's government worked on various infrastructure projects targeting economic development.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://constructionreviewonline.com/2020/03/top-ongoing-mega-projects-in-tanzania/|title=Top ongoing mega projects in Tanzania|work=Construction Review Online|date=4 December 2020|access-date=21 March 2021}}</ref> Projects include the addition of half a dozen [[Air Tanzania]] planes as a way of reviving the national carrier,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/Atcl-expansion-on-course-as-country-gets-dreamliner/2560-5325716-11yrthnz/index.html|title=Air Tanzania expansion on course as country receives Dreamliner|work=The East African|date=26 October 2019|first=Bob|last=Karashani|access-date=21 March 2021}}</ref> the expansion of Terminal III of [[Julius Nyerere International Airport]], construction of [[Tanzania Standard Gauge Railway]], Mfugale Flyover, [[Julius Nyerere Hydropower Station]], Ubungo Interchange, new [[Selander Bridge]], [[Kigongo-Busisi Bridge]], Huduma Bora Za afya, Vituo Bora Za Afya, expansion of [[Port of Dar es Salaam]], Dodoma Bus Terminal, [[liquefied natural gas]] plant, water project, wind farm project, Uhuru Hospital project, gold refinery plant, and [[Magufuli Bus Terminal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/news/Tanzanian-envoys-commend-President-Magufuli-s-efforts/1840340-5245678-1k5b5c/index.html|title=Tanzanian envoys commend President Magufuli's efforts on projects|work=The Citizen|date=22 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802204600/https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/news/Tanzanian-envoys-commend-President-Magufuli-s-efforts/1840340-5245678-1k5b5c/index.html|archive-date=2 August 2020|url-status=dead|location=Tanzania}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://theexchange.africa/countries/tanzania/tanzanias-major-projects-set-to-boost-the-economy-by-2025/|title=Tanzania's major projects set to boost the economy by 2025|work=The Exchange|access-date=21 March 2021|first=Salum|last=Mohamed|location=East Africa|date=11 January 2019|archive-date=2 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802211030/https://theexchange.africa/countries/tanzania/tanzanias-major-projects-set-to-boost-the-economy-by-2025/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/news/Magufuli--this-is-why-Tazara-Flyover-is-named-after-Mfugale/1840340-4780650-jxldy0/index.html|title=Magufuli: this is why Tazara Flyover is named after Mfugale|work=The Citizen|date=27 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701234304/https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/news/Magufuli--this-is-why-Tazara-Flyover-is-named-after-Mfugale/1840340-4780650-jxldy0/index.html|archive-date=1 July 2020|location=Tanzania|first=Khalifa|last=Said}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/news/Work-set-to-begin-on-new-Dar-es-Salaam-bridge/1840340-4677242-128ttw5/index.html|title=Work set to begin on new Dar es Salaam bridge|work=The Citizen|date=23 July 2018|location=Tanzania|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802170154/https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/news/Work-set-to-begin-on-new-Dar-es-Salaam-bridge/1840340-4677242-128ttw5/index.html|archive-date=2 August 2020|first=Alex|last=Malanga}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.power-technology.com/features/a-look-at-tanzanias-first-wind-farm/|title=A look at Tanzania's first wind farm|work=Power Technology|date=22 June 2020|first=Ilaria|last=Grasso Macola|access-date=21 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2019/7/24/tanzania-grants-chinese-firms-licences-to-build-gold-refineries|title=Tanzania grants Chinese firms licences to build gold refineries|work=Al Jazeera|date=24 July 2019|access-date=21 March 2021}}</ref>

Magufuli received the nickname "The Bulldozer" in reference to his roadworks projects, but the term was also used about his moves to reduce spending and corruption within the government.<ref name="economist.com">{{cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21730424-african-socialism-did-not-work-tanzania-last-time-either-john-magufuli|title=John Magufuli is bulldozing the opposition and wrecking the economy|newspaper=The Economist|access-date=21 March 2021|date=21 October 2017}}</ref> Following Magufuli's initial rounds of cuts post-inauguration, the [[hashtag]] "#WhatWouldMagufuliDo" was used by [[Twitter]] users to demonstrate their own austerity measures inspired by the president.<ref name=":0" />

His policies are unusual on a continent where, in general, "corruption and embezzlement of public funds are a way of life" in ruling circles, according to the daily The Citizen.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.francetvinfo.fr/monde/afrique/tanzanie/tanzanie-des-mesures-dausterite-a-tous-les-etages_3066253.html|title = Tanzanie : Des mesures d'austérité à tous les étages|date = 8 December 2015}}</ref>

===Human rights===
[[File:Map showing countries President John Magufuli of Tanzania has visited.svg|thumb|right|World map highlighting countries visited by Magufuli while president]]

Magufuli's government was accused of repressing opposition to his leadership, including laws restricting opposition rallies, the suspension of the Swahili-language ''Mawio'' newspaper in 2016 for publishing "false and inflammatory" reporting regarding the nullification of election results in Zanzibar, threatening to shut down radio and television stations that did not pay licence fees, and a 2018 bill requiring blogs and other forms of online content providers to hold government licences with content restrictions.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2016/01/25/tanzania-loves-its-new-anti-corruption-president-why-is-he-shutting-down-media-outlets/|title=Tanzania loves its new anti-corruption president. Why is he shutting down media outlets?|first1=Ruth|last1=Carlitz|first2=Constantine|last2=Manda|date=25 January 2016|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=2 April 2018|url-access=limited}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://qz.com/1248762/tanzania-social-media-and-blogging-regulations-charge-to-operate-online/|title=Tanzania social media and blogging regulations charge to operate online|last=Dahir|first=Abdi Latif|website=Quartz|date=10 April 2018 |access-date=25 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-34670983|title=Tanzania's John Magufuli in profile|last=Nesoba|first=Ruth|date=24 November 2015|work=BBC News|access-date=25 April 2018}}</ref><ref name="economist.com" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://qz.com/1185367/tanzanias-john-magufuli-imposes-bans-on-foreign-ships-pregnant-schoolgirls-and-public-rallies/|title=The list of bans imposed by Tanzania's populist president just keeps growing|last=Dahir|first=Abdi Latif|website=Quartz|date=22 January 2018|access-date=21 March 2021|url-access=subscription}}</ref> Magufuli's ban on opposition rallies stood for six years until January 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Tanzania president lifts 6-year ban on opposition rallies |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/tanzania-president-lifts-6-year-ban-on-opposition-rallies/2023/01/03/832eb95c-8b90-11ed-b86a-2e3a77336b8e_story.html |access-date=2023-01-04 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> His government was publicly criticized by the [[Tanzania Episcopal Conference]] (TEC) for taking measures that suppress constitutional freedoms and, in the view of bishops, represent a threat to national unity.<ref name="CNA2018">{{Cite news|url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/bishops-in-tanzania-denounce-government-for-suppressing-freedoms-71928 |title=Bishops in Tanzania denounce government for suppressing freedoms|work=Catholic News Agency|date=14 February 2018 |access-date=1 November 2018}}</ref> Additionally, he condemned the attempted assassination of opposition leader [[Tundu Lissu]] in 2017 and said he was praying for his recovery.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}}

People in Tanzania have been arrested for [[cyberbullying]] the president.<ref>{{Cite web|date=22 May 2020|title=Tanzanian Comedian Idris Sultan Arrested for 'Cyber-Bullying' President|url=https://www.okayafrica.com/idris-sultan-tanzania-arrested-for-bullying-president/|access-date=21 March 2021|website=OkayAfrica|language=en|first=Rufaro|last=Samanga}}</ref>

==== LGBT intimidation and abuses ====
People convicted of same-sex liaisons in Tanzania can be jailed for up to 30 years. In October 2016, the government banned [[HIV/AIDS]] outreach projects and closed U.S.-funded programs that provide HIV testing, condoms, and medical care to the gay community. The countrywide closure of private HIV clinics began soon afterward. In late 2018, Magufuli initiated a nationwide crackdown, threatening to arrest and deport anyone campaigning for gay rights and making it difficult to find a lawyer who will defend cases of violence against [[LGBTQ]] people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/oct/26/tanzania-illegally-detains-human-rights-lawyers-for-promoting-homosexuality|title=Tanzania illegally detains human rights lawyers for 'promoting homosexuality'|last=van der Zee|first=Bibi|date=26 October 2017|website=The Guardian|access-date=1 November 2018|location=London}}</ref>

[[Paul Makonda]], Magufuli's regional commissioner for [[Dar es Salaam]], stated in 2016: "If there's a homosexual who has a Facebook account, or with an Instagram account, all those who 'follow' him — it is very clear that they are just as guilty as the homosexual".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/tanzania-suspends-us-funded-aids-programs-in-a-new-crackdown-on-gays/2016/11/23/ec6ced6e-ab5c-11e6-8f19-21a1c65d2043_story.html|title=Tanzania suspends U.S.-funded AIDS programs in a new crackdown on gays|first=Kevin|last=Sieff|newspaper=Washington Post|date=23 November 2016|access-date=19 March 2021|url-access=limited}}</ref> Two years later, he announced that a committee of 17 members consisting of police, lawyers and doctors, had been formed to identify homosexuals. Within one day of the announcement authorities reportedly received 5,763 messages from the public, with more than 100 names.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/nov/01/thousands-living-in-fear-after-tanzania-calls-on-public-to-report-gay-people|title=Thousands 'living in fear' after Tanzania calls on public to report gay people|last=Ratcliffe|first=Rebecca|date=1 November 2018|website=The Guardian|access-date=1 November 2018|location=London}}</ref> [[Hamisi Kigwangalla]], the country's deputy health minister, said he supports the use of 'anal exams' to prove whether someone is having gay sex. The test is widely considered to be a violation of human rights by medical experts.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.vox.com/world/2017/6/28/15885748/tanzania-president-homophobic-cows-lgbtq-crackdown|first=Lindsay|last=Maizland|title=Tanzania's president is cracking down on LGBTQ rights. He says cows would approve.|work=Vox|date=28 June 2017|access-date=19 March 2021}}</ref><ref name="CichowitzRubenstein2018">{{cite journal|last1=Cichowitz|first1=Cody|last2=Rubenstein|first2=Leonard|last3=Beyrer|first3=Chris|title=Forced anal examinations to ascertain sexual orientation and sexual behavior: An abusive and medically unsound practice|journal=PLOS Medicine|volume=15|issue=3|year=2018|pages=e1002536|doi=10.1371/journal.pmed.1002536|pmid=29547659|pmc=5856262 |doi-access=free }}</ref>

===Health===
====Birth control====
In September 2018, Magufuli told a rally: "Those going for [[family planning]] are lazy ... they are afraid they will not be able to feed their children. They do not want to work hard to feed a large family and that is why they opt for birth controls and end up with one or two children only."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/tanzania-president-john-magufuli-birth-control-lazy-feed-family-a8534316.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220613/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/tanzania-president-john-magufuli-birth-control-lazy-feed-family-a8534316.html |archive-date=13 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Tanzania's president says women using birth control are too 'lazy' to feed a family|work=Independent|first=Maya|last=Oppenheim|date=12 September 2018|location=London|access-date=19 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/11/africa/tanzania-birth-control-magufuli-intl/|title='Don't use birth control,' Tanzania's President tells women in the country|work=CNN|date=11 September 2018|first=Stephanie|last=Busari|access-date=19 March 2021}}</ref> He urged people not to listen to those advising about birth control, some of it coming from foreigners, because it has sinister motives.<ref name="thecitizen.co.tz">{{cite web|url=http://www.thecitizen.co.tz/News/Magufuli-advises-against-birth-control/1840340-4751990-4h8fqpz/index.html|title=Magufuli advises against birth control|work=The Citizen|access-date=21 March 2021|location=Tanzania|date=10 September 2018|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721100208/https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/News/Magufuli-advises-against-birth-control/1840340-4751990-4h8fqpz/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/9/10/tanzanias-john-magufuli-advises-against-birth-control|title=Tanzania's John Magufuli advises against birth control|work=Al Jazeera|date=10 September 2018|access-date=21 March 2021}}</ref> The statement has drawn criticism from [[Amnesty International]] and others.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/25/africa/tanzania-suspends-family-planning-advert-intl|title= Amnesty International condemns Tanzania's 'attack' on family planning|work=CNN|access-date=21 March 2021|date=25 September 2018|first1=Bukola|last1=Adebayo|first2=Damilola|last2=Odutayo}}</ref> In July 2019, Magufuli urged women to "set your ovaries free".<ref>{{Cite web|title='Set your ovaries free:' Tanzania leader seeks population growth|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/7/10/set-your-ovaries-free-tanzania-leader-seeks-population-growth|access-date=18 February 2021|website=Al Jazeera|language=en|date=10 July 2019}}</ref> Despite his opinion on contraception, Magufuli had shown support for a decades-old law which permitted schools to expel pregnant students, stating that he believed "After getting pregnant, you are done".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-06-30|title='After getting pregnant, you are done': no more school for Tanzania's mums-to-be|url=http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/jun/30/tanzania-president-ban-pregnant-girls-from-school-john-magufuli|access-date=2022-02-02|website=the Guardian|language=en}}</ref>

==== COVID-19 ====
{{Further|COVID-19 pandemic in Tanzania|COVID-19 misinformation by governments#Tanzania}}
Magufuli promoted [[COVID-19 misinformation]] and [[misinformation related to vaccination]] during the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Tanzania|pandemic in Tanzania]].<ref name="CarlitzYamanis2021"/><ref name=Makoni/> Magufuli spoke against the possibility of closing churches, stating: "That's where there is true healing. Corona is the devil and it cannot survive in the body of Jesus," reported ''[[The Economist]]'' in March 2020.<ref name="Coronavirus in Africa - Not immune"/>

By May 2020, Magufuli and Dar es Salaam regional commissioner [[Paul Makonda]] announced that the disease had been defeated by national prayer, and called for a public celebration.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Tanzania Says COVID-19 Defeated With Prayer Despite Fears |url=https://time.com/5841441/tanzania-coronavirus-defeated-prayer/ |magazine=Time |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522185628/https://time.com/5841441/tanzania-coronavirus-defeated-prayer/ |archive-date=22 May 2020 |language=en |date=22 May 2020 |url-status=dead |quote=flood the streets this weekend to celebrate. 'Make all kinds of noise as a sign of thanksgiving to show our God has won against disease and worries of death that were making us suffer.'}}</ref> "The corona disease has been eliminated thanks to God", Magufuli told the church congregation in [[Dodoma]], the country's capital. The [[World Health Organization]] (WHO) has questioned the government's approach to [[COVID-19]].<ref name="BBC20200608">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-52966016|title=Coronavirus: John Magufuli declares Tanzania free of Covid-19|work=BBC News|date=8 June 2020|access-date=18 March 2021}}</ref>

Magufuli instructed security forces to blindly test coronavirus [[Polymerase chain reaction|PCR]] test kits for quality on goats, papaya, sheep, and motor oil. All of them, he said, had been found to be positive for COVID-19.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.africanews.com/2020/05/06/tanzania-how-can-goat-papaya-pawpaw-test-positive-to-corona-morning-call/ |title=Tanzania: goat, paw paw, jackfruit test positive for coronavirus |website=Africa News |date=6 May 2020 }}</ref> The last official data on the coronavirus in Tanzania, under President Magufuli, was published in late April 2020.<ref name="BBC20200608" /><ref name=Makoni/> Magufuli had dismissed the head of the national laboratory, and the distribution of non-governmental information on the spread of the virus had become a crime.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Farmer|first1=Ben|last2=Brown|first2=Will|last3=Vasilyeva|first3=Nataliya|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/ostrich-alliance-coronavirus-world-leaders-heads-sand/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/ostrich-alliance-coronavirus-world-leaders-heads-sand/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=The 'Ostrich Alliance': Coronavirus and the world leaders embracing denial, quackery and conspiracy|work=The Telegraph|date=5 June 2010|access-date=17 March 2021|location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He disputed the effectiveness of [[Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic|face masks]] and [[COVID-19 testing|testing]].<ref name="BBC20210206">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-55900680|title=Coronavirus in Tanzania: The country that's rejecting the vaccine|work=BBC News|date=6 February 2021|access-date=17 March 2021}}</ref> In July 2020, regulations were introduced to forbid the publication of "information with regards to the outbreak of a deadly or contagious disease in the country or elsewhere without the approval of the respective authorities",<ref>{{cite news|url=https://rsf.org/en/news/tanzanian-media-unable-cover-covid-19-epidemic|title=Tanzanian media unable to cover Covid-19 epidemic|publisher=Reporters Without Borders|date=5 November 2020|accessdate=21 July 2021}}</ref> with fines for breaches. As a result, many doctors felt that they were unable to officially diagnose COVID-19 out of fear of the government.<ref name="Buguzi2021"/>

Magufuli said in a January 2021 speech: "Vaccinations are dangerous. If white people were able to come up with vaccinations, a vaccination for AIDS would have been found."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Awami|first=Sammy|title=Tanzania president raises doubts over COVID vaccines|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/1/27/tanzania-president-denounces-covid-vaccines|access-date=17 March 2021|website=Al Jazeera|language=en}}</ref> Instead, Magufuli urged steam inhalation and [[herbal medicine]], neither of which is approved by the WHO for the treatment of COVID-19.<ref name="BBC20210206" /> However, Magufuli partially changed his position in the next month. After months of discouraging their use, he publicly asked Tanzanians to put on face masks as a precautionary measure against COVID-19. At the same time, he conditioned that only Tanzanian-made masks should be used.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Magufuli urges Tanzanians to wear face mask as COVID-19 bites hard: "Sijasema msivae barakoa"|url=https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/magufuli-urges-tanzanians-to-wear-face-mask-as-covid-19-bites-hard-sijasema-msivae-barakoa/ar-BB1dTh6j|access-date=2021-12-21|website=www.msn.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=WHO Urges Tanzania to Report COVID-19 Cases Amid Concerns Over Its Pandemic Response|url=https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/who-urges-tanzania-to-report-covid-19-cases-data/|access-date=2021-12-21|website=Global Citizen|date=23 February 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Tanzania's president admits country has COVID-19 problem|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/22/tanzanias-president-admits-country-has-covid-19-problem|access-date=2021-12-21|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en}}</ref>

== Death ==
{{Main|Death and state funeral of John Magufuli}}
Magufuli died on 17 March 2021 at {{nowrap|6 p.m. [[East Africa Time|EAT]]}} {{nowrap|(15:00 [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]])}}, according to a statement read out by vice-president [[Samia Suluhu Hassan]], who was sworn in as his successor two days later.<ref name="Burke" /><ref>{{Cite web|first1=Tom|last1=Odula|first2=Rodney|last2=Muhumuza|date=17 March 2021|title=Tanzania's populist President John Magufuli has died at 61|url=https://apnews.com/article/john-magufuli-dead-tanzania-president-1368d5d852ca2b8b35fe108c3abbc0a0|access-date=21 March 2021|website=AP News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210317-tanzania-president-magufuli-dies-of-heart-condition-1|title=Tanzania President Magufuli dies of 'heart condition'|date=17 March 2021|website=France 24|agency=AFP|access-date=21 March 2021}}</ref> He was the only President of Tanzania to die in office. 14 [[National day of mourning|days of national mourning]] were declared, with flags flying at [[half-mast]] nationwide.<ref name="jazeera.lissu">{{cite web |date=17 March 2021 |title=Tanzanian President John Magufuli dies at 61 |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/17/tanzanian-president-john-magufuli-is-dead-vp |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210318175715/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/17/tanzanian-president-john-magufuli-is-dead-vp |archive-date=18 March 2021 |access-date=27 March 2021 |work=Al Jazeera}}</ref>

Prior to his death, he had not been seen in public since 27 February, leading to speculation over his health.<ref name="Burke">{{Cite web|last=Burke|first=Jason|date=18 March 2021|title=Tanzania's Covid-denying president, John Magufuli, dies aged 61|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/17/tanzanias-president-john-magufuli-dies-aged-61|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Guardian|language=en|location=London}}</ref><ref name="reuters.hospital">{{cite news|last1=Lewis|first1=David|last2=Miriri|first2=Duncan|date=10 March 2021|title=Where's Magufuli? Tanzanian leader's absence fuels health concern|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-tanzania-idUSKBN2B21FW|access-date=21 March 2021}}</ref> The government attributed his death to a heart condition accompanied by a decade-long chronic [[atrial fibrillation]], although opposition figures and some media sources alleged that Magufuli had contracted COVID-19.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dahir |first=Abdi Latif |date=17 March 2021 |title=John Magufuli, Tanzania Leader Who Played Down Covid, Dies at 61 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/17/world/africa/tanzania-president-magufuli-dead.html |url-access=limited |access-date=18 March 2021 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>{{r|reuters.hospital}}

Magufuli's remains were laid in state at the [[Uhuru Stadium]] in Dar es Salaam on 20 March.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-56472055|title=Mourners line Tanzania streets at ex-President Magufuli funeral|work=BBC News|date=20 March 2021|access-date=20 March 2021}}</ref> His state funeral was held two days later at the [[Jamhuri Stadium (Dodoma)|Jamhuri Stadium]] in Dodoma, and he was buried in his hometown of [[Chato, Tanzania|Chato]] on 26 March.<ref name=":03">{{Cite news |date=2021-03-22 |title=Tanzania president burial: John Magufuli State funeral happen today - See pictures of how e go |url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-56487772 |access-date=2024-01-02 |work=BBC News |language=pcm}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=26 March 2021 |title=Tanzania president burial: John Pombe Magafuli burial fotos of how Tanzania bury dia former president for im hometown of Chato |url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-56534422 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423175152/https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-56534422 |archive-date=23 April 2021 |work=BBC News |publisher= |language=pcm}}</ref>

==Personal life==
He was married to [[Janeth Magufuli]], a primary school teacher, with whom he had seven children.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/the-identity-of-magufuli-s-seven-children--3337340 |title=Magufuli Family |access-date=26 March 2021 |archive-date=26 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326161219/https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/the-identity-of-magufuli-s-seven-children--3337340 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He was a devout [[Catholic]].<ref name="CNA2018" />

==Honours and awards==
===Awards===
* 2020: Top Tanzania Assemblies of God Award<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dailynews.co.tz/news/2020-08-155f377aa33b8b0|title=Magufuli Awarded for Battling Covid-19|work=Daily News|date=15 August 2020|location=Dar es Salaam|access-date=27 March 2021|first=Sylivester|last=Domasa|archive-date=28 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128212640/https://dailynews.co.tz/news/2020-08-155f377aa33b8b0|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Honorary academic awards===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! width="50px" |Year !! University !! Country !! Honour
|-
| align="center" |2019 || [[University of Dodoma]] || {{TZA}} || ''Honoris Causa''<ref name="UDomXin">{{cite news |title=Tanzanian president conferred with honorary doctorate degree over outstanding leadership |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-11/21/c_138573136.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191122032231/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-11/21/c_138573136.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 November 2019 |access-date=16 August 2020 |agency=Xinhua |publisher=Xinhua |date=21 November 2019}}</ref>
|-
|}

==See also==
* [[List of presidential trips made by John Magufuli]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
* Dan Paget (2020). "[[doi:10.1080/13510347.2020.1779223|Again, making Tanzania great: Magufuli’s restorationist developmental nationalism]]." ''Democratization''
* Dan Paget. (2020) "[https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13569317.2020.1796345?journalCode=cjpi20 Mistaken for populism: Magufuli, ambiguity and elitist plebeianism in Tanzania]." ''Journal of Political Ideologies''

==External links==
{{Sister project links | wikt=no | b=no | n=no |s=no | v=no | voy=no | species=no |d=Q5018756 | display=John Magufuli}}
* {{Official website|http://www.tanzania.go.tz/profiles/profiles/details/23}}
* {{Twitter}}

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{{John Magufuli|state=expanded}}
{{Presidents of Tanzania}}
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[[Category:John Magufuli| ]]
[[Category:1959 births]]
[[Category:2021 deaths]]
[[Category:Tanzanian anti-vaccination activists]]
[[Category:COVID-19 conspiracy theorists]]
[[Category:Chama Cha Mapinduzi politicians]]
[[Category:Lake Secondary School alumni]]
[[Category:Mkwawa Secondary School alumni]]
[[Category:People from Chato District]]
[[Category:Presidents of African Nations]]
[[Category:Presidents of Tanzania]]
[[Category:Tanzanian conspiracy theorists]]
[[Category:Tanzanian MPs 1995–2000]]
[[Category:Tanzanian MPs 2000–2005]]
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[[Category:Tanzanian Roman Catholics]]
[[Category:University of Dar es Salaam alumni]]