[Asia Economy Reporter Shinwon Yoon] While most countries around the world have imposed lockdowns to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), John Magufuli, the President of Tanzania in East Africa, has sparked controversy by issuing guidelines actively encouraging collective worship.
On the 8th, the American daily The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that President Magufuli has attended worship services over the past two weeks and made supportive remarks, stating that the coronavirus cannot survive inside the bodies of believers. He encourages prayer in churches and mosques to quell the 'evil virus' that can be healed through divine intervention.
According to the report, churches and mosques in Tanzania’s capital Dar es Salaam and the northern city of Arusha have been filled with worshippers. Tanzania is the only government actively encouraging its citizens to attend worship services.
At the end of last month, President Magufuli continued his opposing stance by saying, "The coronavirus cannot live in the body of Jesus Christ and will burn up."
Unlike Tanzania, other African countries have taken a firm stance by closing worship facilities such as churches and mosques. WSJ reported that authorities in Ghana, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have arrested evangelical preachers who claimed that they would not be affected by the coronavirus.
So far, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in Tanzania is 24. However, the total number of tests conducted is only 273.
Additionally, three international airports remain operational, and policies such as border closures have not been implemented.
Some African analysts say that President Magufuli is trying to present himself as a person of religious faith to gain favorable evaluations from voters ahead of the upcoming October election.
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