Tanzanian President John Magufuli said he prefers Chinese aid to Western aid because it comes with fewer conditions. Mr. Magufuli has been under intense pressure from Western nations because of his controversial policies.
On 15 November, Denmark declared that it had suspended aid of 9.8 million US dollars because of “unacceptable homophobic comments” by a Tanzanian politician.
China has become a major investor in Africa, defying Western influence on the continent. It promised to spend $60 billion on investments, aid and loans in Africa over the next three years, mainly for infrastructure development. “What makes you happy about this help is that it is not tied to any condition. And when they decide to give you, they just give you,” says John Magufuli.
He was speaking at the opening of a library at the main university of the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam. China helped build the $40.6 million library. “They have helped us in many other areas of development,” said Magufuli. Adding that the two countries will continue to strengthen their ties.
The European Union (EU) is currently the main development partner of the East African State, with annual support of more than $88 million. The EU announced earlier this month that it is revising its policy on Tanzania because of concerns over gay rights and restrictions on civil society groups.
