Magufuli: Tanzania prefers Chinese aid to the West

Tanzanian President John Magufuli said he prefers Chinese aid to Western aid because it has fewer conditions.

Magufuli has been under intense pressure from Western countries over his controversial policies.

On 15 November, Denmark announced that it had suspended its aid of 9.8 million dollars (USD) for "unacceptable homophobic comments" from a Tanzanian politician.

China has become a major investor in Africa, defying Western influence on the continent.

He promised to spend $ 60 billion on investment, aid and loans in Africa over the next three years, mainly in infrastructure development.

"What makes you happy with their help, is that it's not tied to any conditions." When they decide to give you, they simply give you, "Mr. said. Magufuli.

He was speaking at the opening of a library in 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 this East African state, providing more than US $ 88 million a year.

The EU announced earlier this month that it was reviewing its policy towards Tanzania because of concerns over gay rights and restrictions on groups of the civil society.

Last month, Dar es Salaam Commissioner Paul Makonda called on the public to report homobadual suspects to the police.

The government then stated that Mr. Makonda was expressing his personal opinion and not the government's policy.

Homobadual acts are illegal in Tanzania.

The World Bank has put on hold a $ 300 million loan for an educational project, in part because of the government's decision to oust pregnant schoolgirls.

Young mothers would be distracted if they were allowed to go back to school, said Mr Magufuli in a controversial speech last year.

"After calculating some mathematics, she would ask the teacher in the clbad," Let me go and nurse my baby in tears, "he added.