John Magufuli: Tanzania prefers Chinese aid "unconditionally"

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

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

On November 15, Denmark announced that it had suspended its aid to the tune of $ 9.8 million as a result of "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 is not related to any condition." When they decide to give you, they simply give you, "said Mr. 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 largest development partner of this East African state, providing more than $ 88 million a year.

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

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

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

Homosexual 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 class," Let me go and nurse my baby in tears, "he added.