Tanzania
Tanzania's president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has cancelled Independence Day celebrations scheduled for Friday, December 9 and has directed that the budget instead be used to build dormitories for children with special needs.
The 61st Independence Day event was to cost $445,000, but the money will be used to build eight dormitories in primary schools around the country.
Tanzania's minister of state, George Simbachawene, on Monday said the money had been disbursed. He said the East African country will celebrate Independence Day by having public dialogues on development.
Usually, Independence Day celebrations are marked with pomp and state banquets.
This is not, however, the first time Tanzania has cancelled the celebrations.
In 2015, then-President John Magufuli cancelled celebrations and diverted funds towards the building of a road in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam.
In 2020, he did the same and directed that the budget be used to buy medical facilities.
Go to video
Children injured getting free sanitary pads in Sierra Leone stadium
Go to video
Ghana to begin process to establish War College – President Akufo-Addo
Go to video
Seychelles ranked Africa's least corrupt country - 2022 CPI
Go to video
Kenya: Six teachers arrested for forcing students to simulate sex
Go to video
African countries lack 'immediate access' to cholera vaccine
Go to video
Uganda: Rainbow on building erased after homosexuality controversy