Tanzania broadcaster suspends staff over fake Trump news

Image source, AFP

Image caption, President John Magufuli has a reputation of being a no-nonsense leader

Tanzanian public broadcaster TBC has suspended nine staff after it aired a hoax story saying that US President Donald Trump had praised President John Magufuli's performance.

The article appeared on a website called Fox Channel.

The story, which was broadcast last week, said Mr Trump called Mr Magufuli an "African hero" compared to other leaders who are "doing nothing".

A statement from TBC said editorial procedures had not been followed.

The broadcaster's Director General Ayub Rioba said that the station should have verified the information before broadcasting.

The story said that the US president had called on other African leaders to follow Mr Magufuli's example with his emphasis on good governance and his war against corruption.

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, The article said Mr Trump called President Magufuli an "African hero"

Mr Magufuli, known as the "bulldozer" for his hands on approach to leadership, has been waging a public war on corruption which has won him some support locally and internationally.

The article said that Mr Trump made the comments while signing an executive order excluding Tanzanians from a travel ban on African nationals "from countries where presidents are doing nothing and those [that] have declined to leave power".