Tanzanian leader's health worries

By Premy Kibanga
BBC, Dar-es-Salaam

Tanzanians are following with keen interest the state of their president's health after he underwent hip surgery in a Swiss hospital.

President Benjamin Mkapa first became ill on the eve of a summit in August.

His poor health has led important political and economic meetings to be postponed and some diplomats and business leaders are worried.

Conflicting statements about the causes of the president's health problems have raised the concerns of some Tanzanians.

'Avoid travel'

After developing high blood pressure in August this year, Mr Mkapa was seen using a walking stick when receiving fellow leaders for a summit of the Southern African Development Community.

Later, State House issued a statement saying the president was suffering from arthritis, a disease that can cause pain and swelling of the joints.

Earlier this month, the speaker of the national assembly told parliament that he had to fly to the United States to represent President Mkapa after the head of state was advised by doctors to avoid travel.

Shortly afterwards, State House said the president would make an official visit to Geneva and would also use the opportunity to see doctors.

A few days later, State House issued yet another statement saying the president was fit and was performing his duties as the co-chair of the globalisation secretariat.

However, State House later announced that Mr Mkapa was admitted to hospital after surgery and would remain there for an unspecified time, awaiting test results.

Absent leader

Mr Mkapa will not be able to attend a special meeting of the business council later this month, which was due to be attended by Microsoft millionaire Bill Gates, the Aga Khan, heads of international financial institutions, and representatives of key car manufacturers.

Government sources say he is also unlikely to chair the East African Community heads of state summit scheduled for the end of the month.

The meeting is meant to witness the signing of the regional common market treaty.

Though it has not been confirmed when the president will be out of hospital, sources say it may take up to two weeks before a complete diagnosis is done and a confirmation of what exactly the president is suffering from.