Tanzanian minister quits office

Tanzania's main airport benefited from the deal

A Tanzanian politician has resigned amid allegations he took bribes during the controversial purchase of a British radar system seven years ago.

Reports say more than $1m (£500,000) was found in an offshore account belonging to Infrastructure Minister Andrew Chenge.

He has denied any wrongdoing and says he will co-operate with investigators.

UK fraud officials have been investigating the sale of the air traffic control system by BAE Systems.

Mr Chenge is the fourth Tanzanian minister to leave office over bribery claims in the past two months.

Government spokesperson Salva Rweyemamu said Mr Chenge's resignation was a sign of political maturity.

He said: "What we are hearing is mere allegations... the reason why people are taking responsibility is because we have a very mature political system.

"Probably the best political system in Africa in terms of maturity, in terms of people taking responsibilities when things are not going right."