Six Tanzanian ministers sacked over graft

DAR ES SALAAM (AFP) - Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete on Friday sacked six ministers over graft allegations after a report by the auditor-general implicated numerous officials in cases of bribery and suspect procurements.

Kikwete said in a televised address that the changes followed recommendations by lawmakers following the report that detailed misuse of public funds.

"I had earlier promised to take to task ministers. They are now accountable for the mess by their subordinates and the rot in the ministries," he said.

Ministers who were ditched are Mustafa Mkulo (Finance), Ezekiel Maige (Natural Resources and Tourism), William Ngeleja (Energy and Minerals), Omar Nundu (Transport), Hadji Mponda (Health) and Cyril Chami (Industry and Trade).

Kikwete said the clean-up drive would not stop at ministers.

"However, we are not going to end there -- permanent secretaries, chief executive officers in public institutions ... will also face the music. This is just the beginning," he said.

Kikwete also transferred an additional eight ministers to new portfolios and appointed seven new ones.

Among the top officials who kept their jobs are Foreign Minister Bernard Membe and Lands Minister Anna Tibaijuka.

The reshuffle had been widely expected since the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi in late April called for several ministers to be sacked. Members of parliament had threatened a censure motion against Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda if he failed to comply with their demands.