/ 21 April 2008

Graft probe claims another Tanzanian minister

Tanzania lost its fourth minister this year on graft charges when Andrew Chenge resigned amid allegations that he took bribes, a statement said on Sunday.

”Chenge has written to the president asking for resignation and the president has accepted,” said a statement issued by communications director Salva Rweyermamu.

Chenge was accused of impropriety during the purchase of radar equipment from a British-based military supplier.

”This is the wise decision at this time when the matter is under investigation,” Rweyermamu quoted President Jakaya Kikwete as saying.

In February, Prime Minister Edward Lowassa resigned along with two of his Cabinet team after they were implicated in a tender to the United States-based Richmond Development Company.

The move led to the dissolution of the Cabinet.

Chenge, who visited India and China as part of Kikwete’s delegation, promised upon his return to Dar es Salaam last week to cooperate with investigators including Britain’s Serious Fraud Office and Tanzania’s Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau. — Sapa-AFP