The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan have spoken about the importance of political rights and civil liberties for Tanzanians.

In a call readout shared by his spokesperson Ned Price, the US official said they also spoke about their “shared efforts to ensure a democratic, peaceful, free, and prosperous future for all Tanzanians”.

Mr Blinken and President Samia also discussed the importance of the global partnership to fight the Covid-19 pandemic and the support that US could provide.

President Samia, who took over in March after the death of John Magufuli - a prominent coronavirus sceptic - has admitted the virus is circulating and urged people to take precautions.

The late president was also widely accused for stifling dissent in the country by targeting opposition politicians, jailing activists and banning critical media.