Tanzanian president John Magufuli sacked the head of the country’s intelligence service, the presidency said, a move seen indicating a shake-up of the intelligence network ahead of election.
Modestus Kipilimba was dismissed as director general of the Tanzania Intelligence and Security Service (TISS) after three years in the post. No reason was given.
“President John Magufuli appointed and swore in Diwani Athuman Msuya as director general of national intelligence,” the presidency said in a statement.
Under Tanzanian law, the spy chief serves a five-year term which is renewable.
Msuya, whose appointment is immediate, was previously head of the anti-corruption agency and was at one time director of criminal investigations in the police force.
Kipilimba will be assigned other duties, the presidency said, without giving details.
The move could signal plans by Magufuli to shake up the country’s intelligence service, a security analyst said.
