Tanzania's president John Magufuli has appointed one of the fiercest critics of the ruling CCM party, Wilbroad Slaa as an ambassador.

A statement by Presidential Communications Unit director Gerson Msigwa on Thursday evening said Dr Slaa will be sworn in later.
Dr Slaa challenged President Jakaya Kikwete in presidential race in 2010 on a Chadema ticket and emerged second. He left his party in 2015 after former prime minister Edward Lowassa was given the ticket to run for presidency.

Dr Slaa has been living in Canada.
The politician has recently warmed up to the government and the ruling party, often praising their programmes.