President Ma Ying-jeou does not plan to visit Taiwan's diplomatic allies in Africa this year, as he is expected to be preoccupied with domestic affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Thursday. 'The president is expected to be busy taking precautions against possible natural disasters for the coming summer period, as well as the country's economic affairs and the year-end elections in the five special municipalities, ' Chen Shih-liang, director-general of the MOFA's Department of African Affairs, said at a press conference. Local media had earlier reported that Ma will pay a visit to Taiwan's African allies -- Swaziland, Burkina Faso, Sao Tome and Principe and the Gambia -- in the autumn. He said that in line with Africa Day celebrations May 25, MOFA will stage a series of activities in celebration of the 50th anniversary of African countries that became independent in 1960. The activities, Chen said, will include a Taiwan-Africa football friendly championship, exhibitions featuring Taiwanese assistance to Africa and an Africa-themed carnival. Ma will also attend an Africa Day cocktail party to be held at Taipei City's Huashan Culture Park May 25, Chen said. 