Tanzania President John Magufuli passed away at a hospital in Dar es Salaam, the nation’s vice president Samia Suluhu Hassan announced president’s death on Wednesday, CNN reported.
President Mugufuli, 61 had a heart condition that he battled for 10 years, and was receiving treatment at Mzena hospital since Sunday, Suluhu said.
“Dear Tanzanians, it is sad to announce that today 17 March 2021 around 6 p.m. we lost our brave leader, President John Magufuli who died from heart disease at Mzena hospital in Dar es Salaam where he was getting treatment,” the vice president said on state broadcaster TBC.
Suluhu announced14 days of national mourning was announced in Tanzania.
Samia Suluhu Hassan is currently the acting president of Tanzia as she awaits her swearing, she will be the first female president of the country.
John Pombe Joseph Magufuli served as the fifth President of Tanzania from 2015 until his death in 2021.
Before becoming the President, Magufuli served his country as Minister of Works, Transport and Communications from 2000 to 2005 and 2010 to 2015.
He was chairman of the Southern African Development Community from 2019 to 2020.
According to Reuters, during the COVID-19 pandemic Magufuli had mocked coronavirus tests, denounced vaccines calling it a Western conspiracy to take Africa’s wealth.
He also opposed mask-wearing and social distancing.
Boris Johnson, British Prime Minister was one of the first leaders to express his sympathy at death of Tanzanian leader.
Boris tweeted, “My thoughts are with his loved ones and the people of Tanzania”.
