John Magufuli
Trending StoryWorld News

Tanzanian President Magufuli dies in office at 61

332

 

Tanzania’s President John Magufuli has died, according to the country’s Presidency.

Vice-President Samia Suluhu Hassan who announced on Wednesday, said Magufuli was 61 years.

He was Tanzania’s first president to die while in office.

His death was announced after more than two-week absence from public life, that led to speculation about his health.

The opposition said he was struck with COVID-19, but VP Hassan said he died from the heart disease that had plagued him for a decade.

She said burial arrangements were under way and announced 14 days of mourning and the flying of flags at half staff.

State television broadcast mournful and religious songs.

Magufuli, had not been seen in public since Feb. 27, sparking rumours that he had contracted COVID-19.

Officials denied on March 12 that he had fallen ill.

“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.

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said on Friday that he had spoken to Magufuli, and blamed the narrative of the president’s ailment on some “hateful” Tanzanians living abroad.

Tundu Lissu, Magufuli’s main rival in the October election when the president won a second five-year term, had suggested Tanzania’s leader had been flown to Kenya for treatment for COVID-19 and then moved to India in a coma.

After the death was announced, opposition leader Zitto Kabwe said he had spoken to Vice President Hassan to offer condolences for Magufuli’s death.

“The nation will remember him for his contribution to the development of our country,” Kabwe said in a statement published on Twitter.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Just in: ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu, others

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister...

Just in: South Africa takes over G20 Presidency from Brazil, first African nation to lead the bloc

South Africa has taken over the presidency of the G20 from Brazil,...

Russian Pres. Putin signs decree for nuclear retaliation against non-nuclear states

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday signed a decree allowing Moscow to...

India PM arrives in Nigeria, first by an Indian leader since 2007

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the Prime Minister of India, Narendra...

Just in: Southwest plane with 99 passengers on board struck by gunfire in US

A Southwest Airlines plane was reportedly struck by gunfire at Dallas Love...

Tragedy strikes in China’s Zhuhai city, 35 killed, 40 injured in deadly car attack

A devastating car attack in southern China’s Zhuhai city has left 35...

Tinubu, Abiodun, Sanwo-Olu, others extol Pastor Tunde Bakare at 70

Pastor Tunde Bakare, the founder of Citadel Global Community Church, is a...

Tragedy as 46-year-old man kills 4 family members, takes own life after Trump’s victory

A 46-year-old United States man, Anthony Nephew, has shot fatally himself, his...

Number of Nigerian Cybercriminals jailed in US surges, some bag lengthy sentences

The number of Nigerian cybercriminals who have been imprisoned in the United...

Canada shuts down Chinese-owned TikTok business operation, cites national security

The Canadian government has shut down the operations of the Chinese-owned TikTok...

Ex-US Pres. Obama congratulates Trump on presidential victory

In a bid to further strengthen democracy, former President of the United...

Updated: Donald Trump beats Kamala Harris in a crucial presidential race

Donald Trump, a Republican, has secured a remarkable victory in the US...

US poll: Harris postpones election night’s address till Thursday

Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign has announced that she won’t be addressing...

Just in: Trump wins US presidential election

Donald Trump has won the US presidential election, US media announced on...

US election: Pres. Tinubu congratulates Trump

President Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt congratulations to President Donald Trump...

Trump, Harris secure their first statewide victories as polls close

Republican Donald Trump won eight states in Tuesday’s U.S. presidential election while...

Election Day Showdown: Harris and Trump Hold Duelling Rallies as Polls Reach Dead Heat

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump held rival rallies on Monday, the final...

Equatorial Guinea government official embroiled in sextape scandal

Mr. Baltasar Engonga, Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF)...

Just in: UK Conservative Party elects former Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch as new leader

Former British Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch has emerged as the new leader...

Ghana’s Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey is Commonwealth Secretary-General

The 56-nation Commonwealth has announced Ghana’s Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey as its new...