Tanzania President John Pombe Magufuli has passed away as confirmed by the country’s Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The news comes days after questions were raised over his health condition especially from the opposition who were concerned over his absence from the public. The last time he was seen in public was in February 27th.
Addressing Tanzanians, the Vice President confirmed that President John Pombe Magufuli succumbed to a heart disease as she declared a 14 day mourning period.
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“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.” Said Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The news contradicts earlier reports that the President had contracted COVID-19 and that he was in Kenya receiving treatment before leaving for India in a comma as confirmed by opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
Lissu is among several opposition leaders who fled the country citing fear for their lives from the government following their utterances challenging them.
As per the constitution of Tanzania, the Vice President will succeed the President for the rest of the term making her the first female president in East Africa to hold such a position.
Tanzania has made headlines over the handling of COVID-19 with foreign envoys saying the situation is demanding for immediate action failure in which hospitals will be overwhelmed.
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