Tanzanian President John Magufuli has died of heart complications at the age of 61, the country’s Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced on Wednesday, reported CGTN Africa. He died at a hospital in Dar es Salaam, the Indian Ocean port that is Tanzania’s largest city.
“With great sadness, I announce the death of our brave leader President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli who died today at around 6 p.m.,” said Hassan in a televised address on state-run Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation.
Hassan said President Magufuli, nicknamed “The Bulldozer, was admitted to the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute chronic atrial fibrillation treatment, a heart condition he has suffered for more than 10 years. Previously it was rumored that the Tanzanian president was being treated for COVID-19 in Kenya and then was flown to India.
As per Tanzania’s Constitution, Vice President Hassan will assume the presidency for the unexpired period of five years that Magufuli began serving last year after winning a second term. She would be Tanzania’s first-ever female president.
Hassan also announced a 14-day national mourning following the president’s death.
“All flags will be flown at half-mast for 14 days. It is sad news. The president has had this illness for the past 10 years,” the Tanzanian vice president announced.
Magufuli attracted criticism at home and abroad for his irresponsible handling of the coronavirus pandemic. He decried lockdowns, was doubtful of COVID-19 drugs, and suggested vaccines may be part of a foreign plot to steal Africa’s wealth. He declared the pandemic over and reopened the economy.
He urged the people to use steam inhalation and herbal medicines to keep themselves safe from the virus. Tanzania also stopped reporting coronavirus data in May last year when it said it had 509 cases and 21 deaths, according to the WHO, which has urged the government to be more transparent.
