President John Magufuli dies
Africa has lost one of its leaders has President John Magufuli of Tanzania has been reported dead.
The country’s vice president, Samia Suluhu made the announcement after weeks of uncertainty over the President’s health and whereabouts.
In a televised address to the nation late on Wednesday, Vice President Samia Suluhu said the 61-year-old president had died of a “heart condition”, which he has suffered for a decade, at a hospital in Dar-Es-Salaam.
President John Magufuli had first been briefly admitted to the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute on March 6, but was subsequently discharged, Hassan said on state television. But he was rushed to hospital again on March 14 after feeling unwell.
After the death was announced, opposition leader Zitto Kabwe said he had spoken to Hassan to offer condolences for Magufuli’s death.
He wrote, “The nation will remember him for his contribution to the development of our country“
According to Tanzania’s Constitution, Vice President Samia Suluhu, 61, should assume the presidency for the remainder of the five-year term that Magufuli began serving last year after winning a second term.
John Magufuli assumed office on the 5th of November 2015. He was re-elected to extend his presidency until 2025 for a second term.