DAR ES SALAAM, March 18 — Tanzanian President John Magufuli has died of heart disease at the age of 61, the country’s Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced on Wednesday.
“With great sadness, I announce the death of our brave leader President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli who died today at around 6 pm,” said Hassan in an announcement televised by state-run Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation, reported Xinhua news agency.
Hassan said Magufuli was admitted to the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute earlier where he was treated for chronic atrial fibrillation, a heart condition he has suffered for more than 10 years.
According to Tanzania’s Constitution, Vice President Hassan shall be sworn in and become the president for the unexpired period of the term of five years.
John Magufuli was re-elected the president of Tanzania in October 2020.
Hassan also announced 14-day national mourning following the death of Magufuli.
“During the 14 days of mourning all national flags will fly at half-mast,” said Hassan, adding that funeral arrangements will be announced later.
Magufuli was born in Chato, Kagera region, on Oct 29, 1959. He attended several schools for his primary and secondary education, and then enrolled for teacher training at Mkwawa College of Education from 1981 to 1982.
Magufuli earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Dar es Salaam, majoring in chemistry and mathematics, from 1985 to 1988. He received his doctoral degree in chemistry in 2009, from the same university.
In 1995, Magufuli was elected member of Parliament in Chato constituency.
He served in the Ministry of Works as deputy minister in 1995-2000 and then as a minister in 2000-2005. He also served as minister at the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlement Development in 2005-2008, the Ministry of Livestock Development and Fisheries in 2008-2010, and at the Ministry of Works for a second time in 2010-2015.
Source: BERNAMA