Several global leaders continue to eulogize the deceased President of Tanzania, John Pombe Magufuli, who passed on on Wednesday night due to heart complications.
Tanzania has announced 14 days of mourning.
Leaders from around the world have heaped praise on the deceased President, describing him as a nationalist who worked for the well-being of the people of Tanzania and Africa.
The President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, referred to him as “a pragmatic leader, who believed in and worked for the economic empowerment of East Africans. He said Uganda joins Tanzania in mourning the passing of “a great son of Africa.”
Kenya’s President, Uhuru Kenyatta, described the deceased as a “dear brother” and an “illustrious leader” Africa has lost. As such, he ordered seven-day national mourning for fallen Tanzanian President John Magufuli as well as directing that the Kenyan flag and that of the East African Community be flown half-mast in his honour.
Paul Kagame of Rwanda, says Magufuli’s immense contribution to Tanzania and East Africa will never be forgotten. He writes, “We are saddened by the loss of my brother and friend, President Magufuli. His contribution to his country & to our region will not be forgotten. My deepest condolences to his family and the people of Tanzania. The people of Rwanda stand with Tanzania during this difficult time.”
Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye, said the deceased President was a great leader and a pan-africanist.
“Terribly saddened to learn of the passing of my friend and brother H.E. John Pombe Magufuli. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Government, People of Tanzania and his Family for the loss of a Great Leader and Pan-africanist,” notes Ndayishimiye.
In a statement on Twitter, Zimbabwe’s President, Emerson Mnangagwa said “My deepest condolences to the family of His Excellency President John Magufuli and the people of Tanzania. Africa mourns with you. May his soul rest in peace.”
Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera, described Magufuli as ‘a towering symbol of Africa’s resurgence’.
“I have learned with shock and sadness of the passing of my friend and brother, His Excellency John Pombe Magufuli of the Republic of Tanzania. President Magufuli was a towering symbol of Africa’s economic resurgence, and his passing is an incalculable loss to the Continent,” Chakwera wrote.
Somalia’s President Mohamed Farmajo wrote, “We wish the Tanzanian nation and the government patience and calm during this mourning and prayer period.”
Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Johnson says, “I found in him a true partner in democracy and a patriot who loved his country and did his best to steer the ship of state away from the brink and to the bank of the river of peace, progress and prosperity.”
UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson wrote, “I’m sorry to hear that @MagufuliJP, President of Tanzania, has passed away. My thoughts are with his loved ones and the people of Tanzania.”
In China, the Foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian, said Magufuli had attached great importance to the development of relations with China and made important contributions to the promotion of China-Tanzania cooperation in various fields.
“China expresses its deep condolences for his unfortunate death and sincere condolences to the Tanzanian government and relatives of President Magufuli,” Zhao said.