President Magufuli speaks during a state banquet organised for him during his visit to Rwanda on April 6, 2016. Archives/Village Urugwiro.
President Paul Kagame has announced a mourning period in honour of deceased Tanzanian President Dr. John Pombe Magufuli, directing that flags fly at half mast until he is laid to rest.
A statement signed by the Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente, directed that the national flag and the East African Community (EAC) flag in public premises and diplomatic missions will be flown at half mast until the fallen Tanzanian leader is buried.
“In solidarity with the Government and People of the United Republic of Tanzania during this time of grief following the passing of His Excellency Dr. John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, President of the United Republic of Tanzania; His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, has declared a period of national mourning during which the National Flag and the Flag of East African Community will fly at half-mast on all Rwandan territory including diplomatic missions abroad,”
“The period of mourning will last until the burial of the late President of the United Republic of Tanzania. We remain in solidarity with the People and Government of the United Republic of Tanzania as well as with the family of His Excellency President Magufuli. Done at Kigali, on the 18th March 2021. On behalf of His Excellency Paul Kagame, the President of the Republic of Rwanda,
President Kagame earlier in a tweet paid tribute to President Magufuli, pointing out that his contribution to the country and the region will always be remembered.
The Head of State joined other African and global leaders mourning the passing of the Tanzanian leader, announced on Wednesday, March 18, after he succumbed to heart complications.
“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,” President Kagame tweeted.
“My deepest condolences to his family and the people of Tanzania. The people of Rwanda stand with Tanzania during this difficult time,” he added.
The passing of Dr. Magufuli, 61, was announced by the Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced on Wednesday evening, in a televised speech on the Tanzanian Broadcasting Service (TBC).
The Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced that that President Magufuli died of a heart condition on March 17, 2021, at about 6pm at Mzena Hospital in Dar es Salaam where he was admitted on March 14.
The Vice President, who is the interim Head of State, said Magufuli was first briefly admitted to the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute on March 6, but was subsequently discharged.
But he was rushed to hospital again on March 14 after feeling unwell. She announced that the nation will observe a 14-day period of mourning.
President Magufuli had not been seen in public for more than two weeks, and rumours have been circulating about his health.
The Tanzanian government is yet to announce burial dates.
