Top African leaders mourn late Tanzania President John Magufuli

Messages of condolence from across the African region continue to pour in for the late Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli who succumbed to heart complications on Wednesday.

President Uhuru Kenyatta mourned Magufuli as an illustrious leader and a champion of pan-Africanism, adding that in the passing of the Tanzanian Head of State he had lost a friend, colleague and visionary ally.

“On behalf of the government and people of Kenya, I convey our sincere condolences to the First lady of Tanzania Janeth Magufuli, their children, the entire Magufuli family and indeed affirm our deep solidarity with the government and people of Tanzania during this challenging time. Tanzania remains in our thoughts and prayers,” said Kenyatta.

In his message of condolence, Deputy President William Ruto said Magufuli was “a unique leader who came from humble beginnings, rising steadily in the ranks of public service through diligence, consistency and commitment.”

“He leaves behind a proud legacy of a responsive public service in touch with the people’s needs, and dedicated to providing efficient solutions to national problems,” said Ruto in a statement.

Retired President Mwai Kibaki, in a statement to newsrooms, said: “To his family, friends, Tanzania as a whole and East Africa at large, I convey my message of condolence and pray for the Almighty God’s comfort as we all come to terms with this irremediable bereavement.”

ODM leader Raila Odinga, who was close friend of Magufuli, remembered the late Tanzanian President as a close friend who there for him at the most difficult and painful moments.

“It is with deep sadness that I have learned of the passing of my friend, President John Magufuli. He and his family have been close friends for a long time. He’s been by my side at my most difficult and painful moments. My condolences to his family and the people of Tanzania,” said Odinga.

Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka expressed his condolences, describing Magufuli as an icon to the people of Tanzania and the region at large.

“President John Magufuli was an icon to the people of Tanzania and the region at large. He believed in hard work. I am shocked and saddened by the news of his death. My condolences to H.E Janet Magufuli, family and the people of Tanzania. Africa has lost a great son,” said Kalonzo.

ANC Party leader Musalia Mudavadi said: “It is with deep sorrow that I have learnt of the passing on of President John Pombe Magufuli of the Republic of Tanzania. I stand in solidarity with the people of Tanzania during this trying moment.”

Here are other messages of condolence from leaders across the region among them the President’s of Uganda, Somalia, Ethiopia and Burundi.

On behalf of the American people, I extend my condolences to all those mourning the passing of President Magufuli today. Know that the US stands with the Tanzanian people during this difficult time.

— Ambassador Donald J. Wright (@USAmbTanzania) March 18, 2021

I have, with great sadness, learnt of the death of His Excellency John Pombe Magufuli. He was a pragmatic leader who believed in and worked for the economic empowerment of East Africans. We join Tanzania in mourning the passing of a great son of Africa. May his soul rest in peace pic.twitter.com/bzm188cKgF

— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) March 18, 2021

https://twitter.com/AbiyAhmedAli/status/1372419467607744512

I am terribly saddened to learn of the passing of my friend & brother H.E John Pombe Magufuli, President of the United Republic of #Tanzania. My thoughts & prayers go out to the Government and People of Tanzania & his Family for the loss of a Great Leader, a true Panafricanist.

— SE Evariste Ndayishimiye (@GeneralNeva) March 18, 2021

Kwa niaba yangu na kwa niaba ya Serikali na taifa la Somalia, ningependa kuwasilisha rambi rambi zetu kwa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa #Tanzania kwa kumpoteza Kiongozi Rais John Magufuli. Tunalitakia taifa Zima na Serikali subra na utulivu katika kipindi hiki cha maombi na maombolezo. pic.twitter.com/cQz3rALaPt

— Mohamed Farmaajo (@M_Farmaajo) March 17, 2021