The national mourning has been announced in a statement released by Office of Prime Minister signed by Premier, Dr. Edouard Ngirente.

“ 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, the 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,” reads the statement in part.

“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 ,” adds the statement.

Tanzania’s President John Magufuli has died aged 61, the country’s vice-president has announced.

He died on Wednesday 17th March 2021 from heart complications at a hospital in Dar es Salaam, Samia Suluhu Hassan said in an address on state television.

Magufuli had not been seen in public for more than two weeks, and rumours have been circulating about his health.

Opposition politicians said last week that he had contracted Covid-19, but this has not been confirmed.

President Paul Kagame 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 Rwandan territory in solidarity with Tanzania for the passing of President John Pombe Magufuli.