African leaders eulogise Tanzania’s fallen President, Magufuli;  Questions over cause of death linger

March 18, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, other African Heads of State, the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) and the President of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, Thursday,  showered encomiums on the fallen Tanzanian President, John Pombe Magufuli, extolling his ideals as a consummate Pan-Africanist.

This is as questions arose in different quarters concerning the real circumstances and cause of Magufuli’s death on Wednesday, especially given his uncompromising positions on the issues of COVID-19, official corruption and foreign exploitation of the resources of his country and the continent.

Heads of Governments of some African countries that were stoutly pan-Africanist or strongly opposed to some western policies and those who genuinely fought corruption had either been killed or died mysteriously.

Tanzania’s Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is taking over the reins of power in the country to become the first female President of Tanzania, announced that President Magufuli died from heart-related complications that had plagued him for a decade. But some in the country, including opposition party leaders allege that he died of coronavirus (COVID-19) which he had vigorously dismissed as western propaganda.

While African leaders are mourning the demise of Magufuli, who was seen as the true face of the emergent pan-African leadership, some pan-Africanists are suggesting that the cause of his death may be beyond heart challenge, insinuating that he may have stepped on the toes of the big pharmaceutical industry rolling out the COVID-19 vaccines that he vehemently opposed or corrupt elements in his country, especially those colluding with external interests.

Notwithstanding, President Buhari, in a statement by Garba Shehu, his Senior Special Assistant (Media & Publicity) joined the Government and people of Tanzania in mourning the passing of the 61 year old leader “whose legacy of patriotism and dedication to the African course will continue to resonate across the continent.”

Buhari said that “the late Tanzanian President’s courage and love for his country inspired various reforms that generations will continue to celebrate, which include the challenging decision to reduce size and cost of governance, insistence on a people focused budget, with clear priorities on education and health, and consistently fighting profligacy and frivolities in public expenditures.”

President Buhari affirmed that “the former Tanzanian leader spent most of his life serving the country and humanity, with a rich pedigree of working as a school teacher, and rising steadily in public service as Member of Parliament, Deputy Minister of Works, Minister of Works, Minister of Lands and Human Settlement and Minister of Livestock and Fisheries.

He extended condolences to the family of “the late visionary leader” of Tanzania, his friends and associates, and all citizens of the country, trusting God to comfort them and praying for the repose of the soul of the pan-Africanist.

The African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) on its part, paid tribute to the memory of President Magufuli and extended its condolences to the Government and people of Tanzania during a ministerial meeting, chaired by Kenya’s Foreign ministry Cabinet Secretary, Rachel Omamo.

The AU organ, tasked with ensuring continental security, described Tanzania under President Magufuli’s leadership as a “great pan-African nation.”

Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye, said: “I am terribly saddened to learn of the passing of my friend and brother President Magufuli. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Government and People of Tanzania.”

President Ndayishimiye described President Magufuli as a great leader and a true Pan-Africanist. President Magufuli was at the forefront of ensuring zero-tolerance to corruption and fought the malaise and laziness in public service.

During his reign, he took steps to improve public infrastructure. The Tanzanian President also took steps to stop the wanton grabbing of the African mineral resources by seeking to rationalise contracts for the exploitation of minerals in Tanzania.

African Union Commission President Mousa Faki Mahamat said the African Union family was united in grief with the Government and people of Tanzania following the untimely death of President Magufuli.

“Africa has lost a champion of regional cooperation in the East African region and a committed Pan Africanist leader. May he rest in peace,” Faki said in a tweet.

President Paul Kagame of Rwanda said he was saddened by the loss of “my brother and friend.” He said President Magufuli’s contribution to his country and to the East African 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,” President Kagame said.

In Kenya, the government declared seven days of mourning for the late Tanzanian leader. Despite what appeared to be frosty relations between Kenya and Tanzania, which often resulted into frequent import and export bans between the two countries, President Magufuli often struck a cordial tone and comradeship with Kenya.

“I have lost a friend, a colleague and a visionary ally with whom I worked closely,” President Uhuru Kenyatta said.

At home, President Magufuli, a devout Christian, often showed compassion and was often seen to embrace peasants in public. He showered those he was able to meet with gifts whenever they caught his attention in a true show of servant leadership.

Kenya’s Third President, Mwai Kibaki, 87, said it was with utter sadness that he acknowledged receipt of the news of the demise of the President of Tanzania.

“To his family, friends and Tanzania 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 irredeemable bereavement,” President Kibaki said.

As a symbol of respect, the Kenyan flag and that of the EAC will be flown at half mast until sunset on the day of the funeral.

Chief Emeka Obegolu, Chairman of the Pan African Lawyers Association, mourned President Magufuli as a patriot who was committed foremost to the service of his country.

Obegolu remembered President Magufuli’s campaign against corruption and the illicit financial flows from Africa and his efforts to ensure efficiency in public service.

Crowds were said to have gathered at Magufuli’s official residence on Thursday, carrying wreaths and party flags and singing religious songs on the first of 14 official days of mourning declared by the government.

Magufuli had  claimed last year that Tanzania had eradicated COVID-19 through three days of prayer. He dismissed the pandemic and denounced vaccines as a Western conspiracy against Africans.