Hosia Mviringi
Former President of the Republic of Tanzania, Dr John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, who passed away earlier this month, was laid to rest on 25 March 2021 in his home town of Chato, in Geita region.
The late President succumbed to acute cardiac arrest at a local hospital in Tanzania after a short struggle with a heart ailment.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has paid tribute to all who stood by the Republic of Tanzania during this difficult period of national mourning, particularly those African leaders who stood in solidarity with her and the people of Tanzania.
Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa, Cyril Ramaphosa of SA, Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC, Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique, Dr Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi, Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana and Azali Assoumani of the Comoros are among the African leaders who attended the funeral of the former President.
“Today as we lay to rest our beloved President Dr John Pombe Joseph Magufuli; on behalf of the People of the United Republic of Tanzania and on my own behalf I would like to thank fellow Compatriots; National Leaders, Religious Leaders, Political Leaders, Diplomatic Community, media Houses, artists, musicians and everyone who has supported comforted and sent us condolence messages during this difficult and trying times for our nation. May our good Lord grant our beloved late President eternal peace. Amen,” said President Hassan.
President Magufuli will be remembered for his pro-development policies and his disdain for free lunch. He never believed that anything could be given freely.
He frowned at foreign loans and benevolence.
He is a man who introduced a new brand of politics in Africa anchored on self-reliance.
To Zimbabwe, Magufuli remains more than just another African leader.
He remains a friend closer to the hearts of the people.
He amplified and entrenched African solidarity with the Southern African nation when he rallied SADC to adopt and declare 25 October as the day for solidarity with Zimbabwe against Western sanctions.
This was unprecedented in the history of the twenty-year old economic embargo on Zimbabwe.
Most leaders were, and are still, terrified to speak against US aggression against the nation and people of Zimbabwe.
President Magufuli stood tall and solid to confront this international monster masquerading as champion of human rights.
This declaration shook the Western Capitals and awakened global awareness to the hypocrisy being perpetuated against Zimbabwe.
Today, the resultant international goodwill towards Zimbabwe is heart-warming.
Indeed Africa will miss this man of action.
May his dear soul rest in power.
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