Tanzania holds state funeral for late President Magufuli

The East African country Tanzania held a state funeral for late President John Magufuli at the Jamhuri Stadium in the capital Dodoma on Monday, with the attendance of African leaders, representatives and other dignitaries.

A host of Tanzanian officials were also present, led by the country’s new president, Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Magufuli, 61, died in office from a heart condition on March 17 in the country’s commercial capital Dar es Salaam.His coffin, covered by Tanzania’s national flag, was escorted to the stadium for people to pay their last respects.

Magufuli will be buried in his native home in Chato district of Geita region on March 26.

Several African leaders delivered their eulogy during the funeral, including Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta and Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, among others.

In their speeches, the African leaders described Magufuli as a true son of Africa who stood for the poor people and they promised to support President Hassan.

Magufuli was born in Chato, Geita region, on Oct. 29, 1959. He was elected president of Tanzania in October 2015 and re-elected in October 2020.