Tanzania’s President John Magufuli has died aged 61 from heart disease, Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan said on Wednesday on state broadcaster TBC.
Magufuli had been absent from public life for more than two-weeks leading to speculation about his health.
Magufuli downplayed the threat from coronavirus, promoted unproven treatments and scoffed at the need to wear protective masks and adhere to social distancing.
Samia Suluhu Hassan will be sworn in as Tanzania President and will lead for the remainder of Magufuli’s term until 2025.
She becomes the first female President in Tanzania and East Africa.
