Samia Suluhu Hassan is gearing up to become Tanzania’s first female leader after President John Magufuli’s sudden death.
Hassan addressed the nation on television late on Wednesday, where she announced that Magufuli had died from heart disease. She added that the president had been receiving treatment at Mzena hospital since Sunday and declared 14 days of national mourning.
Under the constitution, Hassan will serve the remainder of Magufuli’s second five-year term until 2025.
She will also become the first female President in East Africa.
61-year-old Hassan is from the region of Zanzibar, which is about 99% Muslim. Prior to becoming vice president in 2015, served as a minister of state under the vice-president’s office.
Hassan, who is known for being an extremely private person, has not yet addressed her succession plans.
“This is an unprecedented moment for our United Republic of Tanzania, and one that will undoubtedly move us all in very personal ways,” Zitto Kabwe, the leader of the opposition party, said in a statement. “My immediate thoughts are with Mama Janeth, and the whole family of our deceased President.”
Kitto also offered Hassan “blessings, courage and patience.”
“My fellow Tanzanians, let us continue to pray for patience and understanding. This is a moment to show our maturity and integrity as a nation,” Kabwe added.
MP January Makamba, who worked with her in the vice-president’s office, called her “the most underrated politician in Tanzania.”
“I have observed at close quarters her work ethic, decision-making and temperament. She is a very capable leader,” he said.
