Juba
The government of South Sudan has extended its condolences to the people of Tanzania and family of President John Pombe Magufuli, following his death last night.
President Magufuli had not been in public for 2 weeks prior to today's announcement, prompting speculation over his health. In a broadcast on state television this morning, Vice-President Samia Suluhu Hassan confirmed the President's death. He reportedly passed away at Mzena hospital in Dar es Salaam, with heart problems.
Earlier this afternoon, President Salva Kiir released a letter commemorating Magufuli, declaring three days of mourning across South Sudan.
'Our region has lost a great man in President Magufuli. He was a practical leader, and a man of incredible courage who pursued his vision for Tanzania with an intense vigour', Kiir wrote.
Both Presidents had historically enjoyed a close relationship, with Magufuli supporting and co-signing South Sudan's accession to the East African Community in 2016.
'I pray that God will give all Tanzanians the comfort they need in this hour to withstand this immense loss', the letter reads.
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