Tanzania’s former prime minister Edward Lowassa is dead

Tanzania’s former prime minister Edward Ngoyai Lowassa died on Saturday, February 10, at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), in Dar es Salaam at the age of 70.

Vice President Dr Philip Mpango announced his death on Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC).

Lowasa served as Tanzania's Prime Minister from 2005 to 2008 under President Jakaya Kikwete, marking a significant chapter in the nation's political history.

However, his tenure was marred by controversy. He became the first Prime Minister in the country's history to be forced to resign.

Despite the setback, Lowasa remained a formidable figure in Tanzanian politics and attempted to secure the presidency in 2015.

In a historic move, he ran as an opposition candidate after the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party failed to nominate him as their candidate for the elections.

His bid for the presidency was ultimately unsuccessful, as he faced off against John Magufuli.

President Samia Suluhu, in a heartfelt post, mourned Lowasa as a brave and dedicated leader who dedicated 35 years of his life to serving Tanzania in various capacities. Lowasa's contributions to both parliamentary and government affairs have left a lasting impact on the nation.

Nimepokea kwa masikitiko makubwa taarifa ya kifo cha Waziri Mkuu Mstaafu, Mheshimiwa Edward Ngoyai Lowassa. Mheshimiwa Lowassa ameitumikia nchi yetu katika nafasi mbalimbali kwa zaidi ya miaka 35, akianzia ushiriki wake katika Jeshi la Wananchi wa Tanzania, Chama Cha Mapinduzi… pic.twitter.com/ttztMuR9Yj

— Samia Suluhu (@SuluhuSamia) February 10, 2024

Prime Minister Edward Lowassa was a respected and progressive leader who worked for the greater good of the people of Tanzania and the East African Region.

We honour the distinguished life that he led, his work and the rich legacy that he leaves behind.
 
May God grant the… pic.twitter.com/SCWGP48zJI

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) February 11, 2024

Born on August 24, 1953, Lowasa was the fourth child of herdsman Ngoyai Lowassa, who worked part-time for the colonial government. His humble beginnings shaped his journey into politics, where he served as Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office during President Ali Hassan Mwinyi's second term.