Africa

Former Tanzanian President Ali Hassan Mwinyi is dead

Former Tanzanian President Ali Hassan Mwinyi.

By Mercy Asamba | Thursday, February 29, 2024

Mwinyi served as the second President of Tanzania between 1985 and 1995.

Former Tanzanian President Ali Hassan Mwinyi has died at the age of 98.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Thursday said Mwinyi died while receiving treatment at Mzena Hospital in Dar es Salaam.

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The former president, who was hospitalised in early February with his family stating that he was receiving treatment for a chest illness, succumbed to lung cancer.

“With advice from his doctors, the family has decided that it is good that he gets privacy while receiving treatment. The family asks the public to pray for him,” wrote family spokesperson and son of the former leader, Abdullah Mwinyi when he was hospitalised in February.

In a televised broadcast, President Samia declared a 7-day mourning period and directed Tanzania’s flags to be flown at half-mast. Mwinyi will be laid to rest on March 2; his final resting place is yet to be confirmed.

“On behalf of the government of the United Republic of Tanzania, I extend my condolences to the family, relatives, friends, and all Tanzanians for this great loss to the nation,” President Samia said.

Born on May 8, 1925, in Kivure, Tanzania, Mwinyi rose to prominence as a diplomat and politician, eventually serving as the second President of Tanzania from 1985 to 1995. He succeeded the founding president, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.

Ahmed Noor of Kilimanjaro Group of Hotels and Jamia Mosque Nairobi Imam Jamaludin Osman with the late Ali Hassan Ali Mwinyi. (File)

As president, Mwinyi faced the daunting task of navigating Tanzania through economic challenges while maintaining stability in the region.

He implemented economic reforms aimed at liberalizing Tanzania's economy and attracting foreign investment.

Beyond domestic affairs, Mwinyi also played a significant role in regional diplomacy. He was instrumental in mediating conflicts in neighboring countries, including brokering peace talks during the Rwandan Civil War. His diplomatic efforts earned him respect both regionally and internationally, solidifying Tanzania's reputation as a key player in African politics.

After serving two terms as president, Mwinyi retired from politics in 1995.

He joined the Afro-Shiraz Party (ASP) in 1964 and held different positions in the government of Zanzibar and the United Republic of Tanzania, such as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education of Zanzibar in 1963.

In 1970, he was appointed Minister of State in the President’s Office of the United Republic of Tanzania and between 1982-83 he was Minister of Health, Home Affairs, and Natural Resources, and Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania in Egypt from 1977 to 1982

In 1983, he was appointed Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office, and in 1984, he was elected President of Zanzibar and Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania.

His son, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, is the current President of Zanzibar