Tanzania mourns the loss of former President Ali Hassan Mwinyi, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 98, according to an announcement by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan revealed the sad news on state television TBC1, stating, “I’m saddened to announce the death… around 5:30 in the evening.” She mentioned that Mwinyi had been battling lung cancer and had been receiving treatment both abroad and in Tanzania.
Ali Hassan Mwinyi, a key figure in Tanzanian politics, was instrumental in introducing multi-party democracy to the East African nation. Tanzania will observe seven days of mourning in his honor, with national flags flown at half-mast.
Handpicked by independence hero Julius Nyerere to succeed him, Mwinyi took over the presidency during a challenging period marked by economic turmoil. He implemented reforms to liberalize the economy, removing restrictions on private enterprise and facilitating imports. His efforts to revitalize the economy earned him the nickname “Mzee Rukhsa,” which translates to “Mr. Permission” in Swahili.
Born on May 8, 1925, in Tanganyika, Mwinyi’s journey into politics began in the 1960s after the country gained independence. Rising through the ranks, he served in various capacities, including as ambassador to Egypt and minister of health, home affairs, and natural resources. In 1984, he assumed the presidency of Zanzibar before being selected by Nyerere to lead Tanzania.
