Former Tanzanian Prime Minister Edward Lowassa dies aged 70
Former Tanzanian Prime Minister Edward Ngoyai Lowassa.
What you need to know:
- On March 12019, Lowassa left Chadema and rejoined CCM.
- He began his career as Prime Minister under President Kikwete from 2005 to 2008.
Dar es Salaam,
Former Tanzanian Prime Minister Edward Ngoyai Lowasa is dead. Mr Lowassa, who was 70 years old, died at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute in Dar es Salaam on Saturday.
His death was announced by Vice President Dr Philip Mpango on national television.
He began his career as Prime Minister under President Kikwete from 2005 to 2008. However, numerous scandals forced him to step down and tender his resignation.
Following his resignation, President Kikwete was forced to dissolve his cabinet, as required by the constitution, and quickly formed a new one under Mr Mizengo Pinda as the new prime minister.
In 2015, Lowassa defected from Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) to the main opposition camp, which had formed Chadema, a coalition, where he launched an unsuccessful presidential bid against the late former President John Magufuli.
On March 12019, Lowassa left Chadema and rejoined CCM.
Lowassa's final days were marked by a noticeable absence from the spotlight, with speculation about his ill health from time to time.
