Magufuli knew he wouldn't survive, former security chief reveals
Former Tanzanian President John Magufuli.
What you need to know:
- Magufuli died of heart complications at Mzena Hospital in Dar es Salaam, according to Tanzanian authorities.
Venance Mabeyo, a retired Tanzanian military officer who served as the eighth Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), has revealed a previously undisclosed conversation with the late former president John Magufuli before his death.
Mabeyo revealed that Magufuli confided in him, expressing his belief that he would not survive his hospitalisation and asking to be taken home.
In an interview with state media outlet Daily News Digital, Mabeyo recounted the events of March 17, 2021, the day Tanzania lost its president.
Magufuli reportedly called Mabeyo and expressed doubts about his survival, asking the CDF to order doctors to allow him to return home.
But Mabeyo said he did not have the authority to give such orders, insisting that medical decisions should be left to the doctors.
This revelation sheds light on the moments leading up to Magufuli's death, highlighting his awareness of his health condition and his wishes at that critical time.
Immediately after Magufuli's death, the next step was to announce to the public that the head of state had passed away.
"Three heads of security agencies were present at the hospital at the time. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Director General of Intelligence and Security Services (TISS) and myself (CDF). We wondered how the news would be announced to the public," the retired military chief said.
Shocked by what had just happened, the country's top security officials had to look to the constitution for guidance on how to proceed.
The constitution assigns presidential powers to the vice president in the absence of the president due to resignation, illness or death.
Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan made the public announcement on national television and took office. She was sworn in as President of Tanzania on 19 March 2021 in accordance with Article 37(5) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Magufuli died of heart complications at Mzena Hospital in Dar es Salaam, according to Tanzanian authorities.
