Former Tanzania Prime Minister Edward Lowassa has on Saturday passed away while receiving treatment at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute in Dar es Salaam.
Confirming his death was Tanzania Vice-President Philip Mpango through the national television, TBC.
According to Mpango, the former Prime Minister succumbed following long illnesses that included hypertension, lung complications and stomach ulcers. He continued by confirming that for the next five days, flags in the country will fly at half mast to mourn the former Prime Minister.
- Tanzania: Opposition Pushes for Electoral Reforms Ahead of Vote
- Kenya and Tanzania vow to end flight stalemate in three days
“The former Prime Minister started receiving treatment at JKCI on January 14th 2022. He was later transferred to a South African hospital for specialized treatment and later return to JKCI,” said the Vide President
Mourning the 70-year-old former Prime Minister was President Samia Suluhu who remembered his 35 years of contribution to the country serving in various dockets. She termed Lowasa as a dedicated leader who served diligently.
“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 (CCM), Mbunge, Waziri katika wizara mbalimbali na Waziri Mkuu.
Tumempoteza kiongozi mahiri, aliyejituma na kujitoa kwa nchi yetu. Natoa pole kwa mjane, Mama Regina Lowassa, watoto (Mheshimiwa Mbunge wa Monduli, Fredrick Lowassa na wadogo zako), ndugu, jamaa, marafiki na Watanzania wote kwa msiba huu mzito.
Katika mawasiliano yangu na familia, nimewaeleza kuwa kama taifa tuko pamoja nao katika kipindi hiki kigumu, na kamwe wasiache kumtegemea Mwenyezi Mungu na kutafakari neno lake, hasa Kitabu cha Ayubu 1:21.” said Suluhu
