Pragmatic leader, Champion of pan-Africanism, Champion of regional cooperation, Brother and friend are some of the titles that international leaders called the late President Magufuli.
Since his first election in 2015, President Magufuli was a rambunctious action man, a departure from his predecessors’ demure and stately style.
His interventionist – admirers across Africa called it “hands-on” – leadership style won him fans beyond Tanzania, especially in the East African region, where he inspired the #WhatWouldMagufuliDo Twitter hashtag, praising his no-nonsense approach to fighting corruption and tirelessly following up infrastructure projects to ensure they are completed.
What most Tanzanians cared about, was service delivery and Magufuli’s governing style was effective and a model for other African leaders.
A man of the people
Tanzanians will miss the hours-long road trips he embarked on across the country which involved multiple stops so he could speak with the public.
These trips, which unnerved government officials, were often broadcast live on TV and became popular with some Tanzanians who saw them as an opportunity to get instant redress to their problems.
Crowds of people often gathered and shuffled around the presidential convoy on close watch of the heavily armed bodyguards.
Those who were determined got a chance to ask him questions, but most people used the opportunity to plead with the president to intervene on a myriad of issues such as fixing delayed road projects, never-ending court cases, complaints about water supply, or grievances against local officials.
Standing out of the sunroof of his armoured vehicle, with a microphone in hand, Magufuli listened and sometimes asked follow-up questions. His responses were progressive and by the time he was done, a new policy would have been proclaimed, an official either sacked or promoted.
Political opponents, neighbouring countries, mining firms, Western nations and anyone he viewed as undermining Tanzanian interests were also targets of his Tanzanians-first governing style.
President Magufuli was a defender of the dignity of Tanzanians. We will always remember him for his fierce fight against corruption, and low productivity in the Tanzanian government.
Condolences pour in.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of His Excellency President John Pombe Magufuli of the United Republic of Tanzania. President Ramaphosa said: “South Africa is united in grief with the government and people of Tanzania as they go through this difficult moment.” President Magufuli served as the fifth President of Tanzania and chaired the Southern African Development Community until August 2020.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said on Twitter:
“I have, with great sadness, learnt of the death of His Excellency John Pombe Magufuli. He was a pragmatic leader who believed in and worked for the economic empowerment of East Africans.
“We join Tanzania in mourning the passing of a great son of Africa. May his soul rest in peace.”
In Nairobi, Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta also paid his respects.
“On the continental stage, the late president Magufuli was a champion of pan-Africanism. In the passing on of President Magufuli, I have lost a friend, a colleague, and a visionary ally”, Kenyatta said.
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame said on Twitter :
“We are saddened by the loss of my brother and friend, President Magufuli. His contribution to his country & to our region will not be forgotten.”
The African Union’s chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat said on Twitter: “The African Union family is united in grief with the Govt&People of #Tanzania by the untimely passing of H.E. President John Pombe Magufuli.
“Africa has lost a champion of regional cooperation in the East African region and a committed Pan Africanist leader. May he rest in peace.”
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi extended on Thursday his condolences to the Tanzanian people and government over the death of President John Magufuli, who passed away Wednesday at the age of 61 from a heart condition.
Magufuli died after a journey that was full of giving, during which he made many contributions in several areas to serve his people, nation, and the African continent, the presidency cited El-Sisi as saying.
El-Sisi voiced the Egyptian people and government’s solidarity with the brotherly people of Tanzania over this tragedy based on the strong relations between Egypt and Tanzania, the presidency said.
The Egyptian president also prays that Allah Almighty may bless the deceased president with mercy and forgiveness and grant his family and those loving him patience and solace, the statement added.
El-Sisi met with late President Magufuli during an official visit to Tanzania in August 2017 to strengthen bilateral relations and promote joint projects between the two countries
Former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan hail Tanzania President John Magufuli as “partner in democracy” and “patriot wey love im kontri.”
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson passed his condolences to the people of Tanzania.