Tanzania's former Prime Minister Edward Lowassa dies at 70

Dar es Salaam. Former Prime Minister Edward Ngoyai Lowasa died today, February 10, at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), in Dar es Salaam at the age of 70.

Vice President Dr Philip Mpango announced his death on national television (TBC).

In a live televised announcement, Dr Mpango said the former premier died after a long illness characterized by lung issues, stomach ulcers, and hypertension.

The Vice President said that national flags would fly at half-mast for the duration of the five-day mourning period.

“The former prime minister started to receive treatment at the JKCI on January 14, 2022. He was later referred to a South African hospital for specialised treatment and later returned to JKCI," he added.

Following his death, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has conveyed her condolences to friends, relatives, and the general public.

According to Dr Mpango, more information about his death will be communicated.

His career as Prime Minister started from 2005 to 2008 under President Kikwete.

However, numerous scandals eventually forced him to step down, leading him to tender his resignation.

Following his resignation President Kikwete was obliged to dissolve his cabinet as required by the Constitution and with minimum delay, constituted a new one under a new Prime Minister, Mizengo Pinda.

In 2015, Lowassa defected from CCM to the main opposition camp which had formed a coalition, where he launched an unsuccessful presidential bid against the late former President John Magufuli.

On March 1, 2019 Lowassa left Chadema and rejoined CCM.

Lowassa's final days were marked by a noticeable hiatus from the spotlight, with unfounded speculation rising from time to time about his health.