Tributes pour in as Dar residents bid farewell to Mwinyi

Dar es Salaam. The late President Ali Hassan Mwinyi was a repository of wisdom, a source of knowledge, and an exemplar of patriotism, integrity and leadership, Vice President Dr Philip Mpango described the fallen country’s second phase head of state.

Dr Mpango made the statement when leading mourners at the iconic Uhuru Stadium on Friday, March 1, 2024, in bidding farewell to the late President Mwinyi, who succumbed to lung cancer at Mzena Hospital on February 29, 2024.

The visiting Ethiopian Prime Minister, Mr Abiy Ahmed Ali, took a brief moment to pay his last respects and bid farewell to the mourners before departing to catch his flight.

Among those present were former President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, and other senior leaders who joined the nation in honouring Mwinyi's remarkable legacy.

Reflecting on Mwinyi's contributions, Dr Mpango said the late leader possessed exceptional leadership qualities and an extraordinary ability to effect positive change in society.

"We acknowledge his unwavering patriotism and his significant contributions to the country's development," said Dr Mpango.

He noted that the former president had a deep-rooted faith in religion, stemming from his childhood when his father aspired for him to become a sheikh in the Islamic faith.

Throughout his life, Mwinyi demonstrated a commitment to learning and living by the tenets of his religion.

"He was a staunch advocate for the Swahili language and played a pivotal role in its international promotion. We must follow his example and elevate Kiswahili to a valuable global asset," he insisted.

Former President Jakaya Kikwete, who served from 2005 to 2015, paid tribute to the late Mwinyi, highlighting his instrumental role in Tanzania's development.

"He was an honourable and compassionate leader, characterised by strength and decisiveness in his actions. Mwinyi's legacy serves as a profound lesson for leaders: to prioritize national interests above all else,” said the retired leader.

He underscored the importance of standing by one's convictions, particularly when they align with the greater good of the nation.

Former Prime Minister Judge (rtd) Joseph Warioba reflected on the country's mourning and celebration, reminiscing about the late President Mwinyi's service to the nation during a period marked by significant economic and political challenges.

Mr Warioba recounted the dire circumstances faced by the country during that era, including the dissolution of the East African Community (EAC), the Tanzania-Uganda War, and rampant inflation, which led to economic downturn and social stagnation.

"I was part of a team appointed by Mwinyi to address these challenges. Working tirelessly for three years, we were able to restore stability," said Judge Warioba.

He acknowledged that while Tanzania currently faces various challenges such as sugar shortages, power outages, and water scarcity, they pale in comparison to the obstacles addressed during Mwinyi's tenure.

The CCM vice chairman (Mainland), Mr Abdulrahman Kinana, credited Mwinyi's close relationship with the father of the nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, as pivotal to his leadership.

He emphasised that every decision made by Mwinyi was done in consultation with the founding father of the Nation, ensuring consensus and unity among the leadership, "The objective was to safeguard peace and unity within the nation."

Through Kinana's remarks, Mwinyi's leadership was depicted as visionary and deeply rooted in the principles of consultation and collective decision-making, with the ultimate goal of preserving the harmony and cohesion of Tanzanian society.

Announcing former President Mwinyi’s death, President Samia Suluhu Hassan declared seven days of mourning, during which flags would be flown at half-mast.

Mwinyi, affectionately known as "Mzee Rukhsa" due to his liberal economic approach, was born on May 8, 1925, in the Coast Region.

He served as the second president of the United Republic of Tanzania from 1985 to 1995, succeeding the founding president, Julius Nyerere.

Like his predecessor, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Mwinyi was also a teacher-turned-politician.

He is the only president to have served in both Zanzibar (1984-1985) and Mainland Tanzania (1985-1995) with his previous posts including the country’s ambassador to Egypt, Minister of Home Affairs, and Vice President (Zanzibar).

Zanzibar is also preparing to bid a solemn farewell to the Isles's second President slated to take place at the New Amaan Complex in Unguja tomorrow (Saturday, March 2, 2024).

The event will kick start early morning before his burial, which is expected to take place at his Manga Pwani home village on Unguja Island.

Earlier, his body was taken to the National Muslim Council of Tanzania (Bakwata)’s headquarters mosque located in Kinondoni for religious rituals presided by Chief Cleric Abubakary Zubeir.