UK's King Charles III extends condolences to Tanzania over passing of former President Ali Hassan Mwinyi
King Charles III
What you need to know:
- A statement from the King was issued by the British High Commission in Tanzania, as posted today, March 6, 2024, on the X platform.
Dar es Salaam. The United Kingdom (UK) and esteemed leader King Charles III have issued an official statement to Tanzania regarding the passing of former President Ali Hassan Mwinyi.
A statement from the King was issued by the British High Commission in Tanzania, as posted today, March 6, 2024, on the X platform.
Addressed to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the statement reads, “He was a true friend of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth and a leading figure in Tanzania's economic and political development. I can only offer you my deepest sympathy at his passing.”
The King also reminisced about the time when the UK invited President Mwinyi to London in 1988.
He was hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II for lunch at Buckingham Palace and met Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Thatcher died on April 8, 2013, and the Queen passed away on September 8, 2022.
“I understand that this was his first official visit to Europe, and he was able to make great strides in cementing the United Kingdom-Tanzania relationship,” King Charles's statement read in part.
Tanzania's former President Mwinyi died at the age of 98 on February 29, 2024, while receiving treatment for lung cancer at Mzena Hospital in Dar es Salaam.
He was laid to rest on March 2, 2024, in Mangapwani village on the island of Unguja, Zanzibar.
Mwinyi served as the second president of the United Republic of Tanzania from 1985 to 1995. He is the only president who served in both Zanzibar (1984-1985) and Mainland Tanzania (1985-1995).
His previous posts include Tanzania's ambassador to Egypt, home affairs minister, and vice president.
