Somali presisent Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Friday paid tribute to the late Ali Hassan Mwinyi, a former Tanzanian leader who passed away in Dar es Salaam on Thursday at the age of 98.
“President Mwinyi was a visionary leader whose dedication to peace, unity and development elevated Tanzania on the global stage and inspired many across the African continent,” Mohamud said on X.
“During this time of mourning, we stand in solidarity with the family and the good people of Tanzania as we reflect on the profund impact and enduring contributions of President Mwinyi,” the Somali leader added.
Tanzanian media said Mwinyi, the country’s second president, had lung cancer.
His body is expected to be buried in the village of Mangapwani in Zanzibar on Saturday.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan declared seven days of national mourning and Tanzania’s national flag to be flown at half-mast in honor of the late leader.
Mwinyi led Tanzania between 1985 and 1995 and was credited with introducing free market policies and independent media.
Mwinyi is the father of current Zanzibari president Hussein Mwinyi.
