Kiir declares 3-day mourning over death of Tanzanian president

JUBA – South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit has expressed deep sadness over the passing on of Tanzanian President John Magufuli, and has declared a three-day mourning period.

Tanzanian President John Magufuli died on Wednesday following heart complications, according to the East African country’s female Vice President who is expected to succeed the late president.

Addressing reporters in Juba this afternoon, Kiir said he and the people of South Sudan “are deeply saddened and grieving with their brothers and sisters in the United Republic of Tanzania.”

Kiir then declared three days of mourning across South Sudan and instructed all the Government institutions and our diplomatic missions abroad to fly their flags at half-mast during this period beginning from today.

“At this moment, the people of the Republic of South Sudan stand in solidarity with the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania,” Kiir said.

The South Sudanese head of statement further said  he “prays to the Almighty God to give all the strength and comfort to the people of Tanzania and the family of the late to withstand this immense loss.”