AfricaPress-Tanzania: THE African Union (AU) has called on Tanzanians to strengthen unity to heed the legacy of President John Magufuli, especially his commitment to spearheading the country’s socioeconomic development.
AU Chairman and President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Felix Tshisekedi said Dr Magufuli was determined to see African growing socially and economically. President Tshisekedi was among the 10 Heads of State who took part in the state funeral of Dr Mgufuli in Dodoma yesterday.
He said Dr Magufui had done a lot not only for Tanzania, but also for Africa in general since he had wanted to fulfil the vision of his founders aimed at strengthening unity on the continent.
President Tshisekedi said Dr Magufuli was against the embezzlement of public funds and corruption which he described it as a cancer which delayed development on the continent.
“During his leadership, President Magufuli, among other things, led the fight against corruption attributed to delays in development on the continent,” he said.
He said the death of Dr Magufuli was a big loss not only to Tanzania but also to Africa in general. President Tshisekedi said Tanzania had lost a political giant who was determined to improve and protect the welfare of his people.
He was also committed to defending and promoting socioeconomic development of African countries. For his part, Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi described President Magufuli a great leader, a colleague, dear friend and a son of Africa.
He said in the past two years they were in Tanzania to attend the 39th Ordinary Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit of Heads of State and governments chaired by Dr Magufuli.
“Many of us still reminisce his chairmanship, diplomatic tactics as he meticulously held our meeting to great success,” he said. He added: “We have lost a true leader, a really friend and a giant of democracy and development.”
Mr Masisi, who is also Chairperson of SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, said Dr Magufuli would be remembered for his contribution of troops along with Malawi and the Republic of South Africa to peace efforts in SADC and the United Nations’ joint focus on building a lasting peace in Eastern DRC.
“Even though he has died he will forever remain in our minds and hearts…we hope his love and dedication to this country will continue inspiring the people of Tanzania towards socioeconomic development, as well as peace and stability as it will be to the rest of us across the continent.”
He, additionally, noted that Dr Magufuli was a great teacher almost like Nyerere, who promoted Kiswahili in various countries in Africa, including Botswana. “We have also introduced Kiswahili in our curriculum.”
President Magufuli assuming the SADC Chairmanship in August 2019 when the country held the 39th Ordinary Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit of Head of States and governments 60 years after the last summit held in 2003 under the chairmanship of President Benjamin Mkapa.
