NAIROBI, 18 March 2021 – Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu has reiterated his claim that Tanzanian President John Magufuli died of complications brought about by his infection with the COVID-19 virus.
Tanzania’s Vice-President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Wednesday told Tanzanians that heart disease was the cause of Magufuli’s death.
Tanzanian Opposition Leader Tundu Lissu – Photo Deutsche Welle
“Magufuli died of corona, that’s one. Two, Magufuli did not die this [Wednesday] evening…I have information from the same sources that Magufuli had [already] been dead,” Lissu told KTN Wednesday night.
He spoke just hours after the death of Magufuli, at 61, was announced by his Vice-President, Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Lissu regretted that lies were told to deny that Magufuli was seriously ill, adding that more of the same falsehoods are still being told.
Lissu, who lives in exile in Belgium, said Magufuli’s death did not come to him as a surprise.
Cartoon Highlights Attempts on Lissu’s Life – Source: The Elephant
The Tanzanian opposition leader was the first person to post a tweet last March 7 announcing that the Tanzanian leader was seriously ill with “breathing difficulties”.
“The only thing that surprises me is the fact they continued to lie, even now his government continues to lie,” Lissu told the BBC program Newsday, on Thursday.
While expressing deep sorrow at the passing of the Tanzanian leader, Lissu said his death offers an opportunity for Tanzania and Tanzanians to “chart a new course and step back from the brink of disaster”.
Lissu said Magufuli’s “politics, policies and COVID denialism” had “driven the country towards disaster”.
