East African Heads of State have expressed their condolences to Tanzania following the passing of President John Magufuli.
The presiding Chairman of East African Community (EAC) who doubles as Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta eulogized the fallen Pan-Africanist saying: "I have lost a friend, colleague and visionary ally and with profound sorrow convey condolences to Widow Janet Magufuli, the Government and People of Tanzania."
On his part, Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni mourned President Magufuli and described him as a "pragmatic leader, who believed and worked for the economic empowerment of East Africans".
Mr. Museveni took to social media and tweeted: "We join Tanzania in mourning the passing of a great son of Africa. I have, with great sadness, learnt of the death of President John Pombe Magufuli. He was a pragmatic leader who believed and worked for the economic empowerment of East Africans. We join Tanzania in mourning the passing of a great son of Africa. May his soul rest in peace."
Rwandan President Paul Kagame joined his counterparts from Uganda and Kenya and tweeted: "We are saddened by the loss of my brother and friend, President Magufuli. His contribution to his country and to our region will not be forgotten... My deepest condolences to his family and the people of Tanzania. The people of Rwanda stand with Tanzania during this difficult time."
For Burundi, President Evariste Ndayishimiye expressed his condolences to Tanzanians and the family of President Magufuli, tweeting: "I am terribly saddened to learn of the passing of my friend and brother, John Pombe Magufuli, President of the United Republic of Tanzania. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Government and People of Tanzania and his family for the loss of a great leader, a true Pan Africanist."