Tanzania confirms death of President John Magufuli after speculation about his health and two-week absence from public life

Tanzania’s President John Magufuli, one of Africa’s most prominent coronavirus sceptics, has died aged 61, the country’s Vice-President has announced.

Mr Magufuli had been absent from public life for more than two weeks, which led to speculation about his health.

Vice-President Samia Suluhu Hassan said he died in hospital in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, from the heart disease that had plagued him for a decade.

Mr Magufuli had not been seen in public since February 27, sparking rumours that he had contracted COVID-19.