Known As 'The Bulldozer', President Of Tanzania John Magufuli Frustrated WHO

Presiden John Magufuli. (Wikimedia Commons: Issa Michuzi / issamichuzi.blogspot.co.uk)

JAKARTA - Tanzanian President John Magufuli, one of Africa's most prominent coronavirus skeptics, has died at the age of 61, Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan said on Wednesday after more than two weeks of absence from public life which led to speculation about his health.

"Dear Tanzanians, it is very sad to announce that today is March 17, 2021, at around 6 p.m. We are missing our brave leader, President John Magufuli who died of heart disease at the Mzena hospital in Dar es Salaam where he is receiving treatment", said Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan on state television station TBC, reported by Reuters.

He was known as 'The Bulldozer' because of his reputation for pushing policy despite opposition. John Magufuli frustrated the World Health Organization (WHO) during the pandemic by downplaying the threat from COVID-19.

He said God and a solution like inhaling the steam would protect Tanzanians. He also opposes the wearing of masks and the application of social distancing.

In addition, the former chemistry teacher denigrated the coronavirus test and called vaccines part of a Western conspiracy to seize African wealth

Tanzania stopped reporting coronavirus data in May last year when it had reported 509 cases and 21 deaths, according to the WHO, which has urged the government to be more transparent.

"Arrangements, burials are being carried out and announcing 14 days of mourning and flag-raising at half-mast. State television broadcasts sad and religious songs", said Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan.