Kiir declares three days to mourn Magufuli’s death, flags to fly half-mast

President Salva Kiir (pictured) has declared a three-day mourning period following the death of Tanzanian President John Magufuli on Wesdnesday, March 17.

A statement from the office of president revealed that the decision was to show empathy with Tanzanians in the moment of sorrow after losing their head of state.

‘‘H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit said the people of South Sudan are deeply saddened and grieving with their brothers and sisters in the United Republic of Tanzania,’’ statement from State House reads.

He has also ordered the government institutions, diplomatic institutions included, to fly national flags at half-mast in honour of the late colleague for those three days. The order begins on Thursday, March 18. Kenya also declared seven days of mourning as President Uhuru Kenyatta led the country in condoling with their neighbours.

President Magufuli died yesterday in Dar-es-Salaam while receiving treatment. Vice President Saima Hassan Suluhu broke the sad news saying the president had succumbed to heart-related complications.

This is contrary to the widespread reports that emerged last week that Magufuli had been admitted to a Nairobi hospital with COVID-19-like illness.