The death toll in the tragic stampede at the funeral of the Tanzanian president stands at 45

Tens of thousands of people came to Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on March 21 to witness the wake of one who knew to be its leader since 2015, 61-year-old President John Magufuli, who has passed away. unexpectedly on March 17th.

During the service a group of people tried to force their way into the already overcrowded compound to pay their respects, killing 45 and injuring 37 falling and being trampled by the crowd. Among the deceased are children and various members of the same family.

There is a lot of speculation about Magufuli’s death. Official government sources say the president died last Wednesday of a heart problem, while opposition claims he contracted covid-19.

In the broadcast footage of Tanzanians screaming and mourning the death of their leader, it was observed that among those present very few people wore protective masks. Some people even seemed to faint a few feet from the coffin, before being rescued by paramedics.

Tanzania made the headlines last May, Then-president Magufuli said Tanzania was already free of covid-19, thanks to prayer and prayer, and for which he has never requested vaccinations or passed restrictions. He was one of the most skeptical leaders about the covid-19 pandemic.

“Magufuli has guided us in prayer and since May 2020 we have only heard from anyone who has died from the pandemic,” said a small businessman from Manzese, John Haule, one of many supporters of the belief that the virus only kills those who fear it.

Vice President Samia Suluhu was the one to confirm the news of the death and was sworn in as the new president, making history as the first female head of state in the African nation.

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