Former Tanzanian PM dies aged 70

DAR ES SALAAM -- Former Tanzanian Prime Minister Edward Lowassa died on Saturday afternoon at the age of 70 after a long illness, announced Vice President Philip Mpango.

Announcing the death of the former prime minister on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Mpango said Lowassa died at 2:00 pm local time at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute in the port city of Dar es Salaam, where he was receiving medical treatment.

He said Lowassa was suffering from bowel obstruction, lung ailment, and high blood pressure, adding that Hassan has declared five days of national mourning in honor of the former prime minister.

According to Mpango, national flags will be flown at half-mast throughout the country starting from Saturday.

"Tanzania has lost a brave leader who has been in public service for 35 years," Hassan said on X, formerly Twitter.