Zanzibar’s first Vice President has died

ZANZIBAR, Tanzania

Zanzibar’s first vice President and ACT Wazalendo’s Chairman Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad has died at the age of 77, the Zanzibar Presidency has announced.

The cause of death was not made clear, however, on January 31 he was reportedly hospitalized at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital in Zanzibar after he allegedly tested positive for Coronavirus.

The president of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council Hussein Mwinyi announced his death today February 17, declaring Seven Days of national mourning saying information would be released.

President Magufuli on the other hand has sent condolences to Zanzibar’s President and the people of Zanzibar on the death of the ACT Chairman.

“I have received with profound shock the news of the death of Hon. Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad, the First Vice President of Zanzibar. I send my condolences to the President of Zanzibar Hon. Dr. Mwinyi, Family, Zanzibaris, ACT-Wazalendo members and all Tanzanians. May his soul Rest in Peace,” wrote President Magufuli on his Twitter handle.

Early this month, Hamad opened up over his being hospitalized after he reportedly tested positive of Covid-19.

“It is true I am at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital where I am being treated of Covid-19 and my wife has been isolated at home,” said the first vice president in an SMS.

And, with that admission, Seif Sharif Hamad becomes the first person to declare his Covid-19 status in Tanzania since April 29, 2020.

However, despite his admission authorities in Zanzibar including the acting Health minister, Said Mohammed Simai said he was not aware of the Maalim Seif being hospitalised.