Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba has expressed condolences to Tanzania on the passing of former President Ali Hassan Mwinyi, who died at the age of 96.
Ali Hassan Mwinyi, the former schoolteacher who led Tanzania as its second president after independence, died on Thursday February 29 at age 98.
In a statement, President Mbumba said the Namibian people stand with Tanzanians during this difficult time of mourning.
He praised the late President Mwinyi’s support for Namibia’s freedom struggle against apartheid rule
“I join my sister President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the fraternal people of Tanzania in mourning the passing of former President Ali Hassan Mwinyi,”
“Namibians will never forget the role Tanzania and President Mwinyi played in advancing Namibia’s cause for freedom.
“Today, our bilateral relations are sound because of strong historical bonds of friendship.”
“During this difficult period, Namibians stand with the people of Tanzania.”
Mwinyi served as Tanzania’s second president from 1985 to 1995 after taking over from founding father Julius Nyerere. He was remembered for liberalizing the economy after years of socialism.
Current Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced Mwinyi’s death early Friday. She declared a seven-day mourning period and said Mwinyi will receive a state funeral.
“On behalf of the people and the Government of the Republic of Namibia, I extend sincere condolences to the family and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania,” Mbumba added.
The two southern African nations have maintained close ties since Tanzania gave support to Namibia’s fight for independence from South Africa’s apartheid rule in the 1970s and 1980s. Tanzania provided a base for Namibian freedom fighters to organize and train for battle.
