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Tanzania Mourns Former President Ali Hassan Mwinyi
Former Tanzanian President Ali Hassan Mwinyi, aged 98, has passed away. The current Head of State, Samia Suluhu, announced his demise on Thursday evening, revealing that he breathed his last at approximately 5:30 pm. President Suluhu disclosed that the former president succumbed to cancer. Serving as the President of Tanzania from 1985 to 1995, Mwinyi succeeded the nation’s founding president, Julius Nyerere.
Having undergone medical treatment at a London Hospital, Mwinyi returned to Tanzania to continue his medical care. President Suluhu declared a seven-day mourning period, during which flags will be flown at half-mast. She expressed condolences on behalf of the Tanzanian government, extending sympathy to the family, friends, and the nation for this significant loss.
President Suluhu also announced that Mwinyi’s burial is scheduled for March 1, 2024, at Uganja in the Highland of Zanzibar. Notably, his son, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, currently serves as the President of Zanzibar.
Born in May 1925 in the village of Kivure, Pwani Region, Mwinyi received his primary education at Mangapwani Primary School in Zanzibar. Subsequently, he attended Mikindani Dole Secondary School in Dole, Zanzibar. Mwinyi’s journey in education continued as he earned his General Certificate of Education through correspondence (1950–1954) and pursued a teaching diploma at the Institute of Education at Durham University in the United Kingdom.
Mwinyi embarked on a career in education, working as a tutor, teacher, and head teacher from 1945 to 1964 before transitioning to national politics. In 1962, he assumed the role of principal at Zanzibar Teaching Training College in Zanzibar West Region.
Married to Siti Mwinyi in 1960, the couple had six sons and six daughters. In retirement, Ali Hassan Mwinyi lived a low-key life in Dar es Salaam. Prior to his presidency, Mwinyi held positions as the Interior Minister and Vice President. He also chaired the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), from 1990 to 1996.
During his terms as president, Tanzania initiated steps to reverse socialist policies. Often referred to as “Mzee Rukhsa” or “Everything Goes,” Mwinyi advocated for the liberalization of morals, beliefs, and values. In 2011, he received the Order of Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, the highest award in the Tanzanian Honors System, named after the nation’s first president. In 2022, Mwinyi was honored with the King Faisal Prize of Saudi Arabia for Service to Islam.
Ghana Passes Bill Criminalizing LGBTQ+
Ghana’s parliament passed a bill imposing harsh penalties on individuals and groups associated with the LGBTQ+ community. The legislation, which requires presidential approval to become law, criminalizes identifying as LGBTQ+ with a potential three-year prison sentence. Additionally, forming or funding LGBTQ+ groups carries a maximum five-year jail term.
The bill sparked international condemnation from human rights organizations like Amnesty International, who warned of its threat to fundamental liberties and potential for inciting violence. The UN body tackling Aids echoed these concerns, highlighting the negative impact on public health and development.
Critics argue the bill, proposed in response to the opening of Ghana’s first LGBTQ+ center, discriminates against a marginalized community and stifles freedom of expression and association. They also fear it could lead to “witch hunts” and force individuals into hiding.
The legislation, initially more severe, underwent revisions with reduced jail terms and removal of a conversion therapy clause. However, attempts to replace prison sentences with community service and counseling were rejected by parliament.
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