Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad, the first vice-president of Tanzania’s semi-autonomous islands of Zanzibar, has died at the age of 77, a few weeks after contracting coronavirus.
Tanzania’s President John Magufuli has offered his condolences in a tweet.
Nimepokea kwa masikitiko taarifa ya kifo cha Mhe. Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad, aliyekuwa Makamu wa Kwanza wa Rais wa Zanzibar. Natoa pole kwa Rais wa Zanzibar Mhe. Dkt. Mwinyi, Familia, Wazanzibari, wanachama wa ACT-Wazalendo na Watanzania wote. Mungu amweke mahali pema peponi,Amina
— Dr John Magufuli (@MagufuliJP) February 17, 2021
A few weeks ago Mr Magufuli warned health officials against acquiring Covid-19 vaccines, saying – without giving evidence – that they could harm the population.