Former Tanzanian Prime Minister Edward Ngoyai Lowasa has passed away at the age of 70 after a prolonged illness.
Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango announced the sad news on Saturday, revealing that Lowasa had been undergoing treatment at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) in Dar es Salaam.
Dr. Mpango disclosed that Lowasa had been battling various health issues, including lung complications, stomach ulcers, and hypertension. “The former prime minister began treatment at the JKCI on January 14, 2022. He was later transferred to a hospital in South Africa for specialized care before returning to the JKCI,” he stated, as quoted by the Citizen.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed her condolences to Lowasa’s family, friends, and the nation, announcing a five-day period of national mourning.
Dr. Mpango directed that the Tanzanian national flag be flown at half-mast during the mourning period, with further details regarding Lowasa’s passing to be communicated later.
Lowasa served as Prime Minister from 2005 to 2008 under President Jakaya Kikwete. He resigned from office amid scandals during that time, leading President Kikwete to dissolve his Cabinet and appoint a new Prime Minister, Mizengo Pinda.
In 2015, Lowasa defected from the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party to join the main opposition, running for president but losing to the late former President John Magufuli.
On March 1, 2019, Lowasa returned to CCM after leaving the Chadema opposition party.
