Zanzibar’s first Vice President Maalim Seif dies after testing positive for COVID-19

Zanzibar’s First Vice President Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad has died at the age of 77, less than a month after being hospitalized with COVID-19.

Zanzibar President Hussein Mwinyi made the announcement on Wednesday, further declaring seven days of national mourning.

Tanzania President John Pombe Magufuli has since sent his message of condolences to the people of Zanzibar following the passing on of the ACT Wazalendo 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,” Magufuli wrote on Twitter.

Maalim Seif was on January 31, 2021 hospitalized at the Mnazi Mmoja Hospital in Zanzibar after he reportedly contracted the coronavirus.

“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,” he told local press then.