Geita – Suzana Magufuli, the mother of the late former Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli, has passed away. She died at her home in Chato District, Geita Region, on May 25, 2026, at 1:40 a.m.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced the passing in an official statement issued by the Directorate of Presidential Communications in Dar es Salaam. President Samia expressed her condolences to the family of the late former president, as well as to relatives and friends affected by the loss.
“On behalf of the Government, and on my own behalf, I join the family during this difficult time of mourning, praying for strength, comfort, and patience,” President Samia said in the statement. She also offered prayers for the eternal rest of the deceased.
Suzana Magufuli was the mother of John Magufuli, who served as Tanzania’s fifth president from November 2015 until his death in March 2021. He was the third of 12 children born to Suzana and her husband, Joseph Magufuli Marko.
John Magufuli, remembered for his approach to infrastructure projects and anti-corruption measures, died in office at the age of 61 due to heart complications. Following his death, then-Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan assumed the presidency, becoming the country’s first female head of state.
The Magufuli family has deep roots in the Chato District, where John Magufuli was born and raised. The region has been the site of significant family events, including the burial of the former president’s sister, Monica Joseph Magufuli, which Suzana attended alongside her son before his passing.
The government has not yet announced details regarding funeral arrangements for Suzana Magufuli.
