John Magufuli

John Magufuli served as the president of Tanzania from 2015 until his death in March 2021. Initially praised for his anti-corruption efforts and focus on infrastructure, his presidency became increasingly authoritarian. His administration was criticized for intolerance towards LGBTQ+ individuals, restrictions on media and opposition, and his controversial handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, including downplaying its severity and prematurely declaring Tanzania virus-free. Magufuli was reelected in October 2020 amidst allegations of fraud and irregularities. He died in March 2021 from heart complications, and Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan succeeded him, becoming Tanzania's first female president.12