DAR ES SALAAM: African leaders paid tribute to John Magufuli during a funeral ceremony for the former Tanzanian president in the capital Dodoma. African leaders gathered in the Tanzanian capital of Dodoma to pay their last respects to former President who died last week, describing him as a true and dedicated son of Africa.

Magufuli, 61, died in office from a heart condition on March 17 in the country's commercial capital Dar es Salaam, Xinhua news agency reported on Monday. In their eulogies to the late President Magufuli at a state funeral at Jamhuri Stadium in the capital Dodoma, the leaders said Magufuli was a fighter and patriot not only for Tanzania but for the entire African continent.

The death of Magufuli has robbed Africa of a fighter and patriot. His death has affected the entire African continent, said Tshisekedi, who doubles as chairperson of the African Union.

The DRC leader urged Tanzanians to continue cherishing what President Magufuli had stood for, adding: "President Magufuli wished to see African development overseen by Africans for the benefit of Africans." Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi, also the chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), said the southern African regional bloc has lost a brave and hard-working leader.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, chairman of the East African Community (EAC), said Magufuli has taught African leaders that the continent with its abundant resources was well placed to stop its dependence on foreign aid.

Magufuli will be buried in his native home in Chato district of Geita region on March 26.

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