Tanzania’s Vice President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has been sworn in as the country’s first female president after the sudden death of the Late President, John Magufuli.

The 61-year-old is expected to finish Magufuli’s second five-year term, which will run until 2025.

Speaking during the swearing in ceremony which took place at Dar es Salaam, Hassan promised to be honest, obey and protect the constitution of Tanzania.

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“I, Samia Suluhu Hassan, promise to be honest and obey and protect the constitution of Tanzania.

“I also promise to continue the legacy of patriotism to the African course which the late Magufuli laid down to the best of my capacity and with the help of the good people of Tanzania,” she said.

Hassan becomes the second serving female head of state in Africa alongside Ethiopia’s President Sahle-Work Zewde, whose role is mainly ceremonial.

Recall that Magufuli died of heart condition on wednesday night

His death was announced in a state-wide broadcast by his deputy, Samia Suluhu Hassan.

She also declared that there would be 14 days of national mourning while flags would fly at half mast.