Joseph Isangura
Suzana Magufuli, the mother of Tanzania’s fifth-phase President, the late John Pombe Magufuli, has died after a prolonged illness, bringing a wave of mourning across the country and within the extended Magufuli family.
Family members confirmed that Suzana Magufuli passed away on Monday night, May 25, 2026, at her residence in Chato District, Geita Region, where she had been receiving care during her long battle with illness. Her death marks the end of a deeply respected matriarch whose life remained closely connected to one of Tanzania’s most prominent political families.
The announcement was made by Jesca Magufuli, the daughter of the late President John Pombe Magufuli, who also serves as a Member of Parliament through special seats under the ruling party, CCM. Speaking during a phone interview with a local digital media outlet, Jesca confirmed the passing of her grandmother, describing the moment as one filled with grief and reflection for the entire family.
“Our grandmother, Suzana Mussa, passed away at around 7pm at her home in Chato after a long illness. The family will communicate further funeral arrangements. The Lord has given and the Lord has taken away,” she said, her voice reflecting the emotional weight of the loss.
The death of Suzana Magufuli has drawn attention across Tanzania, particularly given her connection to the late President John Pombe Magufuli, who led the country from 2015 until his death in March 2021. For many Tanzanians, the Magufuli name remains closely tied to a significant political era, and the passing of his mother has reopened public reflection on the legacy of leadership and family sacrifice behind national figures.
In Chato District, where Suzana Magufuli spent much of her later life, residents expressed sorrow and sympathy as news of her passing spread throughout the community. The area, which also holds symbolic importance as part of the late president’s roots, has once again become the center of national attention during this moment of mourning.
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Family sources indicate that Suzana Magufuli had been battling illness for an extended period, although specific medical details were not publicly disclosed. Despite her condition, she remained within her home environment, surrounded by close relatives who cared for her during her final days.
The Magufuli family has not yet released full details regarding funeral arrangements, and it remains unclear when public mourning or burial proceedings will take place. However, it is expected that announcements will be made once family consultations are completed, in accordance with cultural and religious traditions observed in Chato District and the wider Geita Region.
The passing of Suzana Magufuli also revives memories of the late John Pombe Magufuli, whose leadership left a lasting imprint on Tanzania’s political and economic landscape. His tenure, often described as transformative and highly disciplined, continues to be debated and remembered both within and beyond the country’s borders. With the loss of his mother, many observers note that another deeply personal chapter in the Magufuli family history has quietly closed.
As condolences continue to pour in, citizens across the country have taken to social platforms and community gatherings to express sympathy to the bereaved family. Messages of comfort have particularly centered on Jesca Magufuli and other close relatives, as they navigate yet another moment of public and private grief.
In Chato District, the atmosphere remains somber, with neighbors and community members gathering informally to support the family home. The region, already emotionally tied to the legacy of John Pombe Magufuli, now finds itself mourning the loss of Suzana Magufuli, a mother, grandmother, and matriarch whose life was deeply interwoven with one of Tanzania’s most recognized political families.
