Zanzibar’s Vice-president Sharif Buried

Zanzibar’s Vice President Seif Sharif Hamad has been buried in his home village in Tanzania’s Pemba Island, following his death on Wednesday at the age of 77.

His cause of death has not been officially announced.

Mr Hamad’s death came almost three weeks after his party, ACT Wazalendo, announced that he had Covid-19.

Mourners paid their last respects in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar’s main island of Unguja before Mr Hamad’s body was flown to his final resting place.

Mr Hamad started his political career in the ruling party, before going into oppositionImage caption: Mr Hamad started his political career in the ruling party, before going into opposition
Known for his charisma and eloquence, Mr Hamad often attracted thousands to his political rallies. He was popularly known as Maalim, meaning teacher in Swahili.

He was the most prominent politician in Tanzania to have openly declared that he had coronavirus.

His body was lowered into the grave by pall bearers who were all wearing personal protective equipment.

He was a towering figure in Tanzanian politics. Many saw him as more than a politician, and will remember him as a fatherly figure who relentlessly fought for their rights.