Former Tanzanian President Ali Hassan Mwinyi died at the age of 98 after suffering from chest illness.

President Samia Suluhu announced that the former president had been ill for some time, and his family had asked for privacy during his hospitalization.

PHOTO | COURTESY Former Tanzanian President Ali Hassan Mwinyi

"The family has decided, based on the advice of his doctors, that it is best for him to get therapy in private. The family requests that the people pray for him," said family spokesperson and son of previous leader Abdullah Mwinyi at the time.

Mwinyi served as Tanzania's second president from 1985 to 1995. He was hospitalized in early February, with his family claiming he was being treated for a chest condition.

Mwinyi joined the Afro Shiraz Party (ASP) in 1964 and has held many roles for the Government of Zanzibar and the United Republic of Tanzania, including the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education of Zanzibar in 1963.

PHOTO | COURTESY Former Tanzanian President Ali Hassan Mwinyi

 He was appointed Minister of State in the President's Office of the United Republic of Tanzania in 1970, and from 1982 to 1983, he was Minister of Health, Home Affairs, and Natural Resources, as well as Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania in Egypt.

 He became Minister of State in the Vice President's Office in 1983 .he was elected President of Zanzibar and Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania the following year.