Tunisia President, Béji Caïd Essebsi Dies at 92

The president and first-ever elected leader of Tunisia has been reported dead.

The veteran politician reportedly passed on in a military hospital following multiple complicated health issues. He died at age 92.

The presidency has made an official announcement to confirm the news.

"Tunisian President Mohammed Beji Essebsi has passed away on 25 July 2019 at 10:25 am in the military hospital in Tunisia, may he be forgiven," the presidency said.

"Details of the burial ceremony will be announced. We are to Allah, and to Him, we return."

Earlier in the day, the son of the president, Hafedh Caid Essebsi told newsmen that the president was placed under intensive health care.

There have been concerned over his health issues following news that he was rushed to a medical facility earlier last month.

The president had only appeared twice since leaving the hospital on 1 July.

Essebsi, a major player in the country's transition to democracy since 2011, was hospitalized late last month and spent a week in hospital after suffering a "severe health crisis".

More details will be provided shortly…

Header Image Credit: Africa News