Tanzania’s newly sworn-in President Samia Suluhu Hassan has spoken of the “heavy load” on her shoulders as she takes over as the country’s first female president.

Ms Hassan used her inaugural speech to urge for the “burying of differences” and repeatedly gave assurances of stability.

The president said it was no longer time “to point fingers” and called for unity during the mourning period.

Addressing a packed hall at State House in Dar es Salaam, the new president said she had been sufficiently prepared for the role by her predecessor John Magufuli who died on Wednesday of a “heart condition”.

Samia Suluhu Hassan had served as vice-president under Mr Magufuli from 2015 until his death.

She described her predecessor as a patriot who had been committed to transforming Tanzania.

Mr Magufuli had not been seen in public for more than two weeks, and rumours had been circulating about his health – with some opposition politicians saying he had contracted coronavirus.

Loved by his supporters for his no-nonsense approach, he was also a controversial leader, especially over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.