Tanzania’s former President, Benjamin Mkapa, is dead. This was confirmed on Friday, by President John Magufuli in a national broadcast.
He disclosed the 81-year-old ex-president died in a Dar Es Salaam hospital where he was receiving treatment.
Magufuli declared 7-day-long mourning across the East African state with their flag flown at half-mast.
He called on Tanzania nationals to pray for the recompense of his soul.
Mkapa was president of the East African nation from 1995 to 2005 when he handed power to Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete.
The 81-year-old deceased was born on November 12, 1938.
He was the third president Tanzania had. During his regime, he chaired regional peace mediation efforts, and even after he left office.
The former President is remarkable for his part in the ending of Kenya’s post-election violence, following the disputed 13 years ago election (December 27, 2007).
One of the many things he would be remembered for is his role in the mediation of the Burundi government and opposition, four years ago (2016). He put an end to a political crisis that dragged on for a very long time.
He was married to Anna Mkapa and had three children.