Tanzania’s former president Benjamin Mkapa, the East African country’s third Head of State, has passed away. Current President John Magufuli made the announcement in a televised broadcast from Chamwino State House.
Mkapa was known to be a regional peacemaker led Tanzania for 10 years between 1995 and 2005. He died at age 81 in a Dar es Salaam hospital. In his brief address, President Magufuli has referred to Mkapa’s death as a great loss to Tanzania.
‘’I am saddened by the death of Benjamin Mkapa, the third President of Tanzania, I will remember him for his dedication to the nation and the growth of the economy,’’ Magufuli said. The president declared a seven-day mourning period with flags flying at half-mast.