Tanzania’s Ex-President Benjamin Mkapa Dies At 81

– Tanzania’s ex-president Benjamin Mkapa dies at 81

– Presidency announces a seven-days mourning

Former Tanzanian president, Benjamin Mkapa is dead.

The incumbent president, John Magufuli announced this in a statement on Friday, July 24, 2020.

President John Magufuli said, “Mkapa, 81, died in hospital in the city of Dar es Salaam, where he was being treated for an illness.”

Also reacting to the death, African Union Commission Chair, Moussa Mahamat tweeted, saying Mkapa was “a statesman particularly remembered as an indefatigable peacemaker in the East African region.”

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Mkapa was elected president in 1995 and was known for instituting economic reforms and promoting stability during his ten years at the helm.

And as a result, Tanzania is among a few countries on the continent with an expansive road network.

Over the years, he was appointed mediator in several peace talks in various countries such as Burundi, Kenya, and Zimbabwe.

President John Magufuli announced a mourning period of seven days.