Benjamin William Mkapa, the former President of Tanzania has dead at age 81 in a hospital in Dar es Salaam.
He was the country’s third president after independence from Britain in 1962 and ruled for two terms from 1995 to 2005.
President of Tanzania, John Magufuli in a short televised speech said Mkapa died in the early hours of Friday July 24 but did not disclose the cause of his death.
Magufuli said;
It is with great sadness we have lost Mzee (oldman) Benjamin William Mkapa, the former president who died at the hospital in Dar es Salaam where he was admitted. I call upon Tanzanians to receive sad news of his death and to pray for Mzee mkapa who is gone forever.
He called on all Tanzanians to remain calm, patient and united during this trying time.
Before becoming the president, Mkapa served at different capacities as a journalist, administrative officer, as minister for science, technology and higher education.
He also served as the minister of foreign affairs from 1977 to 1980 and again from 1984 to 1990.
Mkapa was elected president in 1995 based on a popular anti-corruption campaign and the strong support of the founding President Julius Nyerere.
His presidency was marked by economic reform, such as the privatisation of state enterprises and liberalisation of the economy.
He also secured $3 billion (2,5 billion euro) in debt relief for the country, and economic growth soared during his tenure while inflation dropped.
Tanzania will hold a period of seven days of mourning, during which the national flag will be flown at half mast.
May his soul Rest In Peace.
