Dar es Salaam. Tanzania's former President Benjamin William Mkapa, 81, has died, President John Magufuli has announced.
While relaying the news on Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC) July 24, President Magufuli said Mr Mkapa died at Dar es Salaam Hospital where he was admitted.
“I call on all Tanzanians to receive the news of his death and to pray for Mzee Mkapa. More information will be released but Mzee Mkapa is no more,” he said in brief television statement.
He also declared a seven-day mourning period. During this time, all flags in the country will be flown at half-mast.
He was born on November 12, 1938.
The former president is known for leading several peace mediation efforts in the region, including taking part in Kenya's post-election conciliation exercise in 2008.
He was part of the Panel of Eminent African Personalities, led by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, which ended the post-election violence after the highly disputed December 27, 2007 elections.
Mr Mkapa later penned a book where he revealed that locking out Mr William Ruto (now Deputy President) and Ms Martha Karua from the post-elections violence mediation team in 2008 helped secure a power-sharing agreement between former President Mwai Kibaki and Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga.
Former Attorney Genral Amos Wako (left) assists former President Mwai Kibaki as he and ODM Leader Raila Odinga sign the power-sharing pact. Looking on are former Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, Chief Mediator Kofi Annan and former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
President Mwai Kibaki with ODM leader Raila Odinga during a press conference at Harambee House, Nairobi in 2008. Looking on from left is Graca Machel, Kofi Annan and former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa (right) welcomes his Kenyan counterpart Daniel arap Moi on his arrival in Arusha on November 29, 1999. PHOTO | FILE | AFP
President Uhuru Kenyatta has described the late Tanzanian leader as a man who worked tirelessly to ensure peace and integration in the region.
"In his message of comfort, the President mourned the departed Tanzanian leader as an outstanding East African who worked tirelessly for the integration, peace and progress of the region," a statement issued from State House said.
President Uhuru Kenyatta with Former President of Tanzania Benjamin Mkapa when he called on him at State House, Nairobi in 2016. PHOTO | FILE | PSCU
"Mkapa’s is a perfect portrait of public spiritedness replete with valuable lessons for those who
"In his retirement, Benjamin Mkapa, at some point or other, mediated peace talks in Kenya, the DRC Congo, Zimbabwe, South Sudan and Burundi. Mkapa most certainly played his role in making a Africa better place. May he rest in eternal peace," he added.
Former President Mwai Kibaki receives former Presidents Olesegun Obasanjo of Nigeria (centre) and Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania (left) who called on him at his Harambee House office, Nairobi to appraise him on the situation in Eastern DR Congo back in January 2010. PHOTO | FILE | PPS
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga described as a "a great friend of the Kenyan people, a pan-Africanist, a true believer in South-South Cooperation."
He said Kenyans will have fond memories of his efforts to bring peace to the country after the 2007-2008 election violence.
Raila reveals how Kofi Annan brokered a deal between him and Kibaki
