Tanzania's former President Benjamin Mkapa dies

Tanzanias former President Benjamin Mkapa, who served from 1995 to 2005, died in the early hours of Friday, President John Pombe Magufuli said in a statement. Mkapa, Tanzanias third president who led several regional peace mediation efforts in office and afterwards, died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Dar es Salaam, Magufuli said, without giving more details. I will remember him for his great love for the nation, his piety, hard work and performance in building the economy, Magfuli said. The president declared a seven-day mourning period, during which all flags will be flown at half-mast. Magufuli asks all Tanzanians to remain calm, patient and united during this difficult time, a statement from his office said. Mkapa, 81, also served as an ambassador, minister and key official of the ruling CCM party, Magufuli said.

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Tanzania's former President Benjamin Mkapa dies