Former Tanzanian leader Mkapa passes away
He was born on November 12, 1938, and became the third president of Tanzania
Tanzania's former President Benjamin Mkapa has died aged 81, President John Magufuli has announced.
Magufuli in the early hours of Friday revealed that Mkapa passed away at the Dar es Salaam Hospital.
"Mzee Benjamin William Mkapa the third President of Tanzania has died at a 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" announced Magufuli in a televised statement.
He was born on November 12, 1938, Mkapa became the third president of Tanzania from 1995 to 2005 after succeeding Ali Hassan Mwinyi. He handed over to Jakaya Kikwete.
He also served as the chairman of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), the dominant ruling party in Tanzania and the second longest-ruling party in Africa.