Tanzania loses ex-president Benjamin Mkapa

Tanzania’s former president Benjamin Mkapa has died at the age of 81.

President John Magufuli announced the death in the early hours of Friday.

“With great sadness I am announcing the death of former President Benjamin William Mkapa, who died in a hospital in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam where he was receiving treatment,” Magufuli said.

His statement was broadcast by the state-run Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation.

Magufuli appealed to Tanzanians to remain calm following the death of their beloved leader.

In another statement, he announced a seven-day national mourning for Mkapa.

“During the mourning period, all flags will fly at half mast,” he said in the statement.

Born on Nov. 12, 1938, Mkapa was Tanzania’s third president and served two five-year terms from 1995 to 2005, when he was succeeded by President Jakaya Kikwete.