African Leaders Pay Tribute to Deceased Former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa

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Obiajulu Joel Nwolu

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African leaders have sent condolence messages to the family of Mkapa and the Government of Tanzania on the death of its former President, Benjamin Mkapa.

President of Tanzania, John Magufuli had early on Friday announced the passing of the former President. Mkapa died on Thursday in a Dar es Salaam hospital where he was undergoing treatment for an ailment,

Magufuli said in a televised broadcast, “Benjamin William Mkapa, the third president of Tanzania, has died… I urge Tanzanians to receive the news. We have been hit by a great tragedy. Let us continue praying for our leader, the former President Benjamin William Mkapa.”

Mpaka, 81 was president of Tanzania from 1995 to 2005 before passing on power to Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete.

Mkapa took part in different peace missions across Africa upon retirement, among which was the reconciliation team that helped broker peace during the Kenyan post-election crisis in 2008.

Upon the announcement of death, various African leaders have sent condolence messages to Tanzanians for their loss.

Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Kenya sent a tribute through his social media handle sayin: “President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent a message of condolence to President John Joseph Pombe Magufuli, the People of the United Republic of Tanzania and the family of Former President Benjamin Mkapa who passed away earlier today. 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.”

Namibia’s President Hage Geingob also took to social media to convey his condolences: “Following the passing of the former President of Tanzania, H.E Benjamin Mkapa, a brilliant son of Africa and Tanzania, I join the international community in extending my most sincere condolences to President John Magufuli and the people of Tanzania.”

Former Prime Minister of Kenya Raila Odinga said: “I mourn former President Benjamin Mkapa, a great friend of the Kenyan people, a pan-Africanist, a true believer in South-South Cooperation and a global statesman.”

Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the African Union Commission also expressed grief through social media: “It is with deep sadness that I learnt of the passing of Mzee Benjamin Mkapa, former President of Tanzania. A statesman particularly remembered as an indefatigable peacemaker in the East African region. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, the people and govt of Tanzania.”

Source: CGTN Africa