The late Former Tanzanian President, Benjamin William Mkapa’s death was due to cardiac arrest -his family has confirmed today.
The former President died on the night of Thursday, 23th 2020 at the age of 81 in a hospital in the country’s commercial capital Dar es Salaam where he was admitted receiving treatment. The news of his death was confirmed by President John Magufuli via a live televised broadcast.
The president also declared a seven-day mourning period, during which all flags will be flown at half-staff.
The cause of Mkapa’s death was however not immediately released sparking speculation that he could have succumbed to covid-19. Magufuli only said more information will be released, but Mkapa was no more.
According to Tanzanian media, Mkapa’s body will lie in state at the Uhuru Stadium for 3 days from today for people to pay respects before he is taken to his final resting place.
Police have warned against any unlawful assembly in the period of mourning the former President.
During his term in office, Mkapa privatized state-owned corporations and instituted free-market policies which won the support of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund and resulted in the cancellation of some of Tanzania’s foreign debt.
He also chaired various peace resolution meetings and lead the East Africa Community dialogue committee that sought to find a solution to the political instability in Burundi.