Leaders and members of the public across Africa and the world at large have been paying tribute since Benjamin Mkapa’s death was announced earlier this morning by Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli.
In a post on Twitter, President Magufuli said he was saddened by the death of Mzee Benjamin Mkapa.
“I am saddened by the death of our Elder Benjamin Mkapa (Retired President of Phase 3),” President Magufuli posted on twitter.
“I will remember him for his great love for the Nation, his faith, hard work and performance in building the economy,” he said, adding that “Certainly the Nation has lost a strong pillar.
Nimesikitishwa na kifo cha Mzee wetu Benjamin Mkapa (Rais Mstaafu wa Awamu ya 3). Nitamkumbuka kwa mapenzi yake makubwa kwa Taifa, ucha Mungu, uchapakazi na utendaji wake katika kujenga uchumi. Hakika Taifa limepoteza nguzo imara. Mungu aiweke roho yake mahali pema peponi, Amina.
— Dr John Magufuli (@MagufuliJP) July 23, 2020
Born in 1938, Mzee Benjamin William Mkapa died in the early hours of Friday, July 24 at a Dar eS Salaam Hospital where he had been admitted, President Magufuli said in an earlier televised address on Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC).
“I call on all Tanzanians to receive the news of his death and pray for Mzee Mkapa,” Dr Magufuli said, adding that more information will be released.
In his message of comfort to Tanzanian 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, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta mourned the departed Tanzanian leader as an outstanding East African who worked tirelessly for the integration, peace and progress of the region.
2/3 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.
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) July 24, 2020
On his part, Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye said he was deeply saddened by the demise of HE Benjamin William Mkapa.
I am deeply saddened by the demise of HE Benjamin William Mkapa, former President of the United Republic of #Tanzania. May God give the strength to his family, to HE @MagufuliJP, to all the Tanzanian & African People to bear this great loss.
— Gen. Maj. Evariste Ndayishimiye (@GeneralNeva) July 24, 2020
Also Read: Tanzania’s former president Benjamin Mkapa dies, presidency says
Among others who have since paid tributes are Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat, and African leaders across the political spectrum.
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. pic.twitter.com/go4DC20qhM
— Moussa Faki Mahamat (@AUC_MoussaFaki) July 23, 2020
Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda where Benjamin Mkapa attained his first degree in English said they had received the “news of the demise of former President of Tanzania H.E. Benjamin Mkapa with deep sorrow.”
We received the news of the demise of former President of Tanzania H.E. Benjamin Mkapa with deep sorrow. We send condolences to the family, government and people of Tanzania on the loss of one of our prominent alumni (1962) and a 2009 awardee of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws. pic.twitter.com/NG55fYXqjM
— Makerere University (@MakerereU) July 24, 2020
ODM Leader Raila Odinga said that in Mkapa’s death, Africa has lost a giant. He revealed that Kenyans “retain fond memories of his mediation efforts alongside Dr Koffi Annan and Graca Machel that helped the country return to peace after the 2007-2008 election violence.”
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family, President John Pombe Magufuli and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania,” he posted on Twitter.
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. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/OTP3Wm9NAB
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) July 24, 2020
It's a sad day for Tanzania, East Africa and the world at large with the passing on of former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa.
Kenyans will remember President Mkapa for the important role he played alongside other eminent African leaders in helping us find a peaceful and… pic.twitter.com/LXB6vWiiCm
— Governor Hassan Joho (@HassanAliJoho) July 24, 2020
I join world leaders in mourning the passing on of respected rtd Tanzanian Pr Benjamin Mkapa. He was part of the Eminent African leaders that helped Kenya emerge from the brink of civil war following 2007 election dispute. May his soul RIP.
— Sen.Moses Wetang'ula (@Wetangulam) July 24, 2020
Kenyans won't forget this man, Benjamin Mkapa whom, together with Kofi Annan, came to our rescue when Kenya was on the brink of a civil war. Everyone will always remember the 41 days of meditation, where he played a key role in saving this nation. We've lost a hero#RIPMzeeMkapa pic.twitter.com/if7Dm8BKnB
— Dennis Shark™ ???? (@Shark_Kenya) July 24, 2020
Ugandan Opposition Leader Kiiza Besigye said Mkapa leaves a great legacy of public service with integrity.
Former Tanzania President Benjamin Mkapa passes on:
Heartfelt condolences to the family, President @MagufuliJP & Govt of Tanzania, the people of Tanzania & all the people of East Africa Community.
President Mkapa leaves a great legacy of public service with integrity. @jumuiya pic.twitter.com/oW3E9JC8WV
— Kifefe Kizza-Besigye (@kizzabesigye1) July 24, 2020
Deepest condolences to the people of Tanzania & East Africa on losing this noble statesman. President Benjamin Mkapa served his nation diligently & retired peacefully. He cherished democracy. We salute him for his contribution towards the integration of East Africa. Rest well pic.twitter.com/I6kf1x2wLm
— BOBI WINE (@HEBobiwine) July 24, 2020
It is with great sadness that I learnt of the passing of H.E. Benjamin Mkapa, former president of Tanzania.@TheAllianceUG joins with all Ugandans in sending our heartfelt condolences to the family, the government and all Tanzanians for this great loss.
May God see you through.— Mugisha Muntu (@mugishamuntu) July 23, 2020
Very sad to hear of the passing of our elder, Mzee Benjamin Mkapa.We celebrate his outstanding public spiritedness, his peace mediation efforts in the East African region (particularly Kenya and Burundi) and his efforts to integrate East Africa.May his soul rest in eternal peace. pic.twitter.com/ejfXhDaULA
— Muhoozi Kainerugaba (@mkainerugaba) July 24, 2020
I’ve learnt with sadness that #Tanzania former President Benjamin Mkapa has passed away. A tireless champion for peace and an #AIDS free Africa, @UNAIDS pays tribute to President #Mkapa for his leadership.
Matumaini yangu, watu wa Tanzania na Africa. pic.twitter.com/APBq13XpMC
— Winnie Byanyima (@Winnie_Byanyima) July 24, 2020
