President Paul Kagame on Saturday, July 25, ordered three-day national mourning in solidarity with the government and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania after the demise of President Benjamin William Mkapa. During this period, says a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, both the National Flag and the flag of East African Community will be lowered at half-mast. The mourning will begin on Monday, July 27, through Wednesday. We remain in solidarity with the people and government of the United Republic of Tanzania as well as the family of late President Mkapa, the statement adds. Mkapa who served as President of Tanzania from 1995 to 2005, died in the early hours of Friday while receiving treatment at a hospital in Dar es Salaam. After the demise, Kagame and other leaders paid tribute to Mkapa who was a renowned Pan-Africanist. On his Twitter handle, Kagame noted that Mkapa’s death will be felt throughout the continent. He said: “We are saddened by the passing of former President Mkapa. My deepest condolences to his family, the people of Tanzania, and my friend President John Pombe Magufuli.” “The loss of our brother Mkapa is one that will be felt throughout the continent. He was a great Pan-Africanist whose contribution went well beyond Tanzania,” Kagame added. While in office and after his term as President, Mkapa led several regional peace mediation efforts across the region.
