Tanzania’s former president, Benjamin William Mkapa, aged 81, has died. Incumbent president, John Pombe Magufuli announced the news of his death via a national broadcast.

“I’m saddened by the death of the third president of Tanzania and that is a big loss for us as a country. Let’s pray for him and more information will follow later,”

“I call on all Tanzanians to receive the news of his death and to pray for Mzee Mkapa. More information will be released but Mzee Mkapa is no more,” President Magufuli said.

Mr Mkapa led Tanzania from 1995 to 2005 before handing over to Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete.

Mkapa had most recently attempted to mediate between Burundi’s government and opposition groups after a disputed 2015 election plunged the country into crisis. The government however repeatedly refused to take part and the talks became efforts in futility.