Brussels, 30 July 2020/OACPS: On behalf of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), the Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, conveys his deepest condolences to His Excellency, the President, Mr. John Magufuli, the family of the late President and the Government and people of the United Republic of Tanzania on the death of the former president of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Mr. Benjamin William Mkapa on 24 July 2020.

The Secretary-General pays tribute to a dedicated Pan-Africanist who will be remembered as a distinguished statesman and tireless knight of peace, who defended the ideals of democracy by mediating in various armed conflicts and political disputes in several African countries.

The Secretary-General expresses his deepest appreciation to the late President Mkapa, for his support in advancing the objectives and principles of the OACPS. This, in particular, was demonstrated in his role as facilitator of the Inter-Burundian Dialogue, a key process within the context of the OACPS-EU political dialogue.

The Secretary-General, in honoring President Mkapa’s legacy of contributing to security and development on the African continent, reaffirms the OACPS’ commitment to effectively continue his legacy to advance the ideals of democracy, inclusion, justice, and peace, within its membership.