But from the time Mkapa became President in 1995, he was one of only a handful who were widely respected both at home and globally. As the New York Times reported, “tributes to Mr Mkapa poured in from across the world on Friday,” an indication of his international standing. There was a surreal coincidence in the Annan mediation that followed shortly: I knew all three members of the negotiating team, Kofi Annan, Graca Machel and Ben Mkapa well! It was ironic that both Mkapa and President Kikwete played significant roles in helping the Annan mediation succeed in 2008, which Mkapa wrote about in a book. Ben Mkapa was not stain free – no leader is.

Source: Daily Nation July 26, 2020 06:56 UTC