Former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa, who served from 1995 to 2005, has died.

He died at a hospital in the country's commercial hub, Dar es Salaam, while receiving treatment. He was 81 years old.

It is not clear what the former president died from.

The announcement was made by President John Pombe Magufuli who also declared seven days of mourning. All flags will be flown at half-mast during the period.

Mr Mkapa was the third president of Tanzania.