The passing of former United Nations Secretary – General and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Kofi Annan has seen another great leader in African history fall. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a statement on Saturday morning saying he mourns the death of Kofi Annan.
According the statement, Ramaphosa was attending the 38 Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community when he got the news and expressed that Annan’s death was a great shock and loss the global community.
Ramaphosa has described Kofi Annan as “a great leader and diplomat extraordinaire, who had advanced the African agenda with the UN and flown the flag for peace around the world.”
According to the Kofi Annan Foundation, the great leader died at the age of 80 from a short illness, his wife Nane and their children Ama, Kojo and Nina were by his side during his last days.
The foundations described him as a “global statesman and deeply committed internationalist who fought throughout his life for a fairer and more peaceful world.
“Wherever there was suffering or need, he reached out and touched many people with his compassion and empathy. He selflessly placed others first, radiating genuine kindness, warmth and brilliance in all he did.”
The foundation went on to say that his family requested privacy as they mourn his death.
