There has been an outpouring of condolences from global leaders and well wishers following the death of former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan.
The Ghanaian born diplomat died in sleep at the hospital according family sources on Saturday in Berne, Switzerland. He died after a short illness at the age of 80.
Mr. Annan served two terms as UN Secretary General from 1997 to 2006. He was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work.
He also served as the UN special envoy for Syria, leading efforts to find a solution to the conflict.
Mr. Annan also played key roles on the African continent helping to resolve political conflicts in countries such as Zimbabwe.
Made an impact
In a statement his Foundation, said “Wherever there was suffering or need, he reached out and touched many people with his deep compassion and empathy.”
It is with immense sadness that the Annan family and the Kofi Annan Foundation announce that Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations and Nobel Peace Laureate, passed away peacefully on Saturday 18th August after a short illness… pic.twitter.com/42nGOxmcPZ
— Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) August 18, 2018
Mr. Annan himself described his greatest achievement as the developing of the Millennium Development Goals. The goals set global targets on issues such as poverty and child mortality.
There have been reactions all over the world to his passing.
Ghana mourns beloved son
Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo Addo said in a statement that Mr. Annan “brought considerable renown to our country by this position and through his conduct and comportment in the global arena.
He was an ardent believer in the capacity of the Ghanaian to chart his or her own course onto the path of progress and prosperity.”
I have directed that, in his honour, Ghana’s national flag will fly at half-mast across the country and in all of Ghana’s diplomatic missions across the world, from Monday, 20th August, 2018, for one week.
Rest in perfect peace, Kofi. You have earned it. God bless. 7/7
— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) August 18, 2018
The current UN Chief Antonio Guterres said Mr. Annan “was a guiding force for good. I join the world in mourning his loss. In these turbulent and trying times, his legacy as a global champion for peace will remain a true inspiration for us all.”
Kofi Annan was a guiding force for good. I join the world in mourning his loss. In these turbulent and trying times, his legacy as a global champion for peace will remain a true inspiration for us all. https://t.co/psJ9viPIeu pic.twitter.com/SKfBk5zaY2
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) August 18, 2018
Global reactions
There have been other reactions across social media to Mr. Annan’s death.
Sad to hear of the death of Kofi Annan. A great leader and reformer of the UN, he made a huge contribution to making the world he has left a better place than the one he was born into. My thoughts and condolences are with his family. pic.twitter.com/P0SWagShJM
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) August 18, 2018
My heartfelt condolences to the family of Kofi Annan. An invaluable proponent of world peace, justice, and equality. Humanity has lost a great champion of peace.
— Aliko Dangote (@AlikoDangote) August 18, 2018
We express our profound sorrow at the passing away of Nobel Laureate and former UNSG Mr. Kofi Annan. The world has lost not only a great African diplomat and humanitarian but also a conscience keeper of international peace and security.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 18, 2018
Kofi Annan didn’t just talk about building a more just and peaceful world, he dedicated his life to doing it – and the world is a better place because of him. It’s now up to all of us to carry his work forward.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) August 18, 2018
I’ll always remember Kofi Annan, whatever his other faults, for using the word ‘illegal’ to call out both the Iraq invasion and the Israeli occupation. Brave and much-needed on both occasions.#RIP
— Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan) August 18, 2018
“Laura and I send our sympathies to Nane and the Annan family on the passing of Kofi Annan. Kofi was a gentle man and a tireless leader of the United Nations. His voice of experience will be missed around the world.” –President George W. Bush
— George W. Bush Presidential Center (@TheBushCenter) August 18, 2018
Kofi Annan set an example of reconciliation, leadership, integrity and service, underpinned by deep Christian faith. We remember him in prayers of great gratitude.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) August 18, 2018
Source: Africafeeds.com
