Kofi Annan's death a great loss to Africa
Described as a gentle statesmen, the death of Kofi Annan has reverberated through the continent.
Kofi Annan was a true gentleman, committed to the ideals of the United Nations and in particular, to the realisation of economic development for Africa.
These were the words of Ambassador Tuliameni Kalomoh, who worked under the late Annan as former UN assistant secretary-general, as well as his special representative for Liberia. He praised Annan for working tirelessly to craft the eight Millennium Development Goals.
“I feel a great sense of loss. I remember him as a kind person, very courteous and very generous towards his staff, but also very demanding of his staff,” Kalomoh related his memories of his former mentor.
“He was a friend, a statesman. Ghana has lost a citizen, Africa has lost a patriot and the world has lost humanitarian,” he said.
Annan, who became the seventh secretary-general of the UN died on Saturday morning at the age of 80.
His passing was announced in a statement issued by the Kofi Annan Foundation. According to the statement, his wife Nane and their children Ama, Kojo and Nina remained by his side during his last days.
He was in a hospital in Swizerland.
“Kofi Annan was a global statesman and a deeply committed internationalist who fought throughout his life for a fairer and more peaceful world. During his distinguished career and leadership of the United Nations he was an ardent champion of peace, sustainable development, human rights and the rule of law,” the statement read. Stunned by the news, SADC chair president Hage Geingob said the news of his passing comes as a great shock.
“The loss of Kofi Annan, an exemplary son of Ghana, leaves a huge void for the African continent and humanity at large which he has served as a courageous humanitarian with immeasurable passion and distinction,” Geingob said.
President of Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) McHenry Venaani said Annan will be remembered for revitalising the UN and putting human rights at the core of its mission. The chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat, also expressed his sorrow with the passing of Annan.
“Kofi Annan will remain a source of inspiration and encouragement. Through his numerous accomplishments, he has made Africa proud.”
JEMIMA BEUKES
These were the words of Ambassador Tuliameni Kalomoh, who worked under the late Annan as former UN assistant secretary-general, as well as his special representative for Liberia. He praised Annan for working tirelessly to craft the eight Millennium Development Goals.
“I feel a great sense of loss. I remember him as a kind person, very courteous and very generous towards his staff, but also very demanding of his staff,” Kalomoh related his memories of his former mentor.
“He was a friend, a statesman. Ghana has lost a citizen, Africa has lost a patriot and the world has lost humanitarian,” he said.
Annan, who became the seventh secretary-general of the UN died on Saturday morning at the age of 80.
His passing was announced in a statement issued by the Kofi Annan Foundation. According to the statement, his wife Nane and their children Ama, Kojo and Nina remained by his side during his last days.
He was in a hospital in Swizerland.
“Kofi Annan was a global statesman and a deeply committed internationalist who fought throughout his life for a fairer and more peaceful world. During his distinguished career and leadership of the United Nations he was an ardent champion of peace, sustainable development, human rights and the rule of law,” the statement read. Stunned by the news, SADC chair president Hage Geingob said the news of his passing comes as a great shock.
“The loss of Kofi Annan, an exemplary son of Ghana, leaves a huge void for the African continent and humanity at large which he has served as a courageous humanitarian with immeasurable passion and distinction,” Geingob said.
President of Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) McHenry Venaani said Annan will be remembered for revitalising the UN and putting human rights at the core of its mission. The chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat, also expressed his sorrow with the passing of Annan.
“Kofi Annan will remain a source of inspiration and encouragement. Through his numerous accomplishments, he has made Africa proud.”
JEMIMA BEUKES
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