Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan died on Saturday. He was 80 years old.
World leaders condoled the death of the former diplomat.
Kofi Annan was a member of The Elders, an independent group of global leaders working for peace and human rights. He later became its Chairman.
An official statement by the Kofi Annan Foundation was shared on Mr. Annan’s Twitter handle: “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.”
Here are the updates:
Annan was a proud son of Africa, says Shashi Tharoor
“Deeply shocked to learn of the passing of my friend & mentor Kofi Annan. The last time we spoke he had accepted my invitation to come to Kerala in 2022 to celebrate his "thousand moons". He was so fit I had no doubt he would go on well past that date. I have lost an elder brother,” tweeted Congress leader and former Undersecretary-General Shashi Tharoor.
“Kofi Annan was a proud son of Africa, a great admirer of India, a voice of the developing world, a paragon of internationalism & an exemplar of humanity. The UN was fortunate to have been led by him at a pivotal moment in world history. He remains one of its greatest Secretaries-General,” he said.
Statement by UN Secretary-General António Guterres
Kofi Annan was a guiding force for good. It is with profound sadness that I learned of his passing. In many ways, Kofi Annan was the United Nations. He rose through the ranks to lead the organization into the new millennium with matchless dignity and determination.
Like so many, I was proud to call Kofi Annan a good friend and mentor. I was deeply honoured by his trust in selecting me to serve as UN High Commissioner for Refugees under his leadership. He remained someone I couldalways turn to for counsel and wisdom — and I know I was not alone. He provided people everywhere with a space for dialogue, a place for problem-solving and a path to a better world. In these turbulent and trying times, he never stopped working to give life to the values of the United Nations Charter. His legacy will remain a true inspiration for all us.
My heartfelt condolences to Nane Annan, their beloved family, and all who mourn the loss of this proud son of Africa who became a global champion for peace and all humanity.
'The Elders' saddened
The Elders, an independent group of global leaders working for peace and human rights, say they are “shocked and deeply saddened” by the death of their colleague and chair Kofi Annan at age 80 after a short illness.
In a statement, The Elders call the former U.N. secretary-general and Nobel Peace Prize winner “a voice of great authority and wisdom in public and private.”
The organisation says Annan’s most recent work was in visits to South Africa and Zimbabwe, where the country was preparing for a historic presidential election.
“His quiet advice on how best to defuse impending crises was in constant demand from all corners of the globe, in particular from Africa,” says deputy chair Gro Harlem Brundtland.
Indian Ministers tweet
Rashtrapati Bhavan tweeted on behalf of the President Ram Nath Kovind, "Sorry to learn of the passing of former Secretary General of the United Nations Kofi Annan. My condolences to his family and to the UN community."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, "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.
Mr. Kofi Annan’s significant contribution to the MDGs will always be remembered. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief. May his soul rest in peace."
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted, "Today we mourn the passing away of Kofi Annan. He was an able diplomat who served as UN Secretary-General. His contribution to peace won him the Nobel Prize in 2001. My heartfelt condolences to his family and his admirers around the world."
Science & Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan tweeted, "Grieved at the passing away of #KofiAnnan, former @UN #SecretaryGeneral. Annan’s contribution to eradicate poverty and child mortality would always be remembered; for the first time, he brought it on the agenda of United Nation’s #MillenniumDevelopmentGoals."
Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje tweeted: "Condole the demise of Nobel laureate and Former Secretary-General of the UN. His vision and thoughts on democracy will be a guiding force for times to come."
Punjab Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh tweeted, "Condole the demise of Nobel laureate and Former Secretary-General of the @UN. His vision and thoughts on democracy will be a guiding force for times to come."
Indian National Congress condoles death
"We're extremely saddened by the demise of Kofi Annan, an exemplary humanitarian, a nobel laureate & a champion of peace around the world. The world will miss his presence, our thoughts & prayers are with his family."
'Kofi Annan never stopped fighting for justice'
Kumi Naidoo, Secretary General of Amnesty International, tweeted,"Kofi Annan never stopped fighting for justice, peace & dignity for all, knowing this struggle is a marathon not a sprint. He was warm, compassionate & intelligent, exuding dignity & grace. So privileged to have worked with him to tackle climate change, poverty & gender equality."
Former Secretary General of Amnesty International Salil Shetty tweeted, "At a time when there are very few leaders of global stature and integrity, Kofi’s death is a huge loss to #Africa and the world. And as a friend and mentor to me personally, he is simply irreplaceable."
"Thanks to his work for a more peaceful world"
The official Twitter feed of the Nobel Prize tweeted, "Peace Laureate and former @UN secretary general @KofiAnnan has sadly passed away. Annan was awarded the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize thanks to his work for a better organised and more peaceful world."
Nobel Peace Prize Center, Oslo tweeted: "2001 Nobel Peace Prize laureate @KofiAnnan, the seventh Secretary-General of the @UN has passed away. We send our deepest condolences to his family."
Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi tweeted: "Shocked by passing away of fellow Nobel laureate& good friend @KofiAnnan. World has lost one of the tallest statesmen, true internationalist & great human being. I was privileged to meet him several times, discuss & be inspired. Recently drove together in London&met in WEF. My tribute!"
"World has lost a great leader"
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Theresa May tweeted: "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."
Former Australia Prime Minister Kevin Rudd tweeted, "The world has lost a great leader today. Kofi initiated the Millenium Development Goals. He did everything possible to prevent the Iraq War. He spoke for our common humanity. I will miss him too as a dear friend, colleague and source of encouragement."
Actor George Takei tweeted, "Former U.N. Secretary and Nobel Peace Prize winner Kofi Annan has passed at age 80. The world needs visionaries of peace more than ever, and his life is an example of the possible. Thank you for your service to us all, sir. Rest now, in peace."