Kofi Annan’s statement on the passing of Nelson Mandela

“The world has lost a visionary leader, a courageous voice for justice, and a clear moral compass. By showing us that the path to freedom and human dignity lies in love, wisdom and compassion for one another, Nelson Mandela stands as an inspiration to us all.

I shall never forget his expansive smile and gentle demeanour, nor his steely determination and wonderful sense of humour. I have lost a dear friend. While I mourn the loss of one of Africa’s most distinguished leaders, Madiba’s legacy beckons us to follow his example to strive for human rights, reconciliation and justice for all.”

Nelson Mandela, Kofi Annan and The Elders

Besides chairing the Kofi Annan Foundation and the Africa Progress Panel, Kofi Annan is chair of The Elders, a group Nelson Mandela founded on his 89th birthday, 18 July 2007. At the group’s launch, Nelson Mandela called on The Elders to act as “a fiercely independent and robust force for good, tackling complex and intractable issues – especially those that are not popular.”

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