JOHANNESBURG, August (ANA) - Former United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan was an internationalist, ethical servant-leader, model of black excellence, and a diplomat extraordinaire whose life and work influenced multilateral institutions and impacted world affairs, the South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) said on Sunday.
“His contribution as an advocate of human rights, the rule of law, the Millennium Development Goals, and Africa as the first black UN secretary general helped to debunk the myth that the continent cannot produce capable leaders who are able to rise above narrow sectarian interests to create a peaceful world order,” Sanco national spokesman Jabu Mahlangu said in a statement.
Annan led the UN at a difficult time when multilateralism was under attack and extremism was on the rise, but managed to strengthen peacekeeping and revitalise the institution to make the international system more effective to resolve global conflicts and fight terrorism. He would be remembered for bringing the UN closer to the global public by forging ties with civil society, the private sector, and other partners, he said.
“As we mourn his departure, the African Union (AU), as well as all African states and parliaments, must consider flying flags at half-mast, including how best to celebrate his industrious life, valued contribution, and service to humanity,” Mahlangu said.
The Ghanaian diplomat, who died at the age of 80 after a short illness in the early hours of Saturday morning, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and served as UN secretary-general from January 1997 to December 2006.
- African News Agency (ANA)
