It is with great sadness that we have learned today of the loss former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, one of the great African diplomats of our time.
The Nobel Peace Laureate and global statesman will be remembered for the decades of his life he committed to the UN, and for furthering the cause of peace throughout the world. As the first Secretary General from Sub-Saharan Africa, he brought a special commitment to the continent into the UN and worked tirelessly to bring stability to its nations.
As Chair of The Elders and close friend of Tata Nelson Mandela, he continued to promote the principles of justice, tolerance and friendship to all after stepping down from the UN.
His absence will be keenly felt, and we offer our deepest condolences to his wife and family. He will be sorely missed and greatly celebrated.