Statement of the AU Chairperson of the Commission following the death of former UN SG Kofi Annan

Addis Ababa, 18 August 2018: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has learned with sadness of the death of Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations. He offers the African Union’s condolences and his own to Mr. Annan’s family, the people and Government of Ghana and to his colleagues in the United Nations system.

The Chairperson notes that both during his time as Secretary-General and thereafter, within the framework of his Foundation and the Elders, Kofi Annan made a tremendous contribution to the quest for durable peace and sustainable development in the world. He pioneered some of the most ground breaking United Nations policies, including on  the Millennium Development Goals and the Responsibility to Protect. He advocated tirelessly for the values of peace, human rights, tolerance and solidarity among all nations and peoples.

The Chairperson further notes that Kofi Annan actively promoted the partnership between the African Union and the United Nations. He spearheaded, together with then African Union Commission Chairperson Alpha Oumar Konare, the Ten-Year Capacity Building Programme for the African Union, the establishment of the Hybrid Operation in Darfur – a unique model of cooperation in peacekeeping between the African Union and the United Nations, and a number of other key initiatives.

The Chairperson pays tribute to Kofi Annan for his immense contribution to the advancement of peace and development. His dedication to humanity, diplomacy and humility will forever be a shining example of what leadership should be.

As the continent pursues ever resolutely its goal of achieving “The Africa We Want”, Kofi Annan will remain a source of inspiration and encouragement. Through his numerous accomplishments, he has made Africa proud.

May His Soul Rest In Peace!