Annan was the first black African to take up the role of the world’s top diplomat, serving from 1997 to 2006.
Former United Nations secretary-general and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kofi Annan has died at the age of 80 on Saturday (August 18).
He “passed away peacefully on Saturday after a short illness”, the Kofi Annan Foundation said on Saturday.
In a statement posted on Twitter, the Kofi Annan Foundation and Mr Annan’s family announced that the Nobel Laureate passed away after a short illness.
“His wife Nane and their children Ama, Kojo and Nina were by his side during his last days,” read the statement.
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… pic.twitter.com/42nGOxmcPZ
— Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) August 18, 2018
Annan was the first black African to take up the role of the world’s top diplomat, serving from 1997 to 2006.
He later served as the UN special envoy for Syria, leading efforts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.
In a statement announcing his death, the Kofi Annan Foundation described him as a “global statesman and deeply committed internationalist who fought throughout his life for a fairer and more peaceful world”.
“Wherever there was suffering or need, he reached out and touched many people with his deep compassion and empathy. He selflessly placed others first, radiating genuine kindness, warmth and brilliance in all he did.” — Agencies
