Following the news of the death of Kofi Annan, leaders and activists from around the world have paid tribute to the life and legacy of the former secretary general of the UN.

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Leading the tributes was António Guterres, the incumbent secretary general of the organisation Annan was largely credited with revitalising.

Guterres praised his friend and mentor, describing Annan as “a proud son of Africa”.

He wrote: "Kofi Annan was a guiding force for good. It is with profound sadness that I learned of his passing. In many ways, Kofi Annan was the United Nations. He rose through the ranks to lead the organization into the new millennium with matchless dignity and determination. "Like so many, I was proud to call Kofi Annan a good friend and mentor. I was deeply honoured by his trust in selecting me to serve as UN High Commissioner for Refugees under his leadership. He remained someone I could always turn to for counsel and wisdom — and I know I was not alone. He provided people everywhere with a space for dialogue, a place for problem-solving and a path to a better world. In these turbulent and trying times, he never stopped working to give life to the values of the United Nations Charter. His legacy will remain a true inspiration for all of us. "My heartfelt condolences to Nane Annan, their beloved family, and all who mourn the loss of this proud son of Africa who became a global champion for peace and all humanity."
UN

He wrote: “Kofi Annan was a guiding force for good. It is with profound sadness that I learned of his passing. In many ways, Kofi Annan was the United Nations. He rose through the ranks to lead the organization into the new millennium with matchless dignity and determination.

“Like so many, I was proud to call Kofi Annan a good friend and mentor. I was deeply honoured by his trust in selecting me to serve as UN High Commissioner for Refugees under his leadership. He remained someone I could always turn to for counsel and wisdom — and I know I was not alone. He provided people everywhere with a space for dialogue, a place for problem-solving and a path to a better world. In these turbulent and trying times, he never stopped working to give life to the values of the United Nations Charter. His legacy will remain a true inspiration for all of us.

“My heartfelt condolences to Nane Annan, their beloved family, and all who mourn the loss of this proud son of Africa who became a global champion for peace and all humanity.”

Deputy secretary general of the UN Amina Mohammed paid tribute to Annan, describing him as her “inspiration”.

Ghana’s president Nana Akufo-Addo paid tribute to Annan on behalf of the West African country.

He wrote: “Consummate international diplomat and highly respected former Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan was the first from sub-Saharan Africa to occupy this exalted position.

“He brought considerable renown to our country by this position and through his conduct and comportment in the global arena. He was an ardent believer in the capacity of the Ghanaian to chart his or her own course onto the path of progress and prosperity.

“Undoubtedly, he excelled in the various undertakings of his life, leaving in his trail most pleasant memories. His was a life well-lived.”

Akufo-Addo announced that Ghana’s national flag will fly at half-mast across the country and in all of Ghana’s diplomatic missions across the world, from Monday, Aug. 20, for one week.

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Former Ghanaian president John Dramani Mahama also paid tribute.

South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his condolences, calling Annan “a great leader and diplomat extraordinaire” who had advanced the African agenda within the United Nations and had “flown the flag for peace” around the world.

Togolese president Faure E. Gnassingbe.

He wrote: “The death of the former secretary general of the UN Kofi Annan plunges us all into sadness.

This worthy son of Africa was a valiant representative of our continent.”

Barack Obama said Annan “embodied the mission of the United Nations like few others”.

The Office of Barack Obama

Other leaders have also taken to social media to send their condolences, including UK prime minister Theresa May.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Former British prime minister Tony Blair.

Tottenham MP David Lammy.

English business magnate and philanthropist Richard Branson has released a statement in which he highlights Annan’s work as an “Elder.”

Award-winning British Ghanaian screenwriter and director Amma Asante.

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