Former UN chief and Nobel peace laureate Kofi Annan died Saturday at the age of 80, triggering a flood of tributes from around the world for the "diplomatic rock star", reports i24News.
The Ghanaian national was a career diplomat who projected quiet charisma and was widely credited for raising the world body's profile in global politics during his two terms as head of the UN from 1997 to 2006.
The first secretary general from sub-Saharan Africa, Annan led the United Nations through the divisive years of the Iraq war and was later accused of corruption in the oil-for-food scandal, one of the most trying times of his tenure.
"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," the foundation said in a statement.
"His wife Nane and their children Ama, Kojo and Nina were by his side during his last days."
Annan, who lived not far from the UN European headquarters in Geneva, died in hospital in the German-speaking part of the country, Swiss news agency ATS reported.
There was an outpouring of condolences from current and former leaders around the world on Saturday for the former UN Secretary General and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Here are some of the tributes:
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres
"In many ways, Kofi Annan was the United Nations … He rose through the ranks to lead the organisation into the new millennium with matchless dignity and determination."
“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 us.”
Former US President Barack Obama
“Kofi Annan was a diplomat and humanitarian who embodied the mission of the United Nations like few others."
“His integrity, persistence, optimism, and sense of our common humanity always informed his outreach to the community of nations. Long after he had broken barriers, Kofi never stopped his pursuit of a better world, and made time to motivate and inspire the next generation of leaders.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin
"I sincerely admired his wisdom and courage, his ability to make informed decisions even in the most complex, critical situations. His memory will live forever in the hearts of Russians."
"For many years the life of this remarkable man and great politician was devoted to the service of the United Nations.”
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair
“I’m shocked and distressed to hear the news about Kofi. He was a good friend whom I saw only weeks ago. Kofi Annan was a great diplomat, a true statesman and a wonderful colleague who was widely respected and will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy to Nane and his family.”
Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo
"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."
French President Emmanuel Macron
“France pays tribute to the great man he was. We will never forget his calm and strong-willed look, nor the passion he gave for his fights.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
"We will remember him as having been very active in the international arena and as someone who fought anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial. We send our condolences to his widow and his family."