Death of Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela died on 5 December 2013 at the age of 95, at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg, South Africa surrounded by his family after a prolonged lung infection. His death was announced by President Jacob Zuma. Reactions from governments, international organizations, and notable individuals, have gained worldwide media coverage.
South Africa
Politicians
* Jacob Zuma, current President of South Africa said: "Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father. Although we knew that this day would come, nothing can reduce the sense of our profound loss."
* F. W. de Klerk, Mandela's predecessor as president of South Africa, said: "He was a great unifier and a very, very special man in this regard beyond everything else he did. This emphasis on reconciliation was his biggest legacy".
Other commentators
* Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu said in an email: "He transcended race and class in his personal actions, through his warmth and through his willingness to listen and to empathize with others, ...and he restored others’ faith in Africa and Africans."
* Noted human rights lawyer George Bizos said: "He will go down in history forever as the one person who set an example that fundamental differences between people can be solved without violence." Satellite television broadcaster MultiChoice opened a dedicated special event channel for news and tribute programming.
Supranational organisations
* : African Union Commission chairperson and South African, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said: "Mandela has fought a good fight, and bowed out with great reverence". AU flags were ordered fly at half-mast.
* : Sovereign of the Commonwealth realms and Head of the Commonwealth Queen Elizabeth II said she was "deeply saddened" to learn of Nelson Mandela's death and has sent her "sincere condolences to his family and to the people of South Africa", commenting that Nelson Mandela "worked tirelessly for the good of his country, and his legacy is the peaceful South Africa we see today".
* : European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said: "more than anyone else, Nelson Mandela inspired my generation and our world."
* FIFA President Sepp Blatter ordered flags to fly at half mast and a minute's silence to be observed at the next round of international football matches. He said: "Nelson Mandela will stay in our hearts forever. The memories of his remarkable fight against oppression, his incredible charisma and his positive values will live on in us and with us."
* International Rugby Board chairman, Bernard Lapasset, said: "I am so proud that the Rugby family could play its small part in supporting Mr Mandela's efforts to establish the new South Africa and that our tournament came to symbolise the emergence of a new nation. He changed the world and we were privileged to witness and embrace his work."
* : The International Olympic Committee will fly its flag at half-mast for three days. IOC President Thomas Bach said: "The Olympic Movement is mourning the loss of a great friend and a hero of humanity." and "However, his attitude towards sport can make us proud - proud at his understanding of the potential of sport to bring inclusion."
* : Secretary General Ban Ki Moon said: "Nelson Mandela was a singular figure on the global stage -- a man of quiet dignity and towering achievement, a giant for justice and a down-to-earth human inspiration." The Security Council interrupted their meeting to observe a minute's silence when they received the news. President Bouteflika also called for national flags to be lowered to half mast for an eight day period of morning.
* : The President of Botswana offered condolences to the Government and people of South Africa, as well as to Madam Graça Machel and the entire Mandela family, on the sad passing away of Former President Nelson Mandela. President Seretse Khama Ian Khama said Nelson Mandela's "consummate belief and steadfast commitment to the fundamental principles of liberty, justice and equality was immense" and that "his strong moral standing and deep intolerance for human suffering of any kind, was and will, continue to be inspirational."
* : The interim presidency of Egypt mourned Nelson Mandela announcing three days of national mourning and made a statement saying that he "will remain in the hearts and minds of Egyptians as one of the most notable symbols of nationalist struggle in our contemporary world," saying the former South African president had "close historical connections with Egypt through his struggle for noble human values, embodied in his struggle against racial discrimination." It has also stated that Mandela, along with former Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser and other “founding fathers of Africa’s struggle for freedom and independence, will remain a source of inspiration for nations.” Ahmed El-Muslimani, media advisor to interim Egyptian President Adly Mansour, hailed Mandela as a symbol of freedom and said on Friday that Egypt and the African continent will remember Nelson Mandela with pride and honour, describing his death as "bad news for the whole world."
* : President Ali Bongo Ondimba expressed condolences on behalf of the Gabonese people and through a statement, wrote that "it now falls to us to continue his work and celebrate his life. I therefore invite all Gabonese people to take a moment of contemplation and join hands in a show of compassion fitting of such a circumstance."
* : President John Dramani Mahama penned an op-ed in the New York Times, while including in a statement that Mandela's "utilisation of peace as a vehicle of liberation showed Africa that if we were to move beyond the divisiveness caused by colonisation, and the pain of our self-inflicted wounds, compassion and forgiveness must play a role in governance.”
* : President Alpha Condé expressed his admiration for Mandela by saying, "He is comparable to a great baobab, this invincible tree under which everyone shelters. And when this baobab falls, we find ourselves exposed."
* : President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered flags to be flown at half-staff and declared three days of national mourning, saying that "as a free man, President Mandela led the fight to free Africa not only from political bondage but equally important from the scourge of disease, poverty, poor governance and illiteracy -- ills of modern life."
* : President Joyce Banda described Mandela's passing as a loss to South Africa and the world, saying that all Africans "have drawn inspiration from Madiba", and expressed her appreciation for having been able to recently meet him.
* : President Hifikepunye Pohamba paid tribute at the South African High Commission in Windhoek, writing that "a giant has gone to rest. The icon of the anti-apartheid struggle has departed after accomplishing what he stood for. Comrade Madiba will be missed not only by those who knew him and by the people of South Africa who he loved and cared for so deeply and sacrificed for but by all those who believe in human dignity." He also recognized Mandela's unshakable bond with the people of Namibia and their admiration of him.
* : President Goodluck Jonathan expressed condolences and noted that Mandela "will always be remembered and honoured by all mankind as one of its greatest liberators, a wise, courageous and compassionate leader, and an icon of true democracy."
* : President Paul Kagame said that “he will continue to live in the hearts of many of us”; before starting the National Dialogue Council (Umushyikirano), at Parliament a minute of silence was observed.
* : President Macky Sall expressed sadness over the death and remarked that "we have lost a giant, one of the greatest figures in contemporary Africa. No man of our time has given so much for the cause of his people, for Africa, and for the good of mankind. Mandela taught us courage, strength, forgiveness.”
* : President Michael Sata expressed condolences to the Mandela family and the people of South Africa, while writing that "we also pray that the Almighty God will grant the bereaved family His abundant mercies, solace and fortitude to bear this great loss of a true son of the African soil."
* : President Robert Mugabe issued a statement conveying condolences, that included “Mr Nelson Mandela’s renowned and illustrious political life will forever remain a beacon of excellence. Not only was he a great champion of the emancipation of the oppressed, but he also was a humble and compassionate leader who showed selfless dedication to the service of his people."
Asia
* : The Government of Bangladesh announced a three-day state mourning for anti-apartheid icon and global symbol of reconciliation and peaceful co-existence, Nelson Mandela. President Abdul Hamid said that Mandela will be remembered forever for his long struggle for the emancipation of the people. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed mourning on the demise of the anti-apartheid leader.
* : Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah sent a message of condolence to South African President Jacob Zuma following the death of former president Nelson Mandela. In the message to Zuma, the sultan said that “Mandela would be much missed not only by South Africans but also by a world that saw him as a beacon of hope and courage and as a moral force in international affairs”. The sultan also remembered the visit of Mandela to Brunei Darussalam and stated that the people of Brunei joined His Majesty in expressing their deepest condolences to Zuma and to the government and people of South Africa, especially family members of the late Mandela.
* "An outstanding example in fighting for freedom and democracy," said Government spokesman Phay Siphan.
* : President Xi Jinping sent his condolences and said he was "a world-renowned statesman".
* : Chief Executive CY Leung today expressed his sadness at the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela. "We will remember Mr Mandela as a great man for his sacrifices, accomplishments and relentless quest for peace. On behalf of the Government and people of the Hong Kong, I express our profound sadness at the news of Nelson Mandela's death and our condolences to his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of South Africa, including our South African community in Hong Kong, during this period of national mourning and reflection."
* : President Pranab Mukherjee said in his condolence message, that Nelson Mandela was a statesman, a world leader and an icon of inspiration for humanity. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called Mandela "a giant among men has passed away. This is as much India's loss as South Africa's. He was a true Gandhian. His life and work will remain a source of eternal inspiration for generations to come. I join all those who are praying for his soul." Vice President Hamid Ansari said "While his courage, determination and sacrifice inspired millions of people during the anti-apartheid movement, his message of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation thereafter, united them and led the rainbow nation on the path to peace and progress. In his death, South Africans have lost the father of their nation and the world a statesman, whose life and message of courage and goodness would continue to inspire and guide all of us around the world in the years ahead." India will observe a five day State Mourning as a mark of respect for Mandela. A decision to this effect was taken at a special meeting of the Union Cabinet, which condoled the death of the anti-apartheid icon.
* President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono expressed his condolences over the death of Nelson Mandela : "On behalf of the nation, the people, the government, and as individuals, I express my deepest condolences on the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela," According to the president, Mandela is a great character who admired all the world. According to the president, Mandela is a great character who admired all the world. For decades he curled in the colonial prison for opposing apartheid or racial segregation in his country. After the collapse of apartheid, Mandela led South Africa.
* : "Mandela was one of the most honorable figures of our time ... a man of vision, a freedom fighter who rejected violence." - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
* : Prime Minister Shinzo Abe offered his condolences to the South African people and noted Mr. Mandela's friendly relations with Japan as well as expressing that "his noble spirit lives on in our hearts and will do so forever."
* : President Nursultan Nazarbayev sent a telegram of condolences to President of South Africa Jacob Zuma: "President Nelson Mandela was a man of unyielding resolve who devoted his life to the fight against discrimination and apartheid, who built a new democratic state before the eyes of the world. He was a true inspiration to many to fight for their freedom, he infused hope into people's hearts. Mandela will be remembered as the symbol of national liberation movement and independence of the African people."
* : Prime Minister Najib Razak on his twitter expressing that "Mandela lives on in the spirit of every human that believes in democracy and freedom. Thank you for your legacy, Madiba".
* : Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly Kim Yong-nam expressed condolences on behalf of Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, sending condolences and praising Mandela's "struggle against racism and for democracy".
* : President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed their deep sorrow and grief over the sad demise and said, "Nelson Mandela's struggle against discriminatory attitudes in the society is respected worldwide."
* : President of the Palestinian National Authority Mahmoud Abbas mourned Nelson Mandela and paid tribute to his commitment to the Palestinian people's cause. He also described him as the "most courageous and important of those who supported us" and that "the name Mandela will stay forever with Palestine and with all Palestinians". "This is a great loss for all the peoples of the world, and for Palestine," Abbas said, hailing a “symbol of freedom from colonialism and occupation". He also added that the Palestinian people will never forget his historic statement that the South African revolution will not have achieved its goals as long as the Palestinians are not free.
* : President Benigno Aquino III recalled meeting Mandela when he visited the Philippines. He stated "On a more personal note, I recall with gratitude and humility the kind words he told me during his visit to the Philippines when I was still a Representative. He told me then, ‘You chose your parents well. My mother admired him; like all of us, she would have been deeply saddened by his passing). On behalf of the entire Filipino people, I extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Mandela and to the the people of South Africa, and all men and women of peace and goodwill who mourn the passing of a truly great man."
* : Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong expressed his condolences on Mr Nelson Mandela's death. He wrote on Facebook and Twitter, "Rest in peace #Mandela. You inspired millions with your humanity, courage, and lifelong fight for freedom." Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong also paid tribute, saying he was "saddened by the passing of a wise leader and a great human being".
* : In the official statement from Cheong Wa Dae, President Park Geun-hye offered her "deepest sympathy" to Mr. Mandela's family and the people of South Africa upon "a passing of a great statesman who put a peaceful end to apartheid and established social justice and democracy in South Africa", and stated that Mandela's "great causes will be carried on by people all around the world" while "praying for the eternal peace of his soul".
* : President Bashar al-Assad called Mandela's life an inspiration to real freedom fighters and a lesson to all tyrants. The presidency released a statement on its Facebook page calling Mandela an "inspiration in the values of love and human brotherhood". "His history of struggle has become an inspiration to all the vulnerable peoples of the world, in the expectation that oppressors and aggressors will learn the lesson that in the end it is they who are the losers," the statement said.
* : President Ma Ying-jeou published the statement on Facebook, he said "the hero is dead, but the spirit of human rights will stayed in long time", we can't forget Mandela, the hero of human rights from South Africa.
* : King Bhumibol Adulyadej Send a royal letter expressed Condolences to President of the Republic of South Africa. "it is with profound sadness that the Queen and I leant of the demise of His Excellency Mr.Nelson Mandela , Former President of the Republic of South Africa. We wish to extend to your Excellency And the members of the bereaved family as well as the people of the Republic of South Africa our heart felt sympathies and condolences for his enduring contribution to peace in his beloved country and beyond."
* : President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow sent a telegram of condolences to President of South Africa Jacob Zuma: "Nelson Mandela not only at motherland but also abroad is an excellent example of courage and caring for the whole humanity. I am sure that fond memories of him forever remain in the hearts of today's and future generations."
Europe
* : Foreign Minister Kristian Vigenin expressed his condolences, calling Mandela "a...person who left a bright trace in the history of South Africa...and mankind"
* : Federal Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo released a statement pointing to the fact that Mandela "will remain a source of inspiration for millions of people." Flemish Prime Minister Kris Peeters offers his "condolences to the South-African people and to everyone who takes wisdom from Mandela's exceptional life story" on behalf of the Flemish government.
* : Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt released a statement, calling Mandela "a beacon of hope in the fight against oppression and injustice in the world" and said that "Mandela's ideals and actions will forever serve as an inspiration to us all in the fight for global justice and human rights for all". She also conveyed her condolences to Mandela's family and the South African people.
* : Sauli Niinistö, President of Finland, sent a letter to incumbent South African president Jacob Zuma, stating that "Finns and the whole world will remember Mandela's contribution to peace, human rights and democracy."
* : President François Hollande commented on the future continuation of Mr Mandela's ideals, stating that "Mandela's message will never die. It will continue to inspire freedom fighters and give confidence to people who defend just causes and universal rights."
* : Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said "Gibraltar adds its small reflection on a man who inspired his nation to reconcile after the horrors of apartheid and who inspired generations of people around the world to understand the importance of magnanimity and of treating everyone as you would wish to be treated yourself."
* : Prime Minister Antonis Samaras said that not only South Africans but the entire international community mourns for a hero who wrote great pages in modern history. Symbol of the struggle for human dignity, equality and freedom for a better and fairer world. He also described Nelson Mandela as an ideological fighter against violence, apartheid and all forms of racism and that Greeks will forever honor his memory."
* : Chief Minister Peter Harwood said Mandela served as an inspiration to all generations across all nations, and was an exemplar of the true meaning of reconciliation.
* : Prime Minister Viktor Orbán expressed the Hungarians' sincere condolences to Mandela's family and the South African people. He emphasized that Mandela's fight for democracy was an inspiration during the years of the communist dictatorship and in the period of transition to the democratic political system in Hungary. President János Áder also expressed his "most sincere grief and sympathy on behalf of the people of Hungary" to South African President Jacob Zuma. According to Áder "Nelson Mandela will remain a symbol of freedom for the whole world".
* : Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny expressed his sympathies and wrote, "Today, a great light has been extinguished. The boy from the Transkei has finished his long walk. His journey transformed not just South Africa, but humanity itself."
* : Chief Minister Ian Gorst said “Nelson Mandela is one of the heroes of my generation - a man whose life and actions have changed a nation and inspired people around the world to believe in the value of equality and reconciliation. He was truly a man who let his life speak."
* : The palace released a statement saying that Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene (a South Africa native) "both considered an example, a symbol of reconciliation, a great man who has, through his courage, selflessness and generosity, changed the course of history".
* : Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta reacted to the announcement of Mr. Mandela's passing and released a statement in which he wrote that "Mandela will remain in history as one of the greatest fighters for liberty, who demonstrated, through hard effort and self-sacrifice, that there are no differences based upon race or the color of one's skin."
* : President of Russia Vladimir Putin sent his condolences to South African President Jacob Zuma over Mandela's death, saying that "having endured difficult sufferings, Mandela remained faithful to the ideals of humanism and justice until the end of his life".
* : Serbian President said that "Citizens of Serbia deeply mourn the passing of a great leader, fighter, statesman and son of Africa. Serbian Parliament observed a minute silence in honor. Serbian flags to fly at half-mast on December 6 at all government buildings and embassies world-wide."
* : Slovak President said that "Gandhi of Africa has passed way."
* : King Juan Carlos I expressed his condoleances by stating that "Mandela has always exercised a heroic personal sacrifice."
* : Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt stated: "Nelson Mandela was a person who changed the world. He was deeply convinced of the equality between human beings and had an equally strong commitment and capacity for reconciliation. He chose reconciliation where others would have chosen revenge. He created a new South Africa and gave people all over the world someone to look up to and a role model."
* : Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, in a letter of condolences to South African President Jacob Zuma, called Mandela "For many generations an example of fortitude, integrity and strength of character".
* : British Prime Minister David Cameron was one of the first to express his grief on Twitter, calling Mandela "a hero of our time." Queen Elizabeth II and Charles, Prince of Wales also sent their condolences to the Mandela family, with Charles calling Mandela "the embodiment of courage and reconciliation." First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond said Mandela was "an inspiration to countless millions".
North America
* : Prime Minister Perry Christie expressed condolences to Mandela's family and the people of South Africa, while writing that "he was the personification of the timeless virtues of personal sacrifice and perseverance in the pursuit of freedom, racial equality, human dignity and moral truth for all the peoples of this planet."
* : Prime Minister Stephen Harper released a statement, “With the death of Nelson Mandela, the world has lost one of its great moral leaders and statesmen. Mr. Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years by the former Government of South Africa, for his part in the struggle that would ultimately end the system of apartheid. Despite his long years of captivity, Mr. Mandela left prison with a heart closed to calls for a settling of scores. Instead, he was filled by a longing for truth and reconciliation, and for an understanding between all peoples. He demonstrated that the only path forward for the nation was to reject the appeal of bitterness. His forbearance was legendary: his magnanimity spared all South Africans incalculable suffering. Nelson Mandela’s enduring legacy for his country, and the world, is the example he set through his own ‘long walk to freedom.’ With grace and humility, he modelled how peoples can transform their own times and in doing so, their own lives. On behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians, Laureen and I extend our condolences to Mr. Mandela’s widow, Graça Machel, his entire family and all citizens of South Africa. Canada, a nation that granted Mr. Mandela honorary citizenship in 2001, mourns with you and the entire world today.”
* : President Raul Castro sent condolences and expressed his sympathies to Mandela's family, the African National Congress and the people of South Africa, saying "we profess deep respect and admiration for Mandela, not only for what he did for his people, but also for his true friendship towards our country."
* : President Otto Pérez Molina lamented the death of Mandela and stated that the political career and life of Mandela left a legacy in humanity. "He is an example to follow for all free men", he said.
* : Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe expressed condolences to Mandela's family and wrote that "Haiti will never forget this great leader."
* : Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller expressed sadness and wrote that Mandela was "without a doubt one of the greatest human beings in the history of humanity" and an inspiration to all persons of African descent.
* : President Enrique Peña Nieto expressed his condolences both on his Twitter account and in a conference, stating that "humanity has lost an unreachable fighter of peace, liberty, and equality". He also sent his condolences to the South African people and Mandela's family.
* : President Barack Obama gave a 4 1/2 minute speech after the announcement of Mandela's passing, stating "I am one of the countless millions who drew inspiration from Nelson Mandela's life, I would study his words, his writings. The day he was released from prison gave me sense of what human beings can do when they're guided by their hopes and not by their fears." He continued, "For now, let us pause and give thanks for the fact that Nelson Mandela lived, a man who took history in his hands, and bent the arc of the moral universe toward justice. May God Bless his memory and keep him in peace." All U.S. flags were ordered to fly at half-mast until sunset, December 9, 2013.
Oceania
* : Prime Minister Tony Abbott said while he had never met Mandela, he thought he was an extraordinary man. "Nelson Mandela was one of the great figures of Africa… and arguably one of the great figures of the century." He also added: "Mr Mandela would be remembered not just as a political leader but a moral leader."
* : Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said "the thoughts of every Fijian are with the South African people as you mourn the loss of this great man. He was not only leader of South Africa but a beacon of courage, decency and selflessness for the whole world. He was genuinely loved and we will never forget him."
* : Prime Minister John Key praised Mandela as "an inspirational leader, and a remarkable man... a force for change, not only in South Africa, but around the world".
* : Prime Minister Peter O'Neill said 'it was absolute forgiveness of the apartheid government that imprisoned him ... that laid the foundations for the transition from decades of undemocratic apartheid rule to a robust democracy in a very short period of time".
South America
* : President Evo Morales expressed condolences to the people of South Africa and wrote that Mandela remains a strength and an inspiration. The Bolivian Senate observed a moment of silence to remember Mandela.
* : President Dilma Rousseff issued a statement of regret for the death of former president Mandela on Thursday, 5, in which stands as "the greatest personalities of the 20th century." According to Rousseff, the Brazilian people are shocked by the news of the death of South African political. "Mandela led with passion and intelligence one of the most important processes of emancipation of human beings in modern history - the end of apartheid in South Africa," the statement said.
* : President Sebastián Piñera expressed condolences and said that Mandela "had the generosity to fought all his life for the peace in South Africa"
* : President Juan Manuel Santos, through his Twitter account, deeply regretted the death of Nelson Mandela and stated that "His legacy will remain as our guide to reach peace." A formal statement was later released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stating condolences to the people of South Africa and to Mandela's family while also acknowledging him as an example for all the Colombians to follow.
* : President Nicolas Maduro declared three days of national mourning. "Nine months since the passing of our comandante (Hugo Chávez), another giant of the people of the world passed away today. Madiba you will live forever!" Maduro said on Twitter.
Individuals
* Actor Idris Elba, who portrays Mandela in the 2013 film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, commented "What an honor it was to step into the shoes of Nelson Mandela and portray a man who defied odds, broke down barriers, and championed human rights before the eyes of the world. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."
* Actor Morgan Freeman who portrayed Mandela in the 2009 film Invictus said "as we remember his triumphs, let us, in his memory, not just reflect on how far we've come, but on how far we have to go. Madiba may no longer be with us, but his journey continues on with me and with all of us".
* Former US president George W. Bush said: "President Mandela was one of the great forces for freedom and equality of our time. He bore his burdens with dignity and grace, and our world is better off because of his example. This good man will be missed, but his contributions will live on forever."
* Former US president Bill Clinton tweeted: "I will never forget my friend Madiba." with a photograph of him holding Mandela's hand.
* Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown described Mandela as "the greatest leader of our generation".
* Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad also expressed that “Truly a great leader with incredible fortitude and unflinching dedication to the cause of social justice. He was a forgiving person. He bore no animosity towards those who had imprisoned him and all he cared about was reconciliation and the sharing of his country’s wealth and opportunities between blacks and whites. Few in the world have exhibited this kind of magnanimity. Whenever I am asked who I admire most among the leaders I have met I have no hesitation in naming Nelson Mandela”. Dr Mahathir said the passing of his dear friend was received with great sadness and a deep sense of loss. “His passing is a great personal loss to me and to all African people”.
* Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama sent his condolences to Mandela's family, describing him as a "...man of courage, principle and unquestionable integrity, a great human being, someone of whom we can truly say, “He lived a meaningful life.”"
* Martti Ahtisaari, former President of Finland and Nobel Peace Prize laureate also said, in a joint press release through his nongovernmental organization Crisis Management Initiative: “The most impressive man of my generation has passed away. No one has influenced my life more than President Nelson Mandela. Anyone supporting the just struggle for democratic change in Southern Africa cannot have been untouched by President Mandela’s life.

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