Kofi Annan, the man who made history as the first black African to lead the United Nations, has finally ascended to the higher planes of existence. He died at the age of 80.
He served as the Secretary-General of the United Nations during a period of great turmoil. The Cold War had come to an end but it was the time of threats of global terrorism. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to combat these threats and to usher in an era of peaceful negotiation and international cooperation.
Kofi Annan was born in Ghana in 1938. He served as the seventh UN secretary-general from 1997 to 2006. This was the first time a Secretary-General was appointed from within the staff of the United Nations.
Kofi Annan passed away peacefully from a short illness. He died on a Saturday morning surrounded by his wife Nane and his three children during his final days.
The Kofi Annan Foundation paid tribute to Annan as a “global statesman and a deeply committed internationalist who fought throughout his life for a fairer, more peaceful world.” They added, “During his distinguished career and leadership of the United Nations, he was an ardent champion of peace, sustainable development, human rights and the rule of law.”
Annan was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize jointly with the United Nations in 2001.
