According to a statement released by his family, the 80-year-old renowned Ghanaian diplomat passed on following a short illness.
In a career spanning over 40 years at the United Nations, Annan served as UN Secretary-General for two consecutive five-year terms, beginning in January 1997.
He joined the UN system in 1962 as an administrative and budget officer with the World Health Organization in Geneva, rising through the ranks to hold senior-level posts in areas such as budget and finance, and peacekeeping.
Leaders from all across the world have mourned his demise, with current UN chief Antonio Guterres hailing him as “a guiding force for good” and a “proud son of Africa who became a global champion for peace and all humanity.”
Guterres also hailed Annan as someone who initiated dialogue in various situations across the world.
On this episode of Talk Africa, Beatrice Marshall looks back at the highlights of Kofi Annan’s work and times.
