UN bid farewell to its former chief, Kofi Annan

World

Published: 2018-08-18 15:27

Last Updated: 2024-03-18 15:38


Annan was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001 for his humane efforts
Annan was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001 for his humane efforts

Former UN secretary-general, Kofi Annan, has died on Saturday at the age of 80 after a short illness, family members reported.

Annan, the first black African to become UN secretary-general, served two terms as UN chief from 1997 to 2006. He later became the UN special envoy to Syria in order to find peaceful solutions to the Syrian crisis.

Annan, who was originally from Ghana, died in hospital in the Swiss city of Bern. He had been living near Geneva for several years before his death.

Annan was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001 for his humane efforts and great achievement in setting the Millennium Development Goals that tackles vital issues like poverty and child mortality.

UN high commissioner for human rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein expressed his grief in a tweet over Annan's death.

Ayman Safadi, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, offered Jordan's condolences over the death of Annan describing him as "a man of peace".