Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), António Guterres, has described the late former Secretary-General of the UN, Kofi Annan, as “the United Nations” as he commiserated with the bereaved family in a statement.

Mr Annan passed away on Saturday, 18 August 2018, after a short illness. He was 80 years old and survived by a wife and three children.

“In many ways, Kofi Annan was the United Nations. He rose through the ranks to lead the organization into the new millennium with matchless dignity and determination,” Mr Guterres noted in the press release.

He continued: “Like so many, I was proud to call Kofi Annan a good friend and mentor. I was deeply honoured by his trust in selecting me to serve as UN High Commissioner for Refugees under his leadership. He remained someone I could always turn to for counsel and wisdom — and I know I was not alone. He provided people everywhere with a space for dialogue, a place for problem-solving and a path to a better world”.

Mr Guterres said : “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 of us.

“My heartfelt condolences to Nane Annan, their beloved family, and all who mourn the loss of this proud son of Africa who became a global champion for peace and all humanity”.