Former UN boss dies aged 80

desmond frimpong

May 10, 2018 12:32 PM

Annan was the first black African to take up the role of the world's top diplomat, serving two terms from 1997 to 2006.

Kofi Annan, the former UN secretary-general who won the Nobel Peace Prize for humanitarian work, has died aged 80.

He later served as the UN special envoy for Syria, leading efforts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.

In a statement Annan's family said the statesman would be "missed by so many around the world".

The statement read: "It is with immense sadness that the Annan family and the Kofi Annan Foundation announce that Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations and Nobel Peace Laureate passed away peacefully on Saturday August 18 after a short illness.

"His wife Nane and they children Ama, Kojo and Nina were by his side during his last days.

"Wherever there was suffering or need, he reached out and touched many people with his deep compassion and empathy.

"He selflessly placed others first, radiating genuine kindness, warmth and brilliance in all he did.

"He will be greatly missed by so many around the wold, as well as his staff at the Foundation and his many former colleagues in the United Nations system. He will remain in our hearts forever."

The family said that funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.

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Born in Kumasi, Ghana, on 8 April 1938, Annan joined the UN system in 1962 as an administrative officer with the World Health Organization in Geneva. He later served with the Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, the UN Emergency Force in Ismailia, the UN high commissioner for refugees in Geneva and in several senior posts at its headquarters in New York.

desmond frimpong