Nelson Mandela, a man of the people who lead, fought for freedom, went to jail, and lived to 95!
Nelson Mandela: World leaders pay tribute
"A great light has gone out in the world," British PM says
Dec 05, 2013
World leaders are paying tribute to former South African president Nelson Mandela who has died at age 95. (Denis Farrell/Associated Press)
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Tributes from around the world have been pouring in following the death of South African leader and legend Nelson Mandela.
"He achieved more than could be expected of any man and today he's gone home," U.S. President Barack Obama said. "We've lost one of the most influential, courageous and profoundly good human beings that any of us will ever share time with on this earth. He no longer belongs to us. He belongs to the ages."
Crowds gathered outside Mandela's home in Johannesburg, some dancing and singing in honour of the anti-apartheid icon.
British Prime Minister David Cameron said "a great light has gone out in the world."
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French President François Hollande said Mandela's message will continue to "inspire fighters for freedom, and to give confidence to peoples in the defence of just causes and universal rights."
Former South African President F.W. de Klerk, who had reached an agreement with Mandela to end apartheid and hold elections, told CNN that Mandela was a "great unifier and a very, very special man in this regard beyond everything else he did. This emphasis on reconciliation was his biggest legacy."
Prime Minister Stephen Harper said that "the world has lost one of its great moral leaders and statesmen."
South African President Jacob Zuma, who announced Mandela's death, said that the nation "has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father."
Former U.S. presidents also reacted to Mandela's death. George W. Bush said Mandela was "one of the great forces for freedom and equality of our time." Meanwhile, Bill Clinton tweeted that "I will never forget my friend Madiba."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Mandela as one of the "most honourable figures of our time."
"He was the father of his people, a man of vision, a freedom fighter who rejected violence."
Mandela was a "man of quiet dignity and towering achievement," UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said, adding he was a "giant for justice and a down-to-earth human inspiration."
The UN Security Council interrupted a meeting on the tribunals for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda and stood for a minute in silent tribute to Mandela.
Argentina's UN Ambassador Maria Cristina Perceval called Mandela "a man who gave hope to the entire world."
"Good men and women, men such as Mandela, resisted and taught us to resist fear ... to resist oblivion," she said.
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Mandela "made racism everywhere not just immoral but stupid; something not only to be disagreed with, but to be despised. In its place he put the inalienable right of all humankind to be free and to be equal."
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AFN press release
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Atleo on the Passing of South African Leader Nelson Mandela
(Ottawa, ON) - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo today offered the below statement following the passing of South African leader Nelson Mandela.
"On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations and our National Executive, I offer condolences to the family of Mr. Nelson Mandela, the people of South Africa and all those moved and inspired by his life and his example.
Mr. Mandela was and is an inspiration to people around the world and will continue to be a model of courage and leadership. He proved time and again that the spirit of a true leader cannot be broken, and that with conviction and unshakeable belief in justice and fairness one can achieve change.
First Nations saw in Mr. Mandela a kindred spirit, a crusader for Indigenous rights and human rights who believed in reconciliation and the basic dignity and value of every human life. Part of a family of hereditary Chiefs, Mr. Mandela was given the name Madiba by the Thembu people in honour of an 18th century Chief and a clear recognition of the connection among all Indigenous peoples and the tremendous leadership they have brought to the world.
Driving the change you want to see in the world is a theme that resonates with First Nation peoples across Canada as we advance efforts to give life to our rights. As Indigenous peoples, many First Nations feel a special connection to Mr. Mandela's lifelong efforts and achievements, and First Nations have honoured him on many occasions.
First Nations stand with Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples world-wide in celebrating Mr. Mandela's life and committing to carrying forward his spirit and his values, for the betterment of our peoples today and tomorrow. Let his commitment to justice and reconciliation be an encouraging and energizing force for all of us to drive change now."
Nelson Mandela died Thursday at the age of 95.
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.
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Contact information:
Jenna Young AFN Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 401; 613-314-8157 or jyoung@afn.ca