SECRETARY-GENERAL PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE JULIUS NYERERE, "ONE OF THE GIANTS" OF AFRICAN LIBERATION

Press Release
SG/SM/7179
AFR/184

SECRETARY-GENERAL PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE JULIUS NYERERE, ‘ONE OF THE GIANTS’ OF AFRICAN LIBERATION

Following are the remarks made this morning by Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the occasion of the death of Julius Nyerere, founder-President of the United Republic of Tanzania:

I heard with great sadness last night of the death of Julius Nyerere, the founder and first President of the United Republic of Tanzania, and one of the architects of the Organization of African Unity.

President Nyerere was one of the giants of the twentieth-century African liberation movement. As a leader who brought his country to independence without bloodshed, by uniting all the people in a single non-violent but irresistible movement, he inspired a whole generation of Africans struggling for freedom throughout the continent, in widely differing countries and political contexts. Later he also set a fine example by renouncing power voluntarily, and handing it on to his successor through an orderly constitutional process. He fully earned the nickname of "Mwalimu", or "Teacher", by which he was affectionately known throughout Africa.

Both before and after leaving office, he gave unstintingly of his strength and wisdom in the quest for African unity, freedom and peace. Even in his last months he worked tirelessly for a political settlement of the troubles in Burundi. And he was a lifelong friend and supporter of the United Nations.

Indeed, his star shone well beyond the shores of Africa. He had friends and admirers all over the world. I am proud to count myself among them, and I send my heartfelt condolences to his family and people.

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