African leaders have expressed their sadness over the death of the United States 39th President, Jimmy Carter who died at his residence on Sunday, at 100years-old of age.
Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa and Kenyan President, William Ruto who in a separate statement paid tribute to the United States former President.
Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, died at age 100, he was “surrounded by his family” at his home in Plains, Georgia, in his final moments, the Carter Center said in a statement Sunday.
The Nigerian leader in his tribute said President Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, was a beacon of service to humanity, demonstrating to the leaders worldwide the profound impact of dedication beyond the highest office.
“As a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and global statesman, President Carter devoted his post-presidential life to the causes of peace, democracy, and the eradication of tropical diseases. His unwavering commitment to these noble pursuits has left an indelible mark on the world.
“President Carter showed us all how to remain relevant and impactful after leaving the esteemed position of President of the United States,” Tinubu remarked.
He added, “Carter tackled the challenges the developing world faced, from combating diseases to mediating conflicts, promoting democratic values. Carter exemplified grace, dignity, and a profound respect for humanity.”
Tinubu recalled President Carter as a trustworthy and compassionate friend to Nigeria, lauded his significant contributions through The Carter Centre, particularly his efforts in eradicating Guinea worm disease and river blindness in Nigeria, which have significantly improved the lives of many Nigerians.
Reflecting on Nigeria-U.S. relations, Nigerian President nostalgically remembered Carter’s historic visit to Nigeria in March 1978 and his three-day stay at the State House in Marina, Lagos State.
“Under Carter’s leadership, this visit marked a pivotal moment in U.S. foreign policy. It laid the groundwork for a pragmatic relationship between the United States and Africa, with Nigeria at its heart”.
Tinubu expressed hope that President Carter’s legacy of decency, character, and humanity, both in and out of office, will continue to inspire Americans and leaders worldwide to embrace the true essence of leadership.
On the of the South African President who was deeply saddened by the passing of the former United States President said Carter will be remembered as an outstanding, compassionate leader and champion of human rights and peace globally.
According to him, “Jimmy Carter was an outspoken critic of the apartheid state at a time when the regime was trying to ingratiate itself with influential economies around the world and justify its inhumane policies.
“Among his many distinguished roles, President Carter holds a special place in our history as a member of The Elders, a collective of global leaders brought together on President Nelson Mandela’s 89th birthday in 2007 to be independent moral voices for peace and leadership.
“President Carter’s record includes his engagement in diverse peace negotiations around the world and his unequivocal categorisation of the denial of fundamental human rights and statehood to the people of Palestine as a manifestation of apartheid.
“He justly deserved the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for “his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development”, South Africa’s Ramaphosa added.Kenyan President said President Jimmy Carter was an extraordinary leader whose dedication to public service was epic. “He was a powerful champion for global peace and human rights.
Ruto said the World is indebted to Carter’s pioneering voice on the actions for a healthy planet that has protected the nature and slowed climate change. “Our thoughts and prayers are with President Carter’s family and the people of the United States of America”.
Carter had been in hospice care since mid-February 2023 at his home in Plains, Georgia — the same small town where he was born and once ran a peanut farm before becoming governor of the Peach State and running for the White House.
Carter died “peacefully” at his home in Plains, “surrounded by his family,” The Carter Center said in a statement.
“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights and unselfish love,” Chip Carter, the former president’s son, said in the statement.
President Carter was the oldest living ex-United States leader and the nation’s longest-lived president — an outcome that seemed unlikely back in 2015 when the Southern Democrat revealed he had brain cancer.
