Southern African leaders on Monday paid tribute to former Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari who passed away on Sunday, praising his legacy of continental unity, diplomacy and Pan-African leadership.
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa expressed condolences to the Nigerian people and Buhari’s family, describing the late leader as a “champion of the best attributes of his nation” and a driving force behind strengthened bilateral ties between South Africa and Nigeria.
“President Buhari led Nigeria as a patriot and a champion not only of the best attributes of his nation during his leadership, but of the future that awaited his great country,” Ramaphosa said.
“President Buhari’s leadership brought our two nations closer together and as we did so, this partnership contributed to Africa’s collective growth and development.”
Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah also mourned Buhari’s death, calling him a “revered statesman” who played a pivotal role in deepening Nigeria-Namibia relations.
I particularly recall the consequential role President Buhari has played in strengthening friendship and commercial ties between Nigeria and Namibia during his tenure as President.”
“Nigeria has always been a dependable friend of the Namibian people,” she said, recalling Buhari’s support for Namibia’s liberation and his efforts to expand commercial ties between the two nations.
Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023, died in London on Sunday, aged 82.
He was known for his anti-corruption stance, military discipline and commitment to regional cooperation.
His presidency marked Nigeria’s first peaceful transition of power from an incumbent to an opposition candidate in 2015.
Born in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari first rose to prominence as a military leader in the 1980s before transitioning to democratic politics.
His tenure was marked by efforts to diversify Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy although he faced criticism over rising poverty and insecurity.
JN/APA