Brazil Africa Institute mourns Kofi Annan

Today we join the world mourning Kofi Annan loss. A man who became a source of inspiration due to his commitment in fight for peace, human rights, education and other essential values for mankind. 

Dr. Annan started to pursuit the path of good still young, joining The United Nations at the age of 24 and serving in many posts. While being Head of Peacekeeping Operations, he had to deal with the horror of the genocide in Rwanda, facilitated the repatriation  of more than 900 international staff from Iraq and other non-Iraqi nationals and also served as Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the former Yugoslavia and Special Envoy to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization – NATO. 

35 years after starting service Kofi Annan became the 7th Secretary-General and the first black African to lead the UN. During his two terms in office – from 1997 to 2006 – the organization saw its international power grow. Dr. Annan was laureated with the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition to his efforts to revitalize The United Nations and for have giving human rights priority again. 

Proud son of Ghana, country that is the African base of the Brazil Africa Institute, Koffi Annan has showed the world that it is worth believing in change. All the values for which he fought for are aligned with what we believe being the right way to promote development and equality amongst all. May he rest in peace.

João Bosco Monte

President of the Brazil Africa Institute