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We, members of the Forum for Former African Heads of State and Government (the Africa Forum) convey our heartfelt condolences and deep grief to the people, the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the family of His Excellency Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the founding President of the Democratic South Africa, who passed away on 5th December 2013 at the age of 95.

We have learnt with immense sadness of the passing away of a national, continental and global icon that shall be remembered for the momentous efforts in promoting freedom, justice, peace, security and stability in South Africa, in Africa and in the world. To Africa and the world, this is an extremely sad and tragic event. We, therefore, join the people, the Government and the family of the fallen combatant and hero Nelson Mandela in this moment of grief and reminiscence.

As we mourn the loss of this great African icon, we also celebrate his legacy. He was a man with a big heart, great vision, great humility and immense passion in promoting reconciliation, peace, justice and equality. He was admired by his friends and adversariesalike. The father of the South African Nation bequeathed us all with the most precious lesson in life - how to be free and how to respect freedom, and we shall never forget, among others, his wise message: “For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

He was a profound thinker, a philosopher and an intellectual giant. He taught Africa and the World a lesson about freedom and justice, about reconciliation and common aspirations and about common destiny of mankind the world over. To him freedom and human dignity were at the center of humanity. However, he warned “there is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desire.”

As the Founding member of the Africa Forum, we would like to convey the message that we shall remember him as one of the greatest visionary and thought leader. His legacy shall remain an inspiration to us all and to the future generation of leaders in Africa and the world. As we join the people of South Africa and the peace loving people all over the world in this paradox of grief and celebrations, we pray to the Almighty Lord that his soul may rest in eternal peace together with his comrades who preceded him.