ACCRA, KOMPAS.com - Mantan Sekretaris Jenderal Persatuan Bangsa-bangsa ( PBB), Kofi Annan, dilaporkan meninggal dunia.
Kabar tersebut diumumkan oleh Badan PBB untuk Migrasi melalui kicauan di Twitter, sebagaimana diwartakan CNN Sabtu (18/8/2018).
Baca juga: Kofi Annan Desak DK PBB Pastikan Warga Rohingya Kembali ke Myanmar
"Dengan kesedihan yang mendalam, kami mengumumkan bahwa Kofi Annan, telah meninggal dengan tenang di usia 80 tahun," ujar badan migrasi PBB.
It is with immense sadness that the Annan family and the Kofi Annan Foundation announce that Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations and Nobel Peace Laureate, passed away peacefully on Saturday 18th August after a short illness... pic.twitter.com/42nGOxmcPZ
Kofi Annan, the former United Nations secretary general, has died at the age of 80 after a short illness, his family and foundation announced on Saturday.
The Ghanaian was the seventh secretary general and served for two terms between 1997 and 2006. He was awarded the Nobel peace prize for his humanitarian work jointly with the UN as an organisation in 2001.
He died in hospital in Bern, Switzerland in the early hours of Saturday with his wife, Nane, and three children Ama, Kojo and Nina, by his side. He had retired to Geneva and later lived in a Swiss village.
Kofi Annan - in pictures Read more
Annan’s foundation issued a statement on his Twitter account on Saturday that described him as a “global statesman and deeply committed internationalist who fought throughout his life for a fairer and more peaceful world”.
Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) It is with immense sadness that the Annan family and the Kofi Annan Foundation announce that Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations and Nobel Peace Laureate, passed away peacefully on Saturday 18th August after a short illness... pic.twitter.com/42nGOxmcPZ
The statement added that Annan, who succeeded Boutros Boutros-Ghali as UN leader, was a “son of Ghana and felt a special responsibility towards Africa”.
Kofi Annan: 'Sometimes you don't have to pick a fight to get your way' Read more
The current UN secretary general, António Guterres, whom Annan had appointed to lead its refugee agency, said: “In many ways, Kofi Annan was the United Nations. He rose through the ranks to lead the organisation into the new millennium with matchless dignity and determination.”
The former UK prime minister Tony Blair said on Twitter he was shocked and distressed by Annan’s death, adding: “He was a good friend whom I saw only weeks ago. Kofi Annan was a great diplomat, a true statesman and a wonderful colleague who was widely respected and will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy go to Nane and his family.”
Theresa May, the UK prime minister, said on Twitter:
Theresa May (@theresa_may) Sad to hear of the death of Kofi Annan. A great leader and reformer of the UN, he made a huge contribution to making the world he has left a better place than the one he was born into. My thoughts and condolences are with his family. pic.twitter.com/P0SWagShJM
Annan was chair of The Elders, an independent group of global leaders working for peace and human rights founded by Nelson Mandela. Gro Harlem Brundtland, former prime minister of Norway and the body’s deputy chair, said she and her colleagues were devastated by Annan’s death.
“Kofi was a strong and inspiring presence to us all, and The Elders would not be where it is today without his leadership. Throughout his life, Kofi worked unceasingly to improve the lives of millions of people around the world,” she said.
Born in Kumasi, Ghana, on 8 April 1938, Annan joined the UN system in 1962 as an administrative officer with the World Health Organization in Geneva. Annan later served with the Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, the UN Emergency Force in Ismailia, the UN high commissioner for refugees in Geneva and in several senior posts at its headquarters in New York.
Before becoming secretary general, he was under-secretary general for peacekeeping and also served as special representative of the secretary general to the former Yugoslavia between 1995 and 1996.
As head of UN peacekeeping operations, Annan was criticised for the body’s failure to halt the genocide in Rwanda in the 1990s.
“The UN can be improved, it is not perfect but if it didn’t exist you would have to create it,” he told the BBC during an interview for his 80th birthday in April. “I am a stubborn optimist, I was born an optimist and will remain an optimist.”
Annan used his final speech as secretary general in December 2006 to deliver a parting shot at the administration of George W Bush, accusing the US of committing human rights abuses in the name of fighting terror.
The Guardian concluded at the time that the speech amounted to a broad condemnation of the neoconservative ideology guiding US foreign policy under Bush and was a clear break with protocol for a departing UN chief.
It was another sign of Annan’s anger at the administration since US forces invaded Iraq in March 2003 without the approval of the UN security council.
“When power, especially military force, is used, the world will consider it legitimate only when convinced that it is being used for the right purpose – for broadly shared aims in accordance with broadly accepted norms,” he said in the speech delivered at the Harry Truman presidential library in Independence, Missouri.
Image copyright AFP
Kofi Annan, the first black African to become UN secretary-general, has died aged 80 in Switzerland, his aides say.
He "passed away peacefully on Saturday after a short illness", the foundation named after him said on Saturday.
Mr Annan served two terms as UN chief from 1997 to 2006, and was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for humanitarian work for his efforts.
He later served as the UN special envoy for Syria, leading efforts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.
In a statement announcing his death, the Kofi Annan Foundation described him as a "global statesman and deeply committed internationalist who fought throughout his life for a fairer and more peaceful world".
"Wherever there was suffering or need, he reached out and touched many people with his deep compassion and empathy. He selflessly placed others first, radiating genuine kindness, warmth and brilliance in all he did."
The career diplomat, who was originally from Ghana, died in hospital in the Swiss city of Bern. He had been living near Geneva for several years before his death.
He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001 for helping to revitalise the international body, during a period that coincided with the Iraq War and the HIV/Aids pandemic.
Image copyright AFP Image caption Kofi Annan's wife, Nane, was by his side when he died
Kofi Annan described his greatest achievement as the Millennium Development Goals which - for the first time - set global targets on issues such as poverty and child mortality.
However, Mr Annan was not immune from criticism. His critics blamed him for the UN's failure to halt the genocide in Rwanda in the 1990s when he was head of the organisation's peacekeeping operations.
Later, after the US-led invasion of Iraq, he and his son were accused of being involved in the "oil for food corruption scandal" that led some to call for his resignation, though he was later exonerated.
Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Annan told the BBC in April that the world had become "particularly messy"
In an interview with the BBC's HardTalk to mark his 80th birthday in April, Mr Annan acknowledged the UN's shortcomings, saying it "can be improved, it is not perfect but if it didn't exist you would have to create it".
"I am a stubborn optimist, I was born an optimist and will remain an optimist," he added.
Current UN chief Antonio Guterres has been leading the tributes to his predecessor, describing Mr Annan as "a guiding force for good".
"In many ways, Kofi Annan was the United Nations. He rose through the ranks to lead the organisation into the new millennium with matchless dignity and determination," he said in a statement.
UN high commissioner for human rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein said in a tweet he was grief-stricken over Annan's death:
Skip Twitter post by @raad_zeid I am grief-stricken over the death of Kofi Annan. Kofi was the epitome of human decency and grace. In a world now filled with leaders who are anything but that, the world’s loss becomes even more painful. He was a friend to thousands and a leader of millions. — Zeid Raad Al Hussein (@raad_zeid) August 18, 2018 Report
Tributes have been pouring in from world leaders and diplomats.
Skip Twitter post by @carlbildt Deeply saddened by the passing away of Kofi Annan. One of the true global leaders of our age. A man of courage, wisdom and friendship. I’m honored to have had the privilege of working for him. pic.twitter.com/a9pTv0cdF1 — Carl Bildt (@carlbildt) August 18, 2018 Report
Skip Twitter post by @jensstoltenberg Saddened to hear that Kofi Annan has passed away. His warmth should never be mistaken for weakness. Annan showed that one can be a great humanitarian and a strong leader at the same time. The UN and the world have lost one of their giants. — Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) August 18, 2018 Report
Skip Twitter post by @theresa_may Sad to hear of the death of Kofi Annan. A great leader and reformer of the UN, he made a huge contribution to making the world he has left a better place than the one he was born into. My thoughts and condolences are with his family. pic.twitter.com/P0SWagShJM — Theresa May (@theresa_may) August 18, 2018 Report
Skip Twitter post by @narendramodi We express our profound sorrow at the passing away of Nobel Laureate and former UNSG Mr. Kofi Annan. The world has lost not only a great African diplomat and humanitarian but also a conscience keeper of international peace and security. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 18, 2018 Report
Annan's diplomatic career continued after retirement from the UN, and in 2007 he set up his own foundation aimed at promoting global sustainable development, security and peace.
A year later, his reputation was boosted after he successfully helped negotiate a power-sharing deal to end post-election violence in Kenya.
In a Facebook tribute, Raila Odinga, the opposition leader who signed the agreement, called Annan "the man who stepped in and saved the country from collapse".
In 2012 he was made chair of The Elders, a peace and human rights advocacy group started by South Africa's Nelson Mandela.
Image copyright AFP Image caption Kofi Annan was photographed just a month before his death attending an Elders event in celebration of Nelson Mandela's 100th birth anniversary in Johannesburg
His most recent role was chairing an independent commission investigation Myanmar's Rohingya crisis.
Annan's wife, Nane, and three children were "by his side during his last days", the Kofi Annan Foundation said.
Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo has ordered flags be flown at half-mast across the country and in diplomatic missions across the world for seven days, starting on Monday.
Former United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan has died at age 80 in Switzerland after suffering an illness.
FORMER United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan has died at age 80.
Mr Annan died in the early hours of Saturday in Switzerland after a short illness, according to a statement issued by his family.
The Nobel Peace Laureate was the seventh Secretary-General of the UN from January 1997 to December 2006, and became the first black African man to take on the top job as the world’s top diplomat.
He was founder and Chairman of the Kofi Annan Foundation, which issued a statement on social media, saying: “It is with immense sadness that the Annan family and the Kofi Annan Foundation announce that Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations and Nobel Peace Laureate, passed away peacefully on Saturday 18th August after a short illness...”
“His wife Nane and their children Ama, Kojo and Nina were by his side during his last days,” it said.
“Wherever there was suffering or need, he reached out and touched many people with his deep compassion and empathy. He selflessly placed others first, radiating genuine kindness, warmth and brilliance in all he did.”
It is with immense sadness that the Annan family and the Kofi Annan Foundation announce that Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations and Nobel Peace Laureate, passed away peacefully on Saturday 18th August after a short illness... pic.twitter.com/42nGOxmcPZ — Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) August 18, 2018
The United Nations Migration Agency also confirmed his death in a tweet, saying: “Today we mourn the loss of a great man, a leader, and a visionary: former @UN Secretary General @KofiAnnan. A life well lived. A life worth celebrating.”
Today we mourn the loss of a great man, a leader, and a visionary: former @UN Secretary General @KofiAnnan.
A life well lived. A life worth celebrating. pic.twitter.com/z51WTB4Y65 — IOM - UN Migration (@UNmigration) August 18, 2018
United Nations chief Antonio Guterres voiced deep sorrow at the news his predecessor had passed away, calling him “a guiding force for good”.
“Kofi Annan was a guiding force for good,” Guterres said in a statement shortly after news broke of Annan’s passing.
“In many ways, Kofi Annan was the United Nations. He rose through the ranks to lead the organisation into the new millennium with matchless dignity and determination,” he added.
He quickly became a familiar face on television, with his name making newspaper headlines, and he was a sought-after guest at gala events and New York dinner parties.
The UN high commissioner for human rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said he was grief-stricken over Annan’s death.
“Kofi was humanity’s best example, the epitome, of human decency and grace. In a world now filled with leaders who are anything but that, our loss, the world’s loss becomes even more painful,” he said.
“He was a friend to thousands and a leader of millions.”
His home country of Ghana has now declared a week of mourning after his death.
Describing Annan as a “consummate” diplomat, Ghana’s Presdient Akufo-Addo said in a statement that Ghana was “deeply saddened” by news of his death.
EARLY LIFE AND CAREER
Mr Annan was born in Kumasi, Ghana, on April 8, 1938. He studied at the University of Science and Technology in Ghana and completed his undergraduate work in economics at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1961.
From there he did his graduate studies at the Institute of International Affairs in Geneva, and in 1972 earned a Master of Science degree at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan School of Management.
He is fluent in English, French and a number of African languages. He went on to meet his wife, Nane, and they had three children Ama, Kojo and Nina.
He was the first Secretary-General to be appointed from within the organisation’s ranks. He first joined the UN in 1962 as an administrative and budget officer with the World Health Organisation in Geneva,
He later served with the Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, the UN Emergency Force (UNEF II) in Ismailia, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Geneva.
Before he went on to be Secretary-General, he was Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping. Mr. Annan also served as Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the former Yugoslavia (1995-1996), and facilitated the repatriation from Iraq of more than 900 international staff and other non-Iraqi nationals (1990).
HIS UN ACHIEVEMENTS
Mr Annan pushed for reform to rebuild the United Nations and make it more effective.
He made sure that UN peacekeepers had more resources. In 2005, Member States established two new intergovernmental bodies: the Peacebuilding Commission and the Human Rights Council.
Mr Annan also had a pivotal role in setting up the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the adoption of the UN’s first-ever counter-terrorism strategy, and the acceptance by Member States of the “responsibility to protect” people from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.
His “Global Compact” initiative back in 1999, has become the world’s largest effort to promote corporate social responsibility.
In 1998, he helped to ease the transition to civilian rule in Nigeria. In that same year, he went to Iraq to try and solve a breakdown in talks with the Security Council in relation to weapons inspections to avoid further war and destruction.
In 1999, he was a key figure in helping Timor-Leste gain independence from Indonesia.
He was the diplomat behind certifying Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000, and in 2006, his efforts helped bring peace between Israel and Hezbollah.
HIS AWARDS
Annan was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize along with the UN in 2001 “for their work for a better organised and more peaceful world”.
He has also received numerous honorary degrees and many other national and international prizes, medals and honours.
LIFE AFTER THE UN
Mr Annan’s role as an advocate for human rights did not stop. He helped negotiate an end to violence in Kenya that killed 1,220 people after the African nation’s December 2007 election. He also went on to work within the Kofi Annan Foundation as Chairman. He was also chair of The Elders, the group founded by Nelson Mandela.
He was a Chairman of the Africa Progress Panel and led the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa.
In February 2012, he was tasked with bringing a resolution to the Syrian crisis after being appointed as joint UN and Arab League envoy.
He later resigned in August of that year.
At the time, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon issued a statement saying: “Kofi Annan deserves our profound admiration for the selfless way in which he has put his formidable skills and prestige to this most difficult and potentially thankless of assignments. He has worked within the mandate provided to him by the General Assembly and with the co-operation of various Member States.”
HIS BRUSH WITH HOLLYWOOD
Mr Annan met many Hollywood stars who have pledged their support to global fights against war, poverty and other initiatives for change.
U2 frontman Bono was photographed with Mr Annan when he gave a banner representing a petition signed by 21 million people to Nigeria’s president in 2000. Bono was delivering a message from 21 million people who had signed the petition to end global debt.
Later, Mr Annan was seen with Bono and then-Live8 organiser Bob Geldof before a meeting at the G8 Summit in Gleneagles, Scotland in 2005.
Mr Annan’s wife was also right by his side during his time at the UN, where she helped present Angelina Jolie with her United Nations Correspondents Association Citizen of the World award in 2003.
Australia’s own Nicole Kidman also met Mr Annan and his wife at the premiere of her movie in 2005, The Interpeter, which featured her taking on the role of an interpreter for the UN.
Mr Annan also filmed a scene with the Muppet character "Elmo" during a taping of Sesame Street in New York in 2001. At one point Annan offered Elmo a job at the UN and Elmo asked if he could win a Nobel prize, too.
Mr Annan's taping came a few days before he was to accept the 100th Nobel Peace Prize on December 10.
Former world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali also met Mr Annan while he was a United Nations Messenger of Peace. This 1998 file footage shows him receiving the dove of peace from Mr Annan.
BOXING: Muhammad Ali Named United Nations Messenger of Peace in 1998 File September 15 1:20 Muhammad Ali, who died on Friday, June 3 at the age of 74 after a 32-year battle with Parkinson’s disease, was not only a world heavyweight champion – he was also a United Nations Messenger of Peace who devoted his time outside of the ring to activism. Ali’s charity work was immense, and after his retirement from boxing in 1981, he made numerous goodwill missions to Afghanistan and North Korea. He visited Lebanon to secure the release to hostages, donated over $1 million in aid to Cuba and delivered food and medicine to children in Morocco and Indonesia. This 1998 file footage shows him receiving the dove of peace from Kofi Annan, seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations. Credit: Youtube/United Nations
A ‘GLOBAL STATESMAN’ FOR ALL LEADERS
There wasn’t one leader that Mr Annan probably didn’t meet or at least brush shoulders with during his time at the UN.
From US Presidents including George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, to former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and even Australia’s former Prime Minister John Howard also met him during his long list of global meetings.
Former French President Jacques Chirac met with Mr Annan and former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, former Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright in Paris where they attended a summit seeking to end violence in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip back in 2000.
He also had a private audience with former Pope John Paul II at The Vatican in 1997.
He also met Queen Elizabeth II several times. Here he can be seen at the annual Commonwealth Day service on Commonwealth Day on March 14, 2016 in Westminster Abbey in London.
The service is the largest annual inter-faith gathering in the UK.
HIS VISIT TO AUSTRALIA
In February 2000, Mr Annan made his first trip to Australia, where he made a first stop to Darwin to thank the city for its role in bringing order and stability to East Timor.
he then went on to see Mr Howard in Canberra with former Foreign Minister Alexander Downer. They discussed the UN leaving East Timor.
Mr Annan later met with Mr Howard at the UN in New York in 2003, where they talked about post-conflict Iraq and regional issues such as Timor-Leste and Bougainville.
Mr Howard told reporters he had indicated to Mr Annan it was necessary for all of the UN Member States to look forward in relation to the post-conflict period in Iraq.
He also said Australia saw that “great progress” was already being made in relation to that.
“We want to see the affairs of Iraq handed back to the Iraqi people as soon as practicable,” Mr Howard said.
“We want to see the emergence of a free and open government that is responsive to the wishes of the people of Iraq and I think all of the efforts of the world community should be directed towards that.”
