حركة العدل و المساواة السودانية
Justice & Equality Movement Sudan (JEM)
Sudanjem.com
Good Bye, Our Beloved Hero, Kofi Annan
An Obituary for Kofi Annan
This week, the people of Darfur join the world in mourning the demise of one of the greatest heroes of our modern times. Mr. Kofi Annan was no ordinary man. He was the first person of black African origin to hold the position of UN Secretary General and whohad transformed the image of the organisation in the Third World and beyond.
Annan’s biography cannot be catalogued in an obituary and mush more so when it comes to how the people of Darfur feel his loss. Annan skilfully and humanely brought the plight of the people of Darfur to the world. His crusade against the horrific crimes of the Khartoum Government against the beleaguered people of Darfur as well as other parts of marginalised Sudan led to UNSC Resolution 1593 and the subsequent indictment of President Albashir and his fellow genocidaires. As the first indictment of a sitting president, the Resolution constitutes a historic leap in the fight against genocide and other gravecrimes against humankind.
Through his imaginative Global Fund designated for the fight against infectious diseases, Mr Annan distinguished himself as a first class leader with a cherished legacy. His Global Fund, mainly focussed on the fight against HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria saved and continue to save millions of lives.
Annan’s achievements in global peace and human welfare will remain an inspiration for what an ordinary citizen of humble origin can achieve. Born in a little known town in Ghana, Annan rose to play important roles in global bodies that paved and still paving the road for better human existence. These bodies and programs include, but not limited to, the Millennium Development Goals, the UN Development Impact, Kofi Annan Foundation, Global Elders, Mo Ibrahim Foundation and Human Rights and Responsibility to Protect. No wonder Annan was awarded a Noble Prize for his impeccable contribution.
JEM offers its condolences to Annan’s family and friends and vows to continue his fight for justice, equality and human dignity.
Dr. Gibriel Ibahim
Chairperson JEM
August 21, 2018