Don’t mourn, reflect on Annan’s philosophy

The death of former and seventh United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan is a huge blow to the African continent, the human rights, pro-democracy groups and Ghana. Indeed, the world.

Mr Annan will remain the son of the continent who gave the world a different face of the potential of the African continent given that he was not a politician.

The other person who Africans and the world has been proud of was Nelson Mandela who was a politician and died an icon.

Mr Annan remains the world’s top diplomat.

He is beyond Ghana; and, in Kenya, he is fondly remembered and was at one time the most famous personality following his ability to broker the 2008 post-election power sharing deal between Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga.

Mr Annan and Mandela, also known as Madiba, are two people who did great things in their own right. They were selfless, philanthropic true to the spirit of Africa and believed in social justice and meant good for all.

We understand the kind of leaders we have in Africa, those who want to die in power, they believe or assume that they must lead or think they are appointed by God.

The mark and influence Mr Annan wielded across the world can never be met easily by any other leader in Africa.

Mandela relinquished power and believed he had achieved his target and someone else was good enough to lead thereafter.

A good leader always knows that they can be led. Mandela allowed someone to lead and Mr Annan did his best at the UN, left unmatched mark and he will be celebrated forever.

Being that Mr Annan is a son of the Africa, the best legacy is not to mourn him. That will not make him rest in peace. The continent needs to let the Annan spirit reign in Africa.

Let the African leaders respect human rights, democracy, freedom of speech and respect for the rule of law.

Mr Annan will be resting in peace, knowing his legacy is asured.

He believed in peace, love, unity and working systems, where the society thrives by respecting all and appreciating the uniqueness of every individual.

Mr Annan and the United Nations were the co-recipients of the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize, this has never happened before and this shows his influence in the world. He is the founder and chairman of the Kofi Annan Foundation, as well as chairman of The Elders, an international organisation founded by Nelson Mandela.

The world has lost a good man; no doubt. Let Africans and African leaders live the beliefs and aspirations of the late Mr Annan.

Christopher Ngolo is a public relations expert and Ketawu official, Nairobi.