African institutions have joined Nigeria in mourning the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
In a statement released on behalf of the African Union Commission and the wider AU community, Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf paid tribute to Buhari as “a principled and resolute leader who served Nigeria with honour and conviction.”
Highlighting Buhari’s broader contributions beyond his home country, Youssouf described him as “a committed Pan-Africanist — an advocate for regional integration, good governance, and African-led solutions to the continent’s pressing challenges.” He added that Buhari was known for his steadfast support of multilateralism and his dedication to promoting peace and stability across Africa.
“President Buhari’s legacy will live on,” Youssouf noted, saluting his lifelong efforts to strengthen Africa’s unity and global voice. “May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he concluded.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also expressed sorrow over Buhari’s death. Dr Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, offered condolences on behalf of the community’s institutions to Buhari’s family, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Nigerian people.
“ECOWAS salutes the memory of this distinguished statesman whose invaluable contributions greatly advanced democracy and regional integration in West Africa and across the African continent,” the statement read.
The passing of Muhammadu Buhari, a former military head of state and two-term elected president, has prompted an outpouring of tributes reflecting on his decades-long role in Nigeria and across Africa.
