Following the news of the death of Kofi Annan, leaders and activists from around the world have paid tribute to the life and legacy of the former secretary general of the UN.
Leading the tributes was António Guterres, the incumbent secretary general of the organisation Annan was largely credited with revitalising.
"Kofi Annan was a guiding force for good. It is with profound sadness that I learned of his passing. In many ways, Kofi Annan was the United Nations." @antonioguterres on passing of former SG @KofiAnnan @UN Full statement here https://t.co/TS3GNnXzvM
Guterres praised his friend and mentor, describing Annan as "a proud son of Africa".
Deputy secretary general of the UN Amina Mohammed paid tribute to Annan, describing him as her "inspiration".
.@KofiAnnan, our #African and global icon who lived a life deeply committed to serving humanity. He did it with dignity and gave hope to the voiceless. My Friend, My Hero, My Inspiration. #RIPKofiAnnan https://t.co/i7aqSiuYvG
Ghana's president Nana Akufo-Addo paid tribute to Annan on behalf of the West African country.
The Government and people of Ghana, First Lady Rebecca and I are deeply saddened by the news of the death, in Berne, Switzerland, of one of our greatest compatriots, Mr. Kofi Annan. 1/7
He wrote: "Consummate international diplomat and highly respected former Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan was the first from sub-Saharan Africa to occupy this exalted position.
"He brought considerable renown to our country by this position and through his conduct and comportment in the global arena. He was an ardent believer in the capacity of the Ghanaian to chart his or her own course onto the path of progress and prosperity.
"Undoubtedly, he excelled in the various undertakings of his life, leaving in his trail most pleasant memories. His was a life well-lived."
Akufo-Addo announced that Ghana’s national flag will fly at half-mast across the country and in all of Ghana’s diplomatic missions across the world, from Monday, Aug. 20, for one week.
Former Ghanaian president John Dramani Mahama also paid tribute.
He lived and worked for global peace, security and sustainable development in very challenging times. A proud son of Ghana and Africa. RIP Kofi Annan. https://t.co/xevF6TZdOu
South Africa's president Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his condolences, calling Annan "a great leader and diplomat extraordinaire” who had advanced the African agenda within the United Nations and had “flown the flag for peace” around the world.
A diplomat extraordinaire, we will Mr @KofiAnnan for his commitment, his leadership and his tireless efforts to advance the African agenda. Our thoughts are with his wife, Nane, his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Togolese president Faure E. Gnassingbe.
Le décès de l'ancien Secrétaire Général des @UN M. @KofiAnnan nous plonge tous dans la tristesse. Ce digne fils d'Afrique fut un vaillant représentant de notre continent. FEG
He wrote: "The death of the former secretary general of the UN Kofi Annan plunges us all into sadness.
This worthy son of Africa was a valiant representative of our continent."
Barack Obama said Annan "embodied the mission of the United Nations like few others".
Other leaders have also taken to social media to send their condolences, including UK prime minister 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." - PM @Theresa_May
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Kofi Annan dedicated his life to building a more just and peaceful world. His efforts in support of conflict resolution and human rights will be remembered. He looked for a peaceful path when others looked for war. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
Former British prime minister Tony Blair.
TB: I’m shocked and distressed to hear the news about Kofi. 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 to Nane and his family
Gordon and Sarah Brown.
A leader of leaders, a titan amongst world statesman, a wonderful humanitarian and the most compassionate and caring of individuals. Kofi Annan will be sorely missed.
Hackney MP Diane Abbott.
So sad to hear about the passing of Kofi Annan earlier today. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. A truly global statesman and advocate for peace. He will be missed
Tottenham MP David Lammy.
Kofi Annan was not just a great breaker of glass ceilings, he was a leader and a visionary, who worked to foster international cooperation and a more united world. https://t.co/1MNSPhWuuR
NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg.
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.
Nigeria's first woman finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former managing director of the World Bank.
A shock and a great loss! Kofi Annan Africa’s foremost son and international diplomat, our tall Iroko tree has died. His many contributions to Humanitarian, Development and Governance issues will not be forgotten.
English business magnate and philanthropist Richard Branson has released a statement in which he highlights Annan's work as an "Elder."
The world will be a poorer place without Kofi Annan. It’s up to all of us to step up and carry on his work championing humanity https://t.co/hUoQEaHPNG @theelders https://t.co/f2o6D6JldB
He wrote: "I always felt deeply humbled in his company. There are not many giants left in this world that the world can look up — Kofi was one of them. He was a champion of humanity and a peacemaker, who really did care for everybody. He fought for the rights of the individual, whatever situation they found themselves in."
Malaysia's deputy prime minister Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
It is with great sadness that I heard the news of Kofi Annan's passing. His legacy as an icon of peace and his work towards making this world a better place for all of us will forever be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
French president Emmanuel Macron.
Kofi Annan, ancien secrétaire général de l’ONU et prix Nobel de la Paix, a quitté ce monde pendant la nuit. La France lui rend hommage. Nous n’oublierons jamais son regard calme et résolu, ni la force de ses combats.
He said: "Kofi Annan, former UN secretary general and Nobel Peace Prize, left this world overnight. France pays homage to him. We will never forget his calm and resolved gaze, nor the strength of his fights."
Mexican president Enrique Peña Nieto.
México lamenta el sensible fallecimiento de Kofi Annan, ex Secretario General de la ONU y Premio Nobel de la Paz 2001. Gran líder y extraordinario ser humano. Sus aportaciones a favor de la paz y los derechos humanos son su legado.
Well-known figures including the actor and activist George Takei also expressed their condolences.
Former U.N. Secretary and Nobel Peace Prize winner Kofi Annan has passed at age 80. The world needs visionaries of peace more than ever, and his life is an example of the possible. Thank you for your service to us all, sir. Rest now, in peace.
Award-winning British Ghanaian screenwriter and director Amma Asante.
Please say it isn’t so. Kofi Annan has passed away. May he rest in perfect peace 😢😢😢🙏🏾💛 #KofiAnnan #OurPride