‘Moral giant’: How the world reacted to the death of Desmond Tutu | Stories

The Death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, a veteran of the anti-apartheid movement and a Nobel Peace Prize winner, has seen the sad news from world leaders.

Tutu died on Sunday at the age of 90.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday announced the death of 90-year-old Tutu, saying his death was “another sad event in the nation’s farewell to a generation of well-known South Africans who gave us a free South Africa.”

Here is how the world reacted to the news of his death:

South Africa

“Desmond Tutu was a patriot; a philosopher and pragmatism who gave meaning to the biblical knowledge that faith is useless and dead, ”said Ramaphosa.

John Steenhuisen, leader of South Africa’s opposition Democratic Alliance, said “the true South African giant has left us today, but his spirit will continue to have the daily kindness that we South Africans show to one another, and to strive for. our united, successful, non-racial South Africa for all … When we lost our way, he was the moral compass that brought us back.

The true South African giant has left us, but his spirit will remain in the daily kindness that we South Africans show to one another, and our efforts to continue building a cohesive, prosperous, non-racial SA for all.

We offer our deepest condolences to the Tutu family.#RIPDesmondTutu pic.twitter.com/BAINfNvlFn

– John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) December 26, 2021

Kenya

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said Tutu’s death “was not a major problem not only in the Republic of South Africa, where he left behind as a hero of apartheid, but throughout Africa where he was highly respected and celebrated as a peacemaker.”

“Archbishop Tutu encouraged a generation of African leaders who embraced his nonviolent approach to the liberation struggle,” he said.

Nelson Mandela Foundation

The Nelson Mandela Foundation, dedicated to South Africa’s anti-apartheid political leader and allied with Tutu, praised the Archbishop’s legacy.

“His contribution to the fight against injustice, both locally and globally, is just as profound as his imagination in creating a free human society. He was a wonderful man. Thinker. Leader. Pastor,” it said.

Bernice King

The daughter of Martin Luther King, an American Baptist minister and black activist, also grieved.

“I am saddened to hear of the global sage death, a human rights leader, and a strong global traveler … we are fine because he was here,” said Bernice King.

Dalai Lama

The Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama called Tutu a “real humanitarian”. In a letter to Tutu’s daughter, Mpho Tutu, the Dalai Lama stated that they had a lasting relationship, motivated by their desire to be reunited.

“We have lost an adult, who had a purpose in life. He was self-sacrificing in his service to others, especially those in need. I hope the best tax we can give him is to keep his spirit and do as he did and always look to see how we too can help others, “wrote the Dalai Lama.

United Kingdom

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he is “deeply saddened” by Tutu’s death, calling him a “extremist” in overcoming apartheid and building a new South Africa.

I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

He was a great man in the fight against apartheid and in the struggle to establish a new South Africa – and he will be remembered for his spiritual leadership and incredible humor.

– Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) December 26, 2021

“He was a great man in the fight against apartheid and in the struggle to establish South Africa – and he will be remembered for his spiritual leadership and good sense of humor,” Johnson said.

Norway

Norwegian President Jonas Gahr Stoere described Tutu as “a very young man who demonstrated the power of reconciliation and forgiveness.”

“Tutu’s point was that injustice and violence should not be forgotten, but at the same time should not retaliate if the party moves forward,” Stoere said.

Palestine Liberation Organization

Wasel Abu Yousef, a member of the executive committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, described Tutu as “one of the main contributors to Palestinian cause”.

“He has always advocated for the right of the Palestinians to secure their rights and to oppose the occupation of Israel by apartheid,” Abu Yousef said.