AS Nigeria prepares to lay to rest its former President, Muhammadu Buhari, world leaders, diplomats, and global institutions have sent in messages of condolence, praising his leadership, integrity, and legacy in both military and democratic service.
The 82-year-old former Nigerian leader passed away on Sunday in a London hospital after a prolonged illness. Buhari, who served as military head of state from 1983 to 1985, and later as civilian president from 2015 to 2023, is being remembered on the world stage for his decades-long impact on Nigeria and West Africa.
African Union (AU)
In a statement released from Addis Ababa, African Union Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat described Buhari as “a disciplined, principled African leader whose commitment to anti-corruption and security reforms marked a new chapter for regional cooperation.”
“President Buhari’s death is a loss not only to Nigeria but to the continent,” the AU said. “He was a quiet but resolute voice for peace in the Sahel and West Africa.”
United Nations (UN)
UN Secretary-General António Guterres conveyed condolences to the Nigerian people and government, praising Buhari’s “unwavering stance against terrorism and his efforts to combat corruption and strengthen governance in Africa’s most populous nation.”
“He championed stability in a region prone to volatility and served as a key partner in multilateral initiatives on sustainable development, refugee support, and counterterrorism,” the UN statement noted.
United States of America
U.S. President Kamala Harris issued a tribute through the White House press office, calling Buhari “a steadfast partner in promoting democracy, regional security, and economic reform in Africa.”
“President Buhari’s firm resolve against corruption and his democratic transition of power in 2023 set a strong example for others across the continent,” Harris stated. “He was a leader of character, and the United States stands with the people of Nigeria at this difficult time.”
United Kingdom
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in a condolence message, said:
“President Buhari will be remembered for his service and discipline in public office. The United Kingdom valued his leadership in the Commonwealth and his determination to foster international cooperation, even amid challenges at home.”
The British monarch, King Charles III, also extended a royal tribute, expressing sympathy to Buhari’s family and the Nigerian nation.
China
In a message published by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, President Xi Jinping lauded Buhari’s commitment to China-Nigeria relations and infrastructure development.
“Under his leadership, Nigeria became a vital Belt and Road partner. President Buhari promoted connectivity, peace, and cooperation between our countries,” Xi said.
France
President Emmanuel Macron described Buhari as “a towering figure in African politics whose calm leadership helped steer Nigeria through turbulent periods.”
He emphasized Buhari’s “measured diplomacy and quiet strength,” adding that his death marked the end of “an era of simplicity and selfless leadership.”
ECOWAS
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said Buhari was a pillar of stability and regional cooperation.
“From mediation roles in Mali and The Gambia, to his leadership in confronting Boko Haram, Buhari exemplified what it means to place regional peace above personal power.”
Others
President Paul Kagame of Rwanda praised Buhari’s integrity and role in promoting intra-African trade.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called him “a father of the African continent who always spoke truth to power.”
President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana noted that Buhari “brought Nigeria back to the forefront of regional diplomacy.”
As Nigerians mourn and prepare to bury a former head of state who once ruled with military precision and later governed with democratic resolve, the chorus of tributes from world capitals affirms one thing: Muhammadu Buhari’s influence went far beyond Nigeria’s borders.
He was a president who left a mark not only on his country but on the conscience of the world.