The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, received with great sadness news of the death of former President of Sierra Leone Ahmed Tejan Kabbah. The death was reported on Thursday, 13 March 2014, in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

“President Kabbah was very active in AU and ECOWAS meetings, always bustling with very good ideas and undertaking important continental responsibilities. He will be missed,” the African Union Commission Chairperson said on hearing the news.

Former President Kabbah will be remembered for his determination and commitment in negotiating an end to the decade-long bloody civil war in Sierra Leone. He was steadfast in his leadership during the post-war transition period, which he served for 10 years, in a two term Presidency.

Before returning to national politics in Sierra Leone, President Kabbah had worked for the United Nations Development Programme for 22 years, serving in the United States and in many African countries.

On behalf of the African Union and the Commission, the Chairperson expresses her deep condolences to the bereaved family, and the people of Sierra Leone.

SOURCE African Union