East Africa mourns 'beloved leader' Mandela
A file photo taken on July 23, 2005 shows former South African President Nelson Mandela waving before the final match of the Nelson Mandela Challenge rugby union Test at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg. AFP PHOTO / POOL / JON HRUSA
East African leaders mourned the loss of South African liberation leader Nelson Mandela Friday, with Tanzania declaring three days of mourning.
“I was privileged to know him and he was a true inspiration. I will always cherish his memory. Mandela was one of the greatest leaders in the world. He changed the world. My sympathies to the family and to the world for this loss,” Uganda's Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi twitted.
The Premier described Mandela as a true hero for all freedom loving people. He said Mandela will always be remembered for what he gave the world - human dignity.
"The world has lost one of its greatest citizens," Tanzanian President Kikwete said, calling Mandela "a voice of courage, a source of inspiration and a beloved leader to us all."
In Kenya, President Uhuru Kenyatta said Mandela "embodied the power of hope and believed in the power of forgiveness."
The 95-year-old died late Thursday.
"He bequeathed us the understanding that we can and should unconditionally forgive those who wrong us," Kenyatta added.
In Rwanda, President Paul Kagame said that "he will continue to live in the hearts of many of us."
