The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, have both extended heartfelt condolences to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the Nigerian people as the nation mourns the passing of its former leader.
In separate statements, both continental leaders paid glowing tributes to the life, leadership, and enduring legacy of Buhari, recognizing his significant contributions not just to Nigeria, but to Africa at large.
In his message, AU Commission Chairperson Youssouf described the late President Buhari as a principled and resolute leader who dedicated his life to serving Nigeria with honour, integrity, and unwavering conviction.
Youssouf noted that Buhari’s commitment extended beyond national boundaries, where he emerged as a committed pan-Africanist and an ardent advocate for regional integration.
“President Buhari will be remembered as a principled and resolute leader who served Nigeria with honour and conviction,” Youssouf stated.
“Throughout his tenure, he remained a committed pan-Africanist — championing regional integration, good governance, and promoting African-led solutions to the continent’s pressing challenges.”
Youssouf further acknowledged Buhari’s steadfast support for multilateral cooperation and his tireless advocacy for peace and stability across the African continent.
He lauded Buhari’s invaluable role in elevating Africa’s voice on the global stage, as well as his contributions to the continent’s unity and sustainable development.
“The African Union Commission pays tribute to the life and enduring legacy of this distinguished statesman and salutes his significant contribution to the advancement of Africa’s development, unity, and prominence in international affairs,” Youssouf added.
Similarly, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, Chairman of the ECOWAS Commission, praised Buhari’s legacy, particularly in the promotion of democracy and regional integration in West Africa.
He emphasized that Buhari’s leadership helped to deepen democratic norms and foster stronger collaboration among nations within the ECOWAS sub-region.
“ECOWAS salutes the memory of this distinguished statesman, whose invaluable contributions greatly advanced democracy and regional integration in West Africa and across the African continent,” Touray remarked.
Both leaders expressed solidarity with Nigeria during this period of national grief and prayed for strength and comfort for Buhari’s family and all Nigerians mourning his loss. Their tributes reflect the late president’s enduring influence in Africa’s political, developmental, and diplomatic landscapes.