Mr. President and Dear Brother, 

I was deeply moved and saddened by the news of the passing of President Nelson ROLIHLAHLA Mandela, the first black Head of State of the Republic of South Africa and Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Beyond your country, it is all of Africa that is shocked at the loss of its most illustrious son. 

I bow to the memory of one who, in his lifetime, had become a legend. 

During his rich and exceptional life, MADIBA championed just and noble causes; he was a visionary statesman and a sage who was revered worldwide. He bequeaths to posterity an invaluable legacy. May we preserve and hand down to the younger generations his most cherished    values of justice, tolerance, freedom, dignity and solidarity.

On behalf of the Cameroonian people and on my personal behalf, I would like, on this sad occasion, to extend to the brotherly and friendly people of South Africa, the family of Nelson MANDELA, his children as well as his grandchildren, my most sincere sympathy.

Accept, Mr. President and Dear Brother, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.

 

(ed) Paul BIYA