By John Ikani
The leaders of Nigeria and South Africa have paid tribute to Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union who died on Tuesday aged 91.
They both hailed Gorbachev’s contribution to achieve peace in the world and efforts in trying to implement political reforms after the collapse of the communist state.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said the late leader had supported South Africa’s struggle in the “critical period that led to the unbanning of the liberation movement and our transition to democracy.”
“We are humbled by the regard he expressed for Nelson Mandela as an inspiration to him and as a model of leadership to the world,” he added.
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Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari equally said that Gorbachev was a “courageous reformer” who played a huge role in promoting peace between the west and USSR.
“We cannot forget in a hurry how Gorbachev advocated for the destruction of nuclear weapons by both the former Soviet Union and the United States during his meeting with Ronald Reagan,” he said.
“Although Gorbachev died without achieving his dream of a nuclear-free world, his genuine commitment to durable international peace and security would never be forgotten,” Mr Buhari added.
