Global Tributes Pour in for Late President Buhari

The death of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has drawn an outpouring of tributes from world leaders, diplomats, and statesmen, all mourning the loss of a man who led Africa’s most populous nation both as a military ruler and a civilian president.

His passing in London on Sunday was confirmed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who subsequently ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast in his honour.

In a statement posted on X, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria wrote:

“The U.S. Mission in Nigeria extends our deepest condolences to the people of Nigeria on the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a leader whose life was defined by service, discipline, and a commitment to restore integrity to public office. His legacy includes his efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions. Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and all Nigerians who mourn this loss.”

The Embassy of China in Nigeria also expressed sorrow over the former leader’s death, stating:

“His dedication to Nigeria’s unity and progress leaves an enduring legacy. His pivotal contributions to advancing China-Nigeria relations will forever remain etched in our shared history. Our thoughts are with his family and Nigerian people.”

From East Africa, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed Ali, shared a message of solidarity via his official X handle:

“On behalf of the Government and People of Ethiopia, I extend sincere condolences to the family of former President Muhammadu Buhari and to the people and Government of Nigeria. Our thoughts are with you during this time of mourning.”

President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, who also serves as the current ECOWAS Chairman, expressed his grief, saying:

“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of President Muhammadu Buhari, the former president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. On behalf of the people of the Republic of Sierra Leone, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to his family, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and to the people of Nigeria during this incredibly difficult time. This is truly a devastating loss, and our thoughts are with you all.”

Back home, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo reflected on Buhari’s contributions across his various roles in service to the country.

“This is a heavy heart that I received this afternoon, of the passing of a colleague, a comrade, a cool patriot, General Muhammadu Buhari, who as a soldier, played his role. As an administrator, he played his role as an administrator; as a statesman, he played his role as a statesman. At a time like this, we need the totality of the experience and what I may call statesmanship of all those who have had opportunities to run the affairs of this country to get us out of the situation we are in. He will be surely missed. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” Obasanjo said.

The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, also took to X to express her sorrow, revealing the moment she learned of his death.

“Unbelievable! I did not know just how ill HE President Buhari was and minutes after sending my get well wishes I have just learned that he passed away. I am so very sad. May the soul of HE @MBuhari rest in perfect peace. My deepest condolences to the entire Buhari family and his close aides and associates.”

As messages continue to flood in from around the world, Buhari is being remembered as a leader whose legacy—rooted in service, discipline, and national unity—will remain deeply etched in Nigeria’s history.