World Leaders React As Tunisian President, Beji Essebsi Is Buried Today In Tunis

Tunisians and world leaders earlier today paid their last-minute respect to the country’s first democratically elected president, Beji Caid Essebsi, who died in office at a prime age of 92.

Naija News gathered that thousands of people lined the route of the funeral cortege, crying “Long Live Tunisia!” and waving red-and-white Tunisian flags.

The body of late President Essebsi has been buried in Al-Zallag cemetery in the Tunisian capital. The king of Spain, president of France and emir of Qatar were among several world leaders attending the ceremony in Tunis at the presidential palace.

Here are some remarks about the late Tunisian leader  By different world leaders

I am saddened by the death of President Beji Caid Essebsi of Tunisia. I will always cherish his great love for Africa & his tireless support for the African Development Bank. May his generous sweet soul rest in peace. May God comfort his family & all the people of Tunisia. 🙏🏼💕 pic.twitter.com/diECNwBhKz

— Akinwumi A. Adesina (@akin_adesina) July 25, 2019

While Antonio Guterres describes him as

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of President Beji Caid Essebsi of Tunisia. He was instrumental in steering the country through its peaceful transition to democracy, and will be remembered for his bold determination to uphold democratic rule and promote human rights. pic.twitter.com/ObQ16Neful

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) July 25, 2019

Paul Kagame in his condolence message said that

Saddened to learn of the passing of His Excellency Beji Caïd Essebsi, President of Tunisia and African statesman. Our sincere condolences to his family, and the Government and people of Tunisia.

— Paul Kagame (@PaulKagame) July 25, 2019

I am deeply saddened by the passing of President Beji Caid Essebsi, the first fully democratically-elected president of #Tunisia. Rest in Peace President Caid Essebsi. You will be remembered as a staunchly progressive leader and one of Tunisia’s greatest statesmen. pic.twitter.com/kTZGUeaHVQ

— Ferid Belhaj (@FeridBelhaj) July 25, 2019

UNESCO stands with the people of Tunisia. We mourn the passing of the first freely-elected President, #BejiCaidEssebsi. We have worked tirelessly with Tunisia, for women's rights, tolerance, freedom of the press… all this, and many more, will remain.

— Audrey Azoulay (@AAzoulay) July 25, 2019