France pays homage to 'conquerer' Mandela
Updated: French leaders on Friday paid tribute to South Africa's anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela, who died on Thursday. Anti-racism groups also have called for impromptu congregation and all flags in France will fly at half-mast in tribute, the PM announced.
All French flags will fly at half-mast in tribute to Nelson Mandela, as the country's leaders paid homage to the anti-apartheid icon. Anti-racism groups in Paris have also called for people to gather outside the South African embassy on Friday evening to pay their respects to Mandela.
In a statement President François Hollande, who will travel to South Africa to attend Mandela's funeral in his second visit to the country, described Mandela as a "magnificent conqueror" saying he was a "tireless fighter against apartheid," which he "defeated by his courage, persistence and perseverance."
"Nelson Mandela’s message will not disappear, it will continue to inspire freedom fighters and give confidence to people in defense of just causes and universal rights. He showed that the human will can not only break the chains of captivity but also liberate its energies to successfully build a common destiny."
IN PICTURES: Nelson Mandela and the French connection
Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault praised the late anti-apartheid leader as an "extraordinary man".
"All humanity is in mourning," Ayrault told reporters in Beijing, on the second day of a visit to China.
"France joins in this mourning. She stands alongside the South Africans who are crying today for this great man."
Mandela became a symbol for "all of humanity" added Ayrault. "He leaves us a legacy. We are all responsible for it."
VIDEO: See how Mandela was greeted on his first trip to France in 1990.
In a statement released earlier, the French head of government said of Mandela: "All his life he fought with courage for justice and against the evil of apartheid.
"It is with respect and humility that I bow to the memory of this extraordinary man, who will long be an inspiration to all of humanity," he said.
The Nobel laureate "governed with wisdom and probity, for togetherness and reconciliation" and had "guided his people towards freedom and dignity", he added.
"His fight against racism and for liberty went beyond borders of his own country and had a universal impact."
Shortly after Mandela's death was announced French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius paid his own respects to the "a charismatic giant" who had led South Africa from apartheid to democracy.
"With Nelson Mandela, the father of South Africa has died, the driving force for freedom and for reconciliation," Fabius said in a statement.
Gathering at the South African Embassy in Paris
Anti-racism group SOS-Racisme has called for people to gather outside the South African embassy at the Quai d'Orsay at 6pm on Friday to pay their respects.
"SOS Racisme will lay a wreath and has called to gather in front of the embassy of South Africa Friday at 18:00," the organisation said in a statement.
"Mandela has rejoined the great figures of the universal struggle for equality," said the president of the association, Cindy Leoni.
Another anti-racism group CRAN has also called for people to gather on Saturday, at 1pm at Saint-Bernardchurch in the capital.
"South Africa's Nelson Mandela has taught us some memorable lessons," said Patrick Lozès, the former president of Cran. "This is a huge loss," he added before inviting France to "learn from these lessons and in particular from the message of Nelson Mandela in general."
Stay with us for more reaction to Mandela's death from France.
Comments
See Also
All French flags will fly at half-mast in tribute to Nelson Mandela, as the country's leaders paid homage to the anti-apartheid icon. Anti-racism groups in Paris have also called for people to gather outside the South African embassy on Friday evening to pay their respects to Mandela.
In a statement President François Hollande, who will travel to South Africa to attend Mandela's funeral in his second visit to the country, described Mandela as a "magnificent conqueror" saying he was a "tireless fighter against apartheid," which he "defeated by his courage, persistence and perseverance."
"Nelson Mandela’s message will not disappear, it will continue to inspire freedom fighters and give confidence to people in defense of just causes and universal rights. He showed that the human will can not only break the chains of captivity but also liberate its energies to successfully build a common destiny."
IN PICTURES: Nelson Mandela and the French connection
Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault praised the late anti-apartheid leader as an "extraordinary man".
"All humanity is in mourning," Ayrault told reporters in Beijing, on the second day of a visit to China.
"France joins in this mourning. She stands alongside the South Africans who are crying today for this great man."
Mandela became a symbol for "all of humanity" added Ayrault. "He leaves us a legacy. We are all responsible for it."
VIDEO: See how Mandela was greeted on his first trip to France in 1990.
In a statement released earlier, the French head of government said of Mandela: "All his life he fought with courage for justice and against the evil of apartheid.
"It is with respect and humility that I bow to the memory of this extraordinary man, who will long be an inspiration to all of humanity," he said.
The Nobel laureate "governed with wisdom and probity, for togetherness and reconciliation" and had "guided his people towards freedom and dignity", he added.
"His fight against racism and for liberty went beyond borders of his own country and had a universal impact."
Shortly after Mandela's death was announced French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius paid his own respects to the "a charismatic giant" who had led South Africa from apartheid to democracy.
"With Nelson Mandela, the father of South Africa has died, the driving force for freedom and for reconciliation," Fabius said in a statement.
Gathering at the South African Embassy in Paris
Anti-racism group SOS-Racisme has called for people to gather outside the South African embassy at the Quai d'Orsay at 6pm on Friday to pay their respects.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.