The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, with deep sadness the untimely passing on of former President of the Republic of Cape Verde, H.E. Antonio Mascarenhas Monteiro. He was President of Cape Verde from 1991-2001. He died on Friday, 16 September 2016, at the age of 72.

On behalf of the African Union and herself, the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Dr. Dlamini Zuma sends her deepest condolences to the family, the Government and people of Cape Verde.

President Monteiro was a Pan Africanist who dedicated his life in service of his country and the continent.  He was the founder of Cabo-verdiano Bar Association and participated in many international delegations of Cape Verde, including the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), in the African Conference to develop the African Charter on Human Rights in the Addis Ababa Conference to review the Charter of the OAU, Conference.

President Monteiro was also president of the AU Contact Group on Madagascar, which sought to mediate the conflict that broke out in the course of the presidential elections of December 2001.

President Monteiro’s family, country and the continent have lost a leader of great stature. He will be remembered for his support for democratic leadership.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.