SIPRI mourns the passing of Nelson Mandela and pays tribute to his long struggle against the apartheid regime, his status as the father of democracy in South Africa and his legacy as a peacemaker.
Peace is more than the absence of war
Mandela will forever be remembered for his long struggle, as the leader of the African National Congress (ANC), against the discrimination and segregation imposed under the apartheid regime in South Africa. He emerged from his 27-year imprisonment as the moral and political authority of a democratic South Africa.
'Mandela taught us that peace is more than the absence of war—peace is about tolerance, inclusion and opportunity,' said SIPRI's Director, Professor Tilman Brück.
The father of democracy
Mandela was the first President of South Africa to be elected in a truly democratic and participatory system. His leadership of Africa’s largest and most stable democracy between 1994 and 1999 was characterized by a radical sense of fairness.
'Mandela overcame adversity and resisted the temptation for violence and aggression to find compromise and cooperation,' said Professor Brück.
'While South Africa has overcome the politics of apartheid, the country still faces a long journey to economic equality and fairness. This is a promise of the struggle exemplified by Nelson Mandela that remains to be fulfilled,' said Professor Brück.
Mandela's legacy
The joint awarding of the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize to Mandela and former President F. W. de Klerk for their peaceful ending of the apartheid regime was a powerful symbol that the involvement of all actors is required in order to end systematic violence.
'Mandela's exceptional personal moral authority will be an inspiring example for generations to come,' said Professor Brück.