São Tomé and Príncipe – July 2025
In a remarkable show of diplomatic solidarity and regional brotherhood, His Excellency, the Ambassador of the Embassy of Libya to São Tomé and Príncipe, paid a solemn condolence visit to Ambassador Chris Nwanoro, Nigeria’s top diplomat to São Tomé and Príncipe, following the passing of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR.
The condolence visit, which took place at the Nigerian Embassy in São Tomé, was not just a routine diplomatic gesture but a reflection of enduring ties between African nations and a shared respect for leadership, legacy, and regional unity.
The late President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away earlier in July, was a two-term Nigerian leader remembered for his anti-corruption drive, strong-willed leadership, and efforts to reposition Nigeria’s influence on the global stage. His death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from world leaders and allies across the continent and beyond.
A Meeting of Diplomacy and Inclusion
Receiving the Libyan Ambassador, Ambassador Chris Nwanoro expressed deep gratitude for the visit and described it as a heartwarming demonstration of African unity in moments of grief.
Amb. Nwanoro, a distinguished Nigerian diplomat who is blind, currently represents Africa on the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). His presence in the global diplomatic scene not only strengthens Nigeria’s image but also symbolizes a progressive shift toward inclusive leadership and disability representation at the highest levels of international relations.
Speaking during the visit, the Libyan envoy extolled the values of the late President Buhari, noting that his leadership transcended Nigeria’s borders and made a lasting impression on African geopolitics. “President Buhari was a man of integrity, and Libya joins Nigeria in mourning his transition. He stood for peace, regional cooperation, and the economic integration of Africa,” the Libyan diplomat remarked.
Ambassador Nwanoro: A Beacon of Inclusive Diplomacy
In his response, Ambassador Nwanoro praised the long-standing Nigeria-Libya relationship and emphasized the importance of empathy and inclusion in diplomacy. “Your visit reminds us that diplomacy is not just about protocol; it’s about human connection, shared values, and standing together in both celebration and sorrow,” he stated.
Ambassador Nwanoro’s role as a representative of persons with disabilities on a global scale has made him a prominent voice for marginalized communities and an embodiment of the saying, “disability is not inability.”
He used the occasion to highlight the power of inclusive representation in diplomacy and governance. “As we mourn the passing of President Buhari, let us also reflect on the kind of world we are building — one that includes every voice, every ability, and every community,” he said.
A Symbolic Visit with Deeper Meaning
The visit of the Libyan envoy to the Nigerian mission in São Tomé was more than a formality — it was a statement. It reflected Libya’s respect for Nigeria’s leadership legacy and its commitment to African solidarity, while also reaffirming its recognition of the unique role played by Ambassador Chris Nwanoro as a trailblazer in disability-inclusive diplomacy.
The two ambassadors later signed the condolence register, exchanged reflections on the state of African diplomacy, and committed to further collaboration between their missions in São Tomé and Príncipe.
A Legacy Remembered, A Future Reimagined
As global tributes continue to pour in for the late President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, the visit by the Libyan ambassador stands out as a beacon of continental respect and shared heritage. It also highlights a new chapter in African diplomacy—one that is not only rooted in political history but also shaped by inclusive representation, empathy, and forward-thinking leadership.
Ambassador Chris Nwanoro remains a powerful reminder that African diplomacy is evolving—and that every voice, regardless of ability, has a place at the table.
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