Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – Tributes have been pouring in from across West Africa and beyond following the death of Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 82 in a London hospital. Leaders have remembered him as a dedicated advocate for peace, stability, and good governance in the region and across the continent.

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu eulogized his predecessor as a “sincere leader who played an active role in maintaining peace in West Africa and around the world.”

Gambian President Adama Barrow extended his condolences to President Tinubu, describing Buhari as an “activist for peace both at home and in the subregion.”

President Barrow particularly highlighted Buhari’s pivotal role in resolving The Gambia’s political impasse following the controversial 2016 elections.

Buhari was indeed instrumental in negotiating the departure of former President Yahya Jammeh and facilitating the deployment of regional peacekeepers, a mission to which Nigeria continues to contribute troops.

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye also expressed his condolences, stating, “Senegal honors the memory of a key figure in Nigerian and African political life. I extend my heartfelt condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the family of the deceased, and the brotherly people of Nigeria. May his soul rest in peace.”

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the chairperson of the African Union, noted that Buhari “will be remembered as a principled and resolute leader who served Nigeria with honor and conviction.”

Youssouf further emphasized Buhari’s commitment as a “Pan-Africanist—an advocate for regional integration, good governance, and African-led solutions to the continent’s pressing challenges,” and a “steadfast supporter of multilateral cooperation and a tireless champion of peace and stability across Africa.”

Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio lauded Buhari as a “man of honor whose contribution to peace and stability in Africa should be cherished.“