http://theconversation.

com/kofi-annan-a-complicated-legacy-of-impressive-achievements-and-some-
profound-failures-101791

Kofi Annan (80) was an important historical figure who played a critical role in many key events
of the 1990s and 2000s. His death is therefore an opportunity to both celebrate his life and to
begin honestly assessing his contributions to the world.
The Ghanaian diplomat’s legacy is complicated. He served as both head of the United Nations
peacekeeping and as Secretary General of the UN. His tenure in these high offices – from 1992 to
2006 – were marked by great human tragedies as well as episodes of progress. His role in these
events raises difficult questions about individual responsibility and the role of international
organisations and their leaders in creating a more peaceful and just world.

On the plus side, his contributions were impressive. He was an effective diplomat, a shrewd
negotiator and an intelligent strategist. He was such a successful bureaucratic operator that he
was the first UN employee to rise to the position of Secretary General.