Death and state funeral of Nelson Mandela
former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela dies at 95 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Nelson Mandela died on 5 December 2013 at the age of 95, at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg, South Africa surrounded by his family after a prolonged lung infection.[1] His death was announced by President Jacob Zuma.[1][2] Reactions from governments, international organizations, and notable individuals, got worldwide media coverage for a man of honor
His death got reactions from Barack Obama, David Cameron, Pope Francis, Queen Elizabeth, Joe Biden, Harry Reid, Rihanna, Bashar al-Assad, José Mujica, Raul Castro, Nicolás Maduro, Prince William, and F. W. de Klerk.
The South African government announced a period of 10 days of national mourning ending with the state funeral on 15 December 2013. All flags on government buildings were flown at half-mast for the duration of this period.[3]
On 9 December, it was confirmed that at least 80 foreign heads of state and government would travel to South Africa to attend events.[4] Notable guests included the President of the United States and three former presidents of the United States; the President of India; the Prime Minister of Italy; the Vice President of China; the President of Brazil; the President of France; the President of Ireland; the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; the President of Germany; the Prime Minister of Australia; two former Governors General of Canada, the Prime Minister of Canada, and three former Prime Ministers of Canada; the Prime Minister of Jordan; and the President of Afghanistan. Royal dignitaries attending include, the King of the Netherlands, the King of Belgium, the Prince of Wales, the Prince of Asturias, the Crown Prince of Denmark, the Crown Princess of Sweden, the Crown Prince of Norway, the Crown Prince of Japan, and the Queen Rania of Jordan.[3]
Queen Elizabeth II honored Mandela with a thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey in early 2014.[5][6][7]
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The South African government declared Sunday, 8 December 2013 to be observed as a national day of prayer and reflection.[3]
We call upon all our people to gather in halls, churches, mosques, temples, synagogues and in their homes for prayer services and meditation, reflecting on the life of Madiba and his contribution to our country and the world.
— Jacob Zuma, 6 December 2013
Mandela's body lay in state at the Union Buildings in Pretoria from 11 to 13 December 2013.[1]
State funeral, Qunu
The state funeral was held on 15 December 2013 in Qunu in the Eastern Cape. He was later buried there on the same day.[1]
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