Pretoria — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Nigeria following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Buhari, who led his country first as a junta strongman and later as an elected democrat, died on Sunday at the age of 82.
He governed Nigeria with a strong hand as a military ruler in the 1980s before reinventing himself as a “converted democrat”, serving two terms from 2015 to 2023.
In a statement, Ramaphosa expressed sympathy to Buhari’s family, friends, and associates, highlighting the late leader’s role in strengthening ties between South Africa and Nigeria.
On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, President @CyrilRamaphosa offers his deep condolences to the Government and nation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, following the passing of Former President Muhammadu Buhari. https://t.co/NQmqGsVvdB pic.twitter.com/uMEO20zvBH
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) July 13, 2025
“President Buhari led Nigeria as a patriot and a champion not only of the best attributes of his nation during his leadership, but of the future that awaited his great country,” Ramaphosa said.
Buhari served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2018. During his tenure, he worked closely with Ramaphosa to deepen cooperation between the two African powerhouses, especially in sectors such as arts and culture, education, agriculture, trade and investment, mining, defence, immigration, and science and technology.
Ramaphosa noted that the partnership forged under Buhari’s leadership has contributed significantly to Africa’s collective growth and development.
“I had the privilege of working closely with President Buhari on building relations between our countries and sharing numerous reciprocal visits — including during the Covid-19 pandemic,” Ramaphosa added.
Ramaphosa pledged that South Africa would continue to build on the legacy left by Buhari’s leadership
