World

Desmond Tutu, South African equality activist, dies at 90

Published

5 years ago

December 26, 2021

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Desmond Tutu, South Africa’s Nobel Peace Prize-winning activist for racial justice and LGBT rights and retired Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, has died, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Sunday. He was 90.

An uncompromising foe of apartheid — South Africa’s brutal regime of oppression against the Black majority — Tutu worked tirelessly, though non-violently, for its downfall.

The buoyant, blunt-spoken clergyman used his pulpit as the first Black bishop of Johannesburg and later Archbishop of Cape Town as well as frequent public demonstrations to galvanize public opinion against racial inequity both at home and globally.

Tutu’s death on Sunday “is another chapter of bereavement in our nation’s farewell to a generation of outstanding South Africans who have bequeathed us a liberated South Africa,” Ramaphosa said in a statement.

“From the pavements of resistance in South Africa to the pulpits of the world’s great cathedrals and places of worship, and the prestigious setting of the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, the Arch distinguished himself as a non-sectarian, inclusive champion of universal human rights.”

Tutu died peacefully at the Oasis Frail Care Center in Cape Town, the Archbishop Desmond Tutu Trust said in a statement Sunday.

Tutu had been hospitalized several times since 2015, after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1997.

“Typically he turned his own misfortune into a teaching opportunity to raise awareness and reduce the suffering of others,” said the Tutu trust’s statement. “He wanted the world to know that he had prostate cancer, and that the sooner it is detected the better the chance of managing it.”

In recent years he and his wife, Leah, lived in a retirement community outside Cape Town.

Throughout the 1980s — when South Africa was gripped by anti-apartheid violence and a state of emergency giving police and the military sweeping powers — Tutu was one of the most prominent Blacks able to speak out against abuses.

A lively wit lightened Tutu’s hard-hitting messages and warmed otherwise grim protests, funerals and marches. Short, plucky, tenacious, he was a formidable force, and apartheid leaders learned not to discount his canny talent for quoting apt scriptures to harness righteous support for change.

The Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 highlighted his stature as one of the world’s most effective champions for human rights, a responsibility he took seriously for the rest of his life.

With the end of apartheid and South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994, Tutu celebrated the country’s multi-racial society, calling it a “rainbow nation,” a phrase that captured the heady optimism of the moment.

Nicknamed “the Arch,” Tutu was diminutive, with an impish sense of humor, but became a towering figure in his nation’s history, comparable to fellow Nobel laureate Nelson Mandela, a prisoner during white rule who became South Africa’s first Black president. Tutu and Mandela shared a commitment to building a better, more equal South Africa.

In 1990, after 27 years in prison, Mandela spent his first night of freedom at Tutu’s residence in Cape Town. Later, Mandela called Tutu “the people’s archbishop.”

Upon becoming president in 1994, Mandela appointed Tutu to be chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which uncovered the abuses of the apartheid system.

Tutu campaigned internationally for human rights, especially LGBT rights and same-sex marriage.

“I would not worship a God who is homophobic and that is how deeply I feel about this,” he said in 2013, launching a campaign for LGBT rights in Cape Town. “I would refuse to go to a homophobic heaven. No, I would say, ‘Sorry, I would much rather go to the other place.’”

Tutu said he was “as passionate about this campaign (for LGBT rights) as I ever was about apartheid. For me, it is at the same level.” He was one of the most prominent religious leaders to advocate LGBT rights. Tutu’s very public stance for LGBT rights put him at odds with many in South Africa and across the continent as well as within the Anglican church.

South Africa, Tutu said, was a “rainbow” nation of promise for racial reconciliation and equality, even though he grew disillusioned with the African National Congress, the anti-apartheid movement that became the ruling party in 1994 elections. His outspoken remarks long after apartheid sometimes angered partisans who accused him of being biased or out of touch.

Tutu was particularly incensed by the South African government’s refusal to grant a visa to the Dalai Lama, preventing the Tibetan spiritual leader from attending Tutu’s 80th birthday celebration as well as a planned gathering of Nobel laureates in Cape Town. South Africa rejected Tutu’s accusations that it was bowing to pressure from China, a major trading partner.

Early in 2016, Tutu defended the reconciliation policy that ended white minority rule amid increasing frustration among some South Africans who felt they had not seen the expected economic opportunities and other benefits since apartheid ended. Tutu had chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that investigated atrocities under apartheid and granted amnesty to some perpetrators, but some people believe more former white officials should have been prosecuted.

Desmond Mpilo Tutu was born Oct. 7, 1931, in Klerksdorp, west of Johannesburg, and became a teacher before entering St. Peter’s Theological College in Rosetenville in 1958 for training as a priest. He was ordained in 1961 and six years later became chaplain at the University of Fort Hare. Moves to the tiny southern African kingdom of Lesotho and to Britain followed, with Tutu returning home in 1975. He became bishop of Lesotho, chairman of the South African Council of Churches and, in 1985 the first Black Anglican bishop of Johannesburg and then in 1986, the first Black archbishop of Cape Town. He ordained women priests and promoted gay priests.

Tutu was arrested in 1980 for taking part in a protest and later had his passport confiscated for the first time. He got it back for trips to the United States and Europe, where he held talks with the U.N. secretary-general, the pope and other church leaders.

Tutu called for international sanctions against South Africa and talks to end the conflict.

Tutu often conducted funeral services after the massacres that marked the negotiating period of 1990-1994. He railed against black-on-black political violence, asking crowds, “Why are we doing this to ourselves?” In one powerful moment, Tutu defused the rage of thousands of mourners in a township soccer stadium after the Boipatong massacre of 42 people in 1992, leading the crowd in chants proclaiming their love of God and themselves.

After Mandela became president in 1994, he asked Tutu to head the truth commission to promote racial reconciliation. The panel listened to harrowing testimony about torture, killings and other atrocities during apartheid. At some hearings, Tutu wept openly.

“Without forgiveness, there is no future,” he said at the time. The commission’s 1998 report lay most of the blame on the forces of apartheid, but also found the African National Congress guilty of human rights violations. The ANC sued to block the document’s release, earning a rebuke from Tutu. “I didn’t struggle in order to remove one set of those who thought they were tin gods to replace them with others who are tempted to think they are,” Tutu said.

In July 2015, Tutu renewed his 1955 wedding vows with wife Leah. The Tutus’ four children and other relatives surrounded the elderly couple in a church ceremony. “You can see that we followed the biblical injunction: We multiplied and we’re fruitful,” Tutu told the congregation. “But all of us here want to say thank you … We knew that without you, we are nothing.”

Tutu is survived by his wife of 66 years and their four children.

Asked once how he wanted to be remembered, he told The Associated Press: “He loved. He laughed. He cried. He was forgiven. He forgave. Greatly privileged.”

Politics

Grenada PM Dickon Mitchell Wins Second Term as NDC Takes 14 of 15 Seats

Published

1 day ago

November 11, 2026

FNN NEWS

The National Democratic Congress secures its first consecutive election victories, strengthening Mitchell’s mandate as he faces demands for jobs, better healthcare and economic growth.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has won a second consecutive term after his National Democratic Congress (NDC) captured 14 of the country’s 15 parliamentary seats in the Nov. 5 general election, according to reported preliminary results.

The opposition New National Party retained one seat, St. George North West, won by Adrian Joseph. The outcome marks the first time the NDC has won consecutive general elections since its founding in 1987. NOW Grenada

NDC expands its parliamentary majority

Mitchell first led the NDC to power in June 2022, winning nine seats against the NNP’s six and ending the administration of former Prime Minister Keith Mitchell.

The latest result increases the governing party’s representation by five seats. The NNP contested the election under Emmalin Pierre, while Peter David led the Democratic People’s Movement, which won no constituencies. Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation

Jobs and healthcare among priorities

Mitchell has pledged to modernize Grenada’s economy, improve healthcare and reduce youth unemployment. He has also joined Caribbean leaders seeking an apology and reparations from Britain for slavery. apnews.com

His administration faces the broader challenge of sustaining development while continuing recovery from Hurricane Beryl, which struck in 2024. The International Monetary Fund has identified tourism, reconstruction and development investment as important supports for economic activity amid global uncertainty. imf.org

U.S. relations and international engagement

The United States established diplomatic relations with Grenada in 1974 following its independence from Britain. Cooperation has included counter-narcotics programs and humanitarian assistance, according to the U.S. State Department. United States Department of State

Those ties provide an existing foundation for engagement during Mitchell’s second term. Additional cooperation on investment, disaster preparedness and economic development would depend on decisions by both governments.

Tourism and investment opportunities

Tourism, agriculture and construction are central to Grenada’s economy. Their importance also leaves the country exposed to changes in international travel, global prices and extreme weather, according to the World Bank. World Bank Group

Hotels, visitor services, agricultural supply chains and infrastructure are areas to watch as the government pursues growth. A central question for the second term will be whether new development creates lasting employment and opportunities for local businesses.

The IMF reports that foreign investment continues to help finance the country’s substantial external financing needs, underscoring the importance of maintaining investor confidence. imf.org

What’s next for Prime Minister Mitchell?

With a larger parliamentary majority, attention turns to how Mitchell translates his election mandate into government action.

Based on his stated priorities, key developments to watch include healthcare proposals, youth employment initiatives and measures to modernize the economy. Budget allocations, implementation schedules and public reporting will provide practical ways to assess progress.

The expanded majority gives Mitchell stronger parliamentary backing. Delivering improvements in public services and household economic conditions will be the next test.

Independence and the 1983 intervention

Grenada gained independence in 1974 after periods of French and British colonial rule.

In October 1983, the United States invaded following the execution of Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and others during an internal power struggle. Grenada observes Oct. 25, the anniversary of the intervention, as Thanksgiving Day. apnews.com

Florida

Civil Rights Group Honors Nobel Peace Prize Winner Navi Pillay, Highlights Florida’s Trayvon Martin Connection

Published

1 month ago

October 13, 2026

FNN NEWS

FCRA representatives address reporters beside a “Justice for Trayvon” sign outside Florida’s regional offices in Orlando.

The Florida Civil Rights Association (FCRA) held a press conference outside the State of Florida’s regional offices in Orlando in 2012, calling on then-Gov. Rick Scott to take action following Trayvon Martin’s killing. Photo by FCRA

The Orlando-based civil rights association recalls supporting the former U.N. human rights chief’s 2012 call for an investigation into the teenager’s killing in Sanford.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Florida Civil Rights Association is congratulating 2026 Nobel Peace Prize winner Navanethem “Navi” Pillay, recalling her call for an investigation into Trayvon Martin’s killing and the international attention it brought to questions of racial equality and justice in Florida.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced Pillay’s selection Oct. 9 for her efforts to promote peace and international law. The South African jurist served as United Nations high commissioner for human rights from 2008 to 2014 and helped shape landmark international court decisions.

In a press release, FCRA President J. Willie David III said Pillay’s intervention connected a Florida family’s demand for answers to a broader concern for human rights.

“Pillay’s call for an investigation reinforced that a family’s demand for justice in Sanford mattered beyond Florida and the United States,” David said.
“We welcomed her intervention in 2012 because families deserve answers and the law must protect everyone equally.”

UN Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillay (Photo credit: UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferre)

FCRA recalls its response in 2012

Martin, an unarmed Black 17-year-old, was fatally shot by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman on Feb. 26, 2012, in Sanford, northeast of Orlando.

In April 2012, Pillay called for an immediate investigation into the killing as the case drew international attention and scrutiny of Florida’s Stand Your Ground law.

FCRA welcomed that call. The association’s current release cites an April 7, 2012, West Orlando News report that quoted David discussing the case’s global impact.

“The shooting death of Trayvon Martin and Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law have created a worldwide movement that calls into question how justice is delivered to victims of color,” David said at the time, according to the release.

FCRA describes the activism surrounding Martin’s death as a defining moment that galvanized a new generation of civil rights advocates.

Zimmerman was charged with second-degree murder and acquitted in July 2013. In February 2015, the U.S. Justice Department closed its separate investigation, finding insufficient evidence to pursue federal criminal civil rights charges.

Why Florida’s case drew global scrutiny

The Florida connection shows how the handling of a local killing can draw international scrutiny over racial discrimination, access to justice and the protection of human rights.

Pillay’s intervention brought those concerns into the international discussion surrounding Martin’s death. In September 2013, U.N. human rights experts also urged the United States to complete its civil rights investigation and examine concerns about racial profiling.

The significance lies in human rights oversight: how public institutions investigate deaths and provide equal treatment can attract attention beyond national borders. Pillay’s call was an appeal for investigation, rather than an international court judgment about Zimmerman’s guilt or Florida’s compliance with international law.

For FCRA, that connection remains relevant to how Florida leaders evaluate laws and practices affecting the communities they serve.

Pillay’s record in international justice

Pillay challenged discrimination under apartheid before serving on South Africa’s High Court, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Court.

At the Rwanda tribunal, she was part of the judicial panel that established that rape and sexual violence can constitute acts of genocide, a landmark development in international criminal law.

David said honoring that career should also encourage accountability at home.

“Her Nobel Peace Prize recognizes a career built on confronting injustice through the rule of law,” he said. “Honoring that work means demanding transparent investigations and equal protection here at home. Rights belong to everyone.”

A renewed call for fairness in Florida

FCRA urged Florida leaders to safeguard impartial investigations, examine whether Stand Your Ground and other laws are applied fairly, and address policies or practices that produce discriminatory outcomes.

Founded in 2005, the association advocates for civil rights, human rights and civil liberties through education, advocacy and accountability. Its statement links Pillay’s international recognition to a continuing demand for fairness and human dignity in Florida.

World

UN Chief Guterres Praises Pakistan’s Peacekeeping, Calls for Climate Funding

Published

1 month ago

October 8, 2026

FNN NEWS

Speaking at Pakistan’s Foreign Service Academy, the UN secretary-general praised the country’s humanitarian and diplomatic contributions while calling for financial reforms and inclusive artificial intelligence governance.

ISLAMABAD (FNN) — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres praised Pakistan’s contributions to peacekeeping, refugee protection and climate action during an Oct. 7 address in Islamabad, urging world leaders to strengthen cooperation as conflicts, inequality and technological change reshape international affairs.

Speaking at the Foreign Service Academy, Guterres highlighted Pakistan’s history of hosting Afghan refugees, its service in UN peacekeeping operations and its efforts to promote dialogue between the United States and Iran, according to a UN release of his remarks.

He identified four major challenges facing international cooperation: peace and security, inequality, climate change and artificial intelligence.

“Today, humanity faces challenges on a scale no nation can solve by itself,” Guterres said.

Pakistan’s peacekeeping and humanitarian contributions

Guterres described Pakistan as a country whose generosity and resilience he had witnessed during his service as UN high commissioner for refugees and secretary-general.

He recalled Pakistani families sharing their homes and limited resources with Afghan refugees, as well as communities supporting people displaced by terrorism.

Pakistani peacekeepers, he said, have served for generations in dangerous environments, protecting civilians and supporting fragile peace processes.

He also praised Pakistan’s role on the UN Security Council and its diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions between Washington and Tehran.

“I commend Pakistan’s efforts to help forge peace between the United States and Iran,” he said.

Climate funding and the legacy of the 2022 floods

Recalling his visit during Pakistan’s devastating 2022 floods, Guterres said the disaster illustrated the unequal burden of climate change.

Pakistan contributes around 1% of global emissions but faces severe climate risks, he said. Millions of people experienced catastrophic losses from a crisis they did little to create.

He described meeting residents who abandoned their possessions to rescue neighbors, children, older adults and people with disabilities.

“In moments of crisis, saving ourselves begins with helping each other,” Guterres said.

He credited Pakistan’s leadership of the Group of 77 and China with helping secure the Loss and Damage Fund, which is intended to assist developing countries facing climate-related losses.

However, he said less than $500 million had been transferred to the fund’s trust fund nearly four years later, compared with an annual global climate disaster bill of about $200 billion.

“A crisis costing billions cannot be answered with funding counted in the millions,” he said.

Guterres also highlighted Pakistan’s solar energy expansion, calling for greater support for renewable energy, resilient infrastructure and climate adaptation.

Debt, development and financial reform

Guterres warned that rising debt burdens and inadequate development financing are limiting opportunities in developing countries.

He called for changes to the international financial system to give those countries greater representation and access to financing for sustainable growth.

“Developing countries should not have to choose between servicing debt and investing in their future,” he said.

Pakistan’s young, entrepreneurial population offers substantial potential, he said, but realizing it requires economic opportunity, respect for human rights, the rule of law and protection of civic space.

Artificial intelligence: Opportunity and risk

Guterres said artificial intelligence could improve health care, education, agriculture and disaster preparedness.

He also warned that AI could deepen inequality, concentrate power, spread disinformation and disrupt employment.

Developing countries must help shape the rules and institutions governing the technology, he said, rather than serve only as consumers of systems developed elsewhere.

“The governance of AI must reflect the interests of all humanity,” Guterres said.

He identified the United Nations as a forum where every country can participate in shaping that future.

Conflict, Gaza and international cooperation

Marking the third anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, Guterres condemned the attacks and said nothing justified the scale of death and destruction that followed for Palestinians in Gaza.

He warned of the threat of ethnic cleansing in the occupied Palestinian territory and called for full implementation of the Gaza peace plan and preservation of a two-state solution.

More broadly, he said a world with multiple centers of power needs effective international institutions to prevent fragmentation and instability.

He called for a UN-centered system that better reflects today’s distribution of countries, economies and influence.

A closing message of dialogue and mutual respect

Guterres concluded by describing a painting by Pakistani artist Abdur Rahman Chughtai displayed between his personal office and conference room.

The artwork, a gift from Pakistan to the United Nations more than 60 years ago, depicts Mughal Emperor Jehangir and his wife, Nur Jehan.

He said it symbolizes Pakistan’s cultural heritage and the value of wisdom, listening and exchange among civilizations.

“Dialogue, understanding, cooperation — that is the spirit reflected in that magnificent Pakistani painting,” Guterres said.

Source attribution: This article is based on the United Nations release of Secretary-General António Guterres’ Oct. 7, 2026, address to the Foreign Service Academy in Islamabad. All direct quotations are attributed to Guterres.