World leaders have joined the Nigerian Government and the family of Muhammadu Buhari in mourning the death of the former president.

Buhari, who led his country first as a junta head and later as an elected democrat, died Sunday at the age of 82, the presidency announced.

Current President Bola Tinubu said in a statement that his predecessor died in London at about 4:30 pm (1530 GMT) “following a prolonged illness”.

Buhari 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.

“He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn,” Tinubu said.

Buhari’s death has drawn condolences from leaders across Africa and beyond, heads of state and international officials, many of whom reflected on his influence in regional politics and international diplomacy.

Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, described Buhari as a statesman with “wisdom, warmth, and unwavering commitment to India–Nigeria friendship” during a recall of his meetings and conversations with Buhari on various occasions.

Modi said he joins “the 1.4 billion people of India” in mourning the loss and extends his “heartfelt condolences to his (Buhari) family, the people and the government of Nigeria.”

President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, described Buhari’s passing as a “devastating loss” and offered condolences to the Nigerian people and President Tinubu. “Our thoughts are with you all,” he said.

President Samia Suluhu of Tanzania also expressed her sympathies, saying that she is “deeply saddened” to learn the news and offered her condolences on behalf of the Tanzanian people. “May his soul Rest In Peace,” she said.

From East Africa, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in a message directed at both the Buhari family and the Nigerian nation, stated, “Our thoughts are with you during this time of mourning.”

Somalian President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud honoured Buhari’s “lifelong service and commitment to Nigeria’s stability and progress will be remembered” and praised that “Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaws.”

Within the global diplomatic community, Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and a former minister in Buhari’s government, reflected on her time in his cabinet.

“My heart is heavy as I join the people of Nigeria in mourning the passing of our former President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR. Serving as Minister in his government was an honour, and one guided by the values he lived: discipline, humility, and a deep love for our country. My prayers are with him and his family. May Allah SWT grant him Jannatul Firdaus.”

The Federal Government’s team, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, departed Nigeria for the United Kingdom to return Buhari’s remains to Nigeria for a state burial scheduled on Monday, July 14, at his hometown, Daura, Katsina State.