Horst Koehler, Germany’s former president who served from 2004 to 2010 and was a passionate supporter of Africa, has died at the age of 81 following a brief illness.
In a heartfelt letter to Koehler’s widow, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier mourned the loss, calling him “a highly esteemed and extremely popular person who achieved great things—for our country and in the world.”
Chancellor Olaf Scholz paid tribute to Koehler on X (formerly Twitter), praising him as a “committed politician who worked throughout his life for a fairer world.”
Koehler passed away in the early hours of Saturday in Berlin, surrounded by his family.
An economist by training, Koehler was Germany’s first president who was not a career politician. Before assuming the ceremonial role of head of state, he was the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington and held various positions in banking and civil service.
Koehler’s presidency was propelled by then-opposition leader Angela Merkel, who later became chancellor. Initially little-known, he quickly earned recognition and admiration, securing re-election for a second term in 2009.
However, his tenure ended abruptly in 2010 after he resigned following controversial comments about German military involvement in securing trade routes abroad.
Throughout his presidency, Koehler was an ardent advocate for Germany’s potential and its role as a “land of ideas.” He emphasized the strength and creativity of the German people and promoted Germany as a global force for good.
Koehler’s foreign policy focus was particularly strong on Africa. He visited the continent numerous times, championing its potential for global development. Sven Behnke, head of Koehler’s office, noted that the former president saw engagement with Africa as “ethically imperative.”
Koehler also served as the United Nations’ envoy to Western Sahara from 2017 to 2019, helping to mediate the long-standing conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front. He was also a key member of a UN panel advising on the global development agenda beyond 2015.
Steinmeier reflected that Koehler “has given a great deal” to Germany, remembering him as a “stroke of luck” for the country.
AFP
