The Club de Madrid Members extend their condolences to his family, his friends and all the people of Seychelles. James R. Mancham was an enthusiastic Member of our organization, always ready to participate and always committed to the cause of democracy, freedom and human rights. He was an unfatigable Ambassador of his country and a champion of democracy.
Reconciliation and understanding were two key words not just in his vocabulary but also in his political actions. Just 11 months ago, he received the African Peace Award. The prize was granted by the United Religions Initiative who stated the following in a letter sent to Mr Mancham to communicate he would be recieving this award: “We have been following with great interest the outstanding work you are doing in promoting a culture of peace, interfaith harmony, cultural values, human dignity, human rights, human security, art and literature, good governance, international solidarity, building the image of Africa and lobbying for the interest of Africa through your active engagement as former President at national, regional and international level and through your books and poetry. It is my pleasure to inform you officially that the United Religions Initiative (URI) Africa have decided to honour you with the Africa Peace Award in 2016″.
These words perfectly summarize what James R. Macham meant for so many people in Africa, but also for his Club de Madrid fellows. Rest in peace.
