ADDIS ABABA - The African Union (AU) expressed deep grief Friday over the death of Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa and icon of pan-Africanism.

The flags of member states of the pan-African organization are flying half-mast on the premises of the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

At a press conference, Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Chairperson of the AU Commission, said the AU Commission convened an emergency meeting following the death of Mandela. The commission made a number of decisions including the flags at the AU headquarters to fly half-mast for three days as of Friday, conducting special memorial services on Sunday in honor and memory of the late icon and opening book of condolence.

According to the deputy chairperson, the memorial service will be a joint event with the Ethiopian government, the South African Embassy and the AU Commission.

Mwencha said, “The AU is saddened by the death of Africa’s illustrious and transformation leader. Today As we mourn his loss, we wish to pay tribute to his life and legacy in Africa, especially his efforts to promote democracy, freedom and equality not in his home country South Africa, but across Africa and the world.”The AU said in a statement that Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of AU Commission, said, “Madiba, as he was fondly known, symbolizes the spirit of Pan Africanism and solidarity in the struggles of humanity against apartheid, oppression and colonialism and for self-determination, peace and reconciliation.”

Mandela fought a good fight, and bowed out with great reverence. His death is a great loss to his family, “to our continent and indeed to humanity itself,” said the statement.

“The African Union dips its banners and rededicates Africa to continue to honor his legacy.”

The AU Commission will have a wall of remembrance on its website, and Africans are encouraged to deposit messages of condolences on the site, according to the statement. (Xinhua)