Saudi Monarch, Crown Prince Mourn Buhari’s Death, Extend Condolences to Nigeria

Saudi Arabia’s leadership has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, sending messages of condolence to the Nigerian government and people.

In separate cables dispatched to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, both King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud extended their sympathies over the loss of the former leader.

King Salman, in his message on Monday, conveyed his “deepest condolences and sincere sympathy” to President Tinubu, the family of the deceased, and the entire nation of Nigeria.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in a similar cable, emphasised the strong diplomatic and historical ties between the Kingdom and Nigeria.

“I extend to Your Excellency, the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the family of the deceased my deepest condolences and sincere sympathy,” he said.

He also paid tribute to Buhari’s long years of public service, noting the former president’s contributions to Nigeria’s political stability and national security.

“President Buhari was a leader of great integrity and dedication, and his contributions to Nigeria’s development will be remembered with respect,” the Crown Prince stated.

Muhammadu Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023 and as a military head of state in the 1980s, died on Sunday at the age of 82 following a brief illness.

President Tinubu, in his tribute, described Buhari as a “patriot and statesman who placed national interest above all else.”

A period of national mourning has been declared, with a state burial scheduled for Tuesday in Daura, Katsina State. Dignitaries from within and outside the country are expected to attend.