A profound sadness settled over us with the news of Kwezi Kennedy Mngqibisa’s passing on November 27th, 2025. The news, delivered by Martha Kiiza Bakwesegha, resonated with a quiet, overwhelming grief – a feeling we call *Agahinda*. Today, we gather not only to mourn, but to celebrate a life dedicated to service and the spirit of a true brother.
I first encountered Kwezi in 2008, in Nairobi, at a pivotal moment in my own life. Returning to Africa after nearly two decades in the United States, I prepared to join the African Union Mission in Somalia, filled with uncertainty. A morning meeting with the team from ACCORD changed everything. Kwezi’s warm smile and infectious energy immediately set him apart.
His initial question – “My Chief, where are you from?” – sparked a connection that would profoundly shape my journey. He possessed a deep and unwavering love for Africa, a passion that radiated from within. It was the beginning of a brotherhood built on shared purpose and a mutual desire to see our continent thrive.
Kwezi wasn’t just a colleague; he was a teacher. He introduced me to influential Pan-African thinkers, challenging my perspectives and encouraging deeper contemplation. Over dinner at Furusato in Nairobi, he imparted a lesson that remains with me to this day, a lesson rooted in the philosophy of Ubuntu – our shared humanity.
He explained that a true Pan-Africanist requires moral clarity, a commitment to unity, dignity, and liberation, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of African solidarity. Then, looking directly at me, he simply stated: “My Chief, in the end, our only tribe is our common humanity.” This encapsulated Kwezi’s essence – a thinker, a mentor, a builder of bridges.
Our work took us to some of the most challenging regions of the continent: Somalia, the Great Lakes region, CAR, Libya, and South Sudan. We stood side-by-side, united in our purpose, witnessing both the depths of despair and the resilience of the human spirit. Kwezi remained a constant – steady, courageous, and imbued with a remarkable sense of humour.
He possessed a rare understanding of conflict, not just as a political phenomenon, but as a deeply human experience. He valued dialogue, truly listened to others, and always upheld their dignity. He understood the power of connection, even in the most fractured environments.
Just days before his passing, on November 17th, Kwezi called, eager to contribute to the AU-led mediation efforts in eastern DRC. Our conversation was filled with hope and purpose. He submitted his expression of interest, which I promptly forwarded, convinced he would play a crucial role. Fate, however, had a different plan.
The year 2025 has brought hardship for many, but Kwezi’s loss feels particularly acute. He departed at a time when his voice, his wisdom, his moral compass, and his unwavering belief in African solidarity were desperately needed. Yet, even in his absence, he leaves us with a profound responsibility.
That responsibility is to embody the values he championed throughout his life. To strive for unity, to uphold dignity, and to remember that our shared humanity transcends all borders. Kwezi Mngqibisa dedicated his life to these principles, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all.
Kwezi was a dedicated advocate for civilian peacekeeping, particularly in the realm of CIMIC – Civil-Military Cooperation. He actively participated in regional and international forums, sharing his expertise and contributing to the ongoing dialogue surrounding peacekeeping strategies. He trained peacekeepers in conflict management and presented on critical issues within the field.
He held a Bachelor of Administration degree, majoring in Public Administration and Political Science from the University of the Western Cape and the Rand Afrikaans University. He will be remembered by countless individuals whose lives he touched through his work, his wisdom, and his unwavering commitment to a more peaceful and unified Africa.
