Wahala for di diplomatic world as Leila Shahid, first woman wey represent Palestine, don pass on at age 76. Na Wednesday, her family confirm say she die for her home inside southern France. E be like say we still dey feel di loss for di hearts of many wey know am.
Her sister, Zeina, don talk say ‘She die today,’ but she no drop any other gist wey fit explain di matter. Hala Abou-Hassira, di current Palestinian ambassador to France, no gree hide her feelings as she post for social media, e say Shayid na ‘iconic ambassador’ wey carry di message of justice go far.
Many people don begin send tributes, especially Majed Bamya, di deputy Palestinian envoy for United Nations. Bamya talk say Shahid na true voice for justice, freedom, and peace; na she dey inspire many young people to join di diplomatic side. Imagine how she take hold her people matter for di world stage?
Shahid don carry di torch for her people since 1989 when she start as di first female representative of Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) abroad. Na so she take start her journey wey pass through Ireland, Netherlands, and Denmark before she land for France as ambassador from 1994 to 2005. E no easy o!
Her life tell story of dedication and fight as she dey shout about di plight of her people, even dey call for recognition of Palestinian state until her last breath. She be born for Beirut in 1949; at dat time, plenty Palestinians don lose their homes dem due to war. A true daughter of struggle!
For interviews wey she don do, Shahid dey always emphasize say di world need to recognize di right of Palestinians to self-determine their future. Her recent talk still dey echo for many ears as she no pretend about di brutal situation wey dey happen for Gaza.
With her death, dem don lost one strong defender wey no gree sleep on dia rights. Abou-Hassira talk say her fight go continue as dem go follow di path wey she don lay down for dem. So, as people mourn dem, dem dey also ready to continue di legacy of Shahid wey don become a cornerstone for di Palestinian cause.
Leila Shahid don join those wey dey rest now, but her impact go live on as dem dey reflect on how this woman hold her ground for diplomacy and freedom fight for many years. E be like say di world no go ever forget di name wey Shahid don make shine bright!
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