National Statement by President Obama on the Death of Nelson Mandela by Gary Kopycinski on December 5, 2013 Gary Kopycinski Author More in National: Rep. Kelly Condemns FDA Approval of Flavored E-Cigarettes May 6, 2026 Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus Introduces Constitutional Amendment to Ban Slavery in Wisconsin February 24, 2026 Martha Washington’s Enslaved Maid Ona Judge Made a Daring Escape to Freedom – but the National Park Service Has Erased Her Story From Philadelphia Exhibit February 14, 2026 Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–December 5, 2013 – 5:25 P.M. EST