UN Chief Kofi Annan steps down in a blaze of glory. Well deserved.

We join the decerning world in wishing this great son of Africa and outstanding international servant a happy and healthful retirement. I don't know that he'll get to rest or retreat from both public and private duty, though. But we must wish.

From early 2007 Annan will be on a feast of unabashed further recognition in the form/shape of awards, honours, garlands, monuments, grants and offers from a grateful and non-forgetting world. Rightly so.

Looking back will be easy and tortuous. Looking forwards will be dutiful and fruitful. Our dear Kofi, as a full-blood African, must and will manage both stretches competently. No question.

Well done, brother; welcome home.