Nelson Mandela dies at age 95

Nelson Mandela, who became one of the world's most beloved statesmen and a colossus of the 20th century when he emerged from 27 years in prison to negotiate an end to white minority rule in South Africa, has died. He was 95.

In making the announcement yesterday, South African President Jacob Zuma said, "We've lost our greatest son," according to Al Jazeera.

The first black president of South Africa, Mandela's death closes the final chapter in the country's struggle to cast off apartheid.

Read more from Al Jazeera.