The Mandela exhibition celebrates the "Champion of Dignity and Equality"

The president described Nelson Mandela as one of the "greatest champions of human freedom, dignity, and equality of the last century" by opening an exhibition celebrating the late man's life. South African state and activist Thursday.

The exhibition at Kilmainham Prison in Dublin marks the centennial of Mandela's birth and traces the Irish contribution to the struggle against apartheid. Speaking of a podium located directly beneath a huge Mandela footprint securing the windows of his cell at Robben Island, Michael D Higgins noted the importance of exposure in jail, a place that would not have been a problem. he described as "a symbol not only of challenge and courage but of deep sacrifice".

He recalled how Mandela, during his first visit to Ireland in 1990, shortly after his release from prison, spoke of the independence of Ireland that had given hope to the South African people.

"We too will have a country that, as the great Irish patriots said in the 1916 proclamation, will cherish all the children of the nation," said Mr. Higgins, citing the former South African president.

The President applauded the contribution of the Dunnes Stores workers who, in 1984, refused to handle products imported from South Africa, a gesture he described as a "reference moment" for Irish protest against apartheid.

"The power of their protest and their principled position eventually led the Irish government to ban the sale of South African products to Ireland, and this ban remained in place until the end of the regime. Apartheid, "he said. of the "brave and principled" Mary Manning who was present at the opening of the exhibition.

million. Higgins called on international policymakers to follow Mandela's example to meet the many challenges of the 21st century, including climate change, war, famine and persecution. "These challenges are vast but not overwhelming, they must meet a sufficiency of courage, conviction and authenticity – courage, conviction and authenticity equal to that demonstrated by Nelson Mandela."

The exhibition is taking place at Kilmainham Gaol until January 12, 2019. Entry is free but reservation is required.