Tributes have been pouring in following the unexpected death of Kofi Annan, the former secretary general of the United Nations and tireless champion for peace. Annan ran the UN during a pivotal decade in the world. His achievements - both as head of the UN as well as in the activist roles he assumed after his tenure was over - were extraordinary. But he also stands accused of making some notable mistakes. Danny Bradlow argues that it will be up to history to decide if he made the right choices and struck the correct balance between doing good and tolerating evil. For his part, John J Stremlau reflects on Annan’s profound contribution to deepening democracy, particularly in Africa, as well as his willingness to reach out, listen to and cooperate with civil society groups.