Four US Presidents including incumbent Barack Obama would attend the funeral of former South African President Nelson Mandela who passed away recently.
U.S. President Barack Obama left Washington Monday morning, accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama, and former President George W. Bush and his wife Laura, reports Voice of America. Former presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter are also traveling separately to Johannesburg where the service will be held at the Soccer City stadium, the site of the 2010 World Cup,
George H.W. Bush is the only living former U.S. president who will not attend the event. His spokesman said the 89-year-old Bush is no longer able to travel long distances.
British Prime Minister David Cameron, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Cuban President Raul Castro and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon are among others also expected to attend the service for Mr. Mandela, who emerged from 27 years in prison to become South Africa’s first black president.