Former South African President Nelson Mandela’s ailing health has overshadowed a visit by President Obama to the country on Saturday, though the U.S. leader has not ruled out a visit to the 94-year-old revolutionary.
Obama has not said that he would or would not visit Mandela in the Pretoria hospital where he has been since June 8, but that he would leave it up to the family, reports CNN.
“We'll see what the situation is when we land,” the President said while on his way to Johannesburg. “I don't need a photo op and the last thing I want to do is to be in any way obtrusive at a time when the family is concerned with Nelson Mandela's condition.”
Mandela has been in critical condition for six days, according to Voice of America. Visitors held an all-night vigil on Thursday night, lighting candles and praying for his health.
Some demonstrators have reportedly gathered to protest Obama’s visit because of their opposition to his foreign and military policies, though many are excited about his visit.
Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said that he is unsure whether Obama will visit Mandela.
“Essentially, it is a matter that we do not regulate the visits to Madiba. Those are matters that are handled by the family,” Maharaj explained. “But I did see statements from the United States that they would not be pressing for that, they would be guided by the family and the health interests of Madiba. So that’s where the matter stands, and it depends, really, on circumstances.”
Mandela’s family has said that he remains in critical but stable condition.
“They said Madiba is better than any other day. He is fine. They saw him this morning,” Free State premier and ANC chairperson in the province Ace Magashule told crowds outside the hospital.
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