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U.S. president Barack Obama expressed concern for former South African president Nelson Mandela on Thursday (March 28), who was admitted to the hospital for treatment of a recurring lung infection

"Obviously, we're all deeply concerned about Nelson Mandela's health," said Obama, after a meeting with the leaders of Sierra Leone, Senegal, Malawi and Cape Verde. "He's a hero I think to all of us. I'm sure that I speak for the other leaders here. And we will be keeping him in our thoughts and prayers, and his entire family."

Obama called Mandela a "inspiration" and praised him for his leadership and unflagging commitment to the South African people.

"We all recognize that he has given everything to his people, the people of South Africa, and to the people of the continent, and he's ended up being an inspiration to all of us," said Obama. "When we think of a single individual that embodies the kind of leadership qualities that we all