Twitter reacts as BBC Africa editor, Fergal Keane, resigns due to PTSD

BBC Africa's editor, Fergal Keane, announced his resignation earlier today as a result of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD.

The BBC informed his fellow staff over a memo and many have taken to social media to show their support for the veteran war correspondence.

BBC Radio Ulster presenter Dearbhail McDonald was among those to tweet her support for the journalist. “We’ve all been inspired by Fergal Keane and will continue to be. Wishing him well in his recovery and his new role,” she wrote. [Guardian]

BBC Africa's Business editor, Larry Madowo, @Larrymadowo, tweeted, "Even with his decades of experience, Fergal Keane is always complimentary about relative nobodies like me. He’s an inspiring journalist who’s still teaching us by being so brave & open about PTSD. I’m rooting for you, we all are."

Michael Corcoran, @Michael C_RTE, RTE rugby commentator said, "full of admiration always for ?? @fergalkeane47 ? even more so now. Mind yourself please my friend.. Fergal Keane: BBC Africa editor steps down after PTSD diagnosis."

Twitter user, @Natunde said, "Fergal Keane was among the few international journalists to witness the horrors of Rwanda 1994. Years later, he kept talking about how it changed his life as a journalist but essentially as a human being (and not for the better) Wishing him a good recovery."

See more reactions below:

The compassionate & honest voice of #FergalKeane set the standard for genuine, unflinching journalism throughout my decades of following foreign news. That he is suffering from the damage human conflict causes is no surprise in someone so caring. I wish you well in your recovery

— Andrew Lindley ???????? (@pachelbel160) January 24, 2020

#fergalkeane An amazing journalist and writer. What traumas he must have seen, yet he kept on bringing the truth to those of us able to lie safe in our beds. And he shone a light on issues away from war zones, too - “Forgotten Britain” was outstanding. Here’s to healing.

— Farmer's Daughter (@sarecus) January 24, 2020

The outstanding journalist of his generation - continuing to be brave and honest in his decision to stand back from his role. #FergalKeane https://t.co/MyTGvRIi8k

— Dr Joanne Murphy (@changeresearch) January 24, 2020

Fergal Keane, a man with a huge heart (and many uncompromisingly human books to your name)...please look after yourself. #FergalKeane #PTSD #bbcnewshttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-51236199

— Graham Palmer ? (@GP_writer) January 24, 2020

#FergalKeane, #Irish #journalist, expert observer and commentator on #Africa, explains why #Zuma's fall is a chance to take some moral leadership in the great #continent https://t.co/tCpFdleRib #SouthAfrica

— Steve FRSA (@LeoMcGirr) February 17, 2018

I will be eternally grateful for #fergalkeane and the work he did in approaching 40 years of journalism - he carries a heavy personal price -to inform us honestly and with integrity https://t.co/89Cik7DKXd

— Shane- dont blame me (@Barmybuilder) January 24, 2020