WORLD LEADERS MOURN WITH PRESIDENT LUNGU
By Joy Siatubi
State House has continued receiving messages of condolences on the passing of First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda.
In messages of condolences to President Edgar Lungu, President Hage Geingob of Namibia has described the demise of Dr. Kaunda as a dark moment for Africa as he was a giant tree of the continent.
President Geingob says to the Namibian people, former President Kaunda will be remembered for his immense and selfless contribution to the liberation of Namibia.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says President Kaunda played a significant role in the fight against apartheid and contributed to unity, peace and stability in South Africa.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe says the passing of Dr. Kaunda has robbed the Kaunda family, the people of Zambia and Africa, of an exemplary father, an astute politician and leader whose immense contribution to the liberation of Southern African countries from colonial rule is well documented and acknowledged by the international community.
And Lesotho Prime Minister Moekestsi Majoro of says Dr Kaunda ‘s contribution to hosting Basotho’s political stalwarts in the liberation struggle for Basotho’s political and economic emancipation and true democracy in 1970 will forever be cherished.
President of Botswana Mokgweetsi Masisi says Dr Kaunda will be remembered for his relentless dedication and commitment to freedom for all, and service to his country during his tenure as Head of State from 1964 to 1991.
Other tributes have come in from Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and President Mahmoud Abbas of the State of Palestine and Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation.
And Algeria’s President Addelmadjid Tebboune says Dr Kaunda was from the first generation of militants who devoted themselves to the liberation and independence of Zambia and was the symbol of a long fight for freedom and dignity for the whole of Africa.
Others who have sent in their messages of condolence are President Frank -Walter Steinmeier of Germany, President Sauli Niinisto of Finland and Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella.
Meanwhile, International Conference on the Great Lakes Region Executive Secretary, Ambassador Joao Samuel Caholo says the African continent has lost one of its great sons, who will be remembered as a staunch pan Africanist who fought for the liberation of Zambia and provided a safe haven to refugees who had fled conflict in their own countries.
Also sending in their message of condolence are African Union’s Economic, Social and Cultural Council Head of Secretariat William Carew who said ECOSOCC stands in solidarity with the Kaunda family, the people of Zambia and the Government of the Republic of Zambia.
This is contained in a statement issued to ZNBC News by Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations, Isaac Chipampe.