Kaunda: Zambia Declares a-21 Day Mourning Period; Africa Mourns

By Akinwale Kasali

Like most African Presidents, he refused to leave office when the ovation was highest. He stepped down as President when he was defeated by a coalition in 1991

The Zambian Government has declared a-21 day mourning period for its former President and father of the Nation, Dr Kenneth Kaunda. Within the period, the National Flag will fly at half mast across the country. And a seal put on all social activities.

Kaunda, regarded as the father of the Nation, died Thursday at the age of 97.

He was one  of Africa’s legends for his role in the fight against colonialism. One of his books, Zambia Shall Be Free was a heat.

The former President was admitted to a military hospital in the capital, Lusaka, on Monday, suffering from pneumonia, which eventually led to his death.

The history of Zambia as a Nation cannot be written without the name of Kaunda been mentioned.

In the 1950s, Kaunda was a key figure in what was then Northern Rhodesia’s independence movement from Britain.

After gaining Independence for his nation in 1964, he became President.

As head of the left-leaning United National Independence Party (UNIP), Kaunda  led the country through decades of one-party rule.

Like most African Presidents, he refused to give way when the ovation was highest. He stepped down after losing multi-party elections in 1991.

Taking to his Facebook page on Social Media to announce the death of his Father, his son, Kambarage Kaunda wrote; “I am sad to inform Zambians that we have lost Mzee,” using a term of respect. “Let’s pray for him.”

Reacting to the death of Kaunda, Zambian President Edgar Lungu said the nation has lost a true African Icon.

“I learnt of your passing this afternoon with great sadness,” he wrote on his Facebook page. “On behalf of the entire nation and on my own behalf I pray that the entire Kaunda family is comforted as we mourn our first president and true African icon.”

The Nelson Mandela Foundation said Kaunda’s contribution to the struggle against colonialism and apartheid would not be forgotten.

Former Zambian Football National team captain and legend, Kalusha Bwalya, who paid tribute to the late Kaunda said he had made “an immense impact in Zambia and in Africa.

Former Nigerian President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, in a condolence message to the Kaunda family and Zambia, on behalf of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation and his family, paid tribute to a colossus who he said he had a close, cordial, relationship with.