African heads of state pay tribute to Kenneth Kaunda

Africa heads of state have paid tribute to the late former Zambian president and one of the last of a generation of liberation leaders, Kenneth Kaunda.

Kaunda died on Thursday, June 17, aged 97.

In a statement, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said he had learned with great sadness of the passing of the “champion of South Africa’s own liberation”.

He said his government had declared a period of mourning for 10 days, adding that flags will be flown at half-mast at all flag stations.

“He (Kaunda) devoted himself and the Zambian people to supporting liberation movements around our region in their quest for independence and freedom.

“Steadfast against the intimidation of the apartheid state, he offered Lusaka as the headquarters of the African National Congress in exile.

“Under his leadership, Zambia provided refuge, care and support to liberation fighters who had been forced to flee the countries of their birth.

“He stood alongside the people of South Africa at the time of our greatest need and was unwavering in his desire for the achievement of our freedom,” Ramaphosa said.

Meanwhile, Botswana’s president Mokgweetsi Masisi described the late former president as an “iconic statesman of the highest credentials” for his “selfless dedication to the interests of his own country as well as the well-being of neighbours and humankind at large”.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan said Africa had “lost a liberation fighter, patriot and true Pan-Africanist”.

PICTURE: Twitter/@CyrilRamaphosa

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