International Community Mourn Kenneth Kaunda’s Death

Following the death of Zambia’s founding president Kenneth Kaunda, international press and government have flooded the internet to share their condolences and to remember Kaunda’s legacy.

From America to France and Spain, press outlets have been sharing their memories of a Zambian icon, Africa’s ‘Gandhi’, around the world.

First to report the news of Mr Kaunda’s death was the United Party for National Development (UPND) President Hakainde Hichilema, who shared the sad news through his Facebook page.

From there, All Africa picked up the news, sharing it with readers across the continent.

As outlets such as the BBC, Reuters, Bloomberg and Al Jazeera shared the news, their reporters started to develop obituaries to honour and remember the legacy which Kenneth Kaunda will leave behind.

An article shared by the BBC described Mr Kaunda as an “independence hero”, “a man of great personal charm” who has been hailed as a “modernising force in the continent despite his initial rejection of the concept of multiparty democracy.”

A second British news outlet, The Guardian, described him as “one of the most humane and idealistic African leaders in the post-independence age” as well as being a “man of great presence and charm.”

Not only did he create great change within the country, he did it with charm.

All outlets sharing their condolences have also reminded readers of Mr Kaunda’s autocratic tendencies, after he banned all opposition parties, enabling the founding President to rule Zambia for almost 30 years.

Embassies have also shared their condolences and joined the Zambian people in mourning the passing of the Frist Republican President.

The US Embassy in Zambia released a statement to ZANIS in Lusaka on Thursday evening.

“President Kaunda is known to the Zambian people as the Founding Father of the Republic of Zambia. He was steadfast in uniting Zambia’s 73 tribes through his commitment to “One Zambia, One Nation.” He advocated against discrimination of people of people living with HIV/AIDS and was a tireless advocate for the poor and marginalised,” the statement read.

“We extend to his family and the people of Zambia our condolences. We honor his memory and his service to the people of Zambia and across Africa. We mourn his passing. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the statement added.

Photo: Reuters