[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Kenneth Kaunda, the first president of Zambia in Africa and an independence hero known as the 'Gandhi of Africa,' has passed away at the age of 97.
Zambian President Edgar Lungu announced this on the evening of the 17th (local time) via Facebook.
President Lungu said, "On behalf of our nation, I offer my condolences," adding, "He was a true icon of Africa."
Former President Kaunda was admitted to a military hospital in the capital Lusaka on the 14th for pneumonia treatment.
Born on April 28, 1924, in a remote area of northern Zambia as the child of a Presbyterian pastor, he was a leader who led Zambia to independence under British colonial rule. After Zambia's independence, he became the first elected president in 1964.
Kaunda was criticized by the international community for nearly 30 years of autocratic rule. At the time, he defended himself in an interview with CNN, saying, "I am not a dictator. If there had been a multi-party system, Zambia would not have gained independence from imperialism."
However, he introduced a multi-party system in 1991 and peacefully handed over power to the opposition after losing the subsequent election.
He is especially recognized for his decisive contribution to the spread of Africa's wave of independence during his tenure.
Kaunda externally supported guerrilla groups in Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, influencing the independence of these countries.
Additionally, he played a key role in the 1975 Mozambique independence negotiations, as well as the 1980 Zimbabwe and 1990 Namibia independence negotiations.
He also contributed to resolving South Africa's apartheid issues and supported the African National Congress (ANC), Nelson Mandela's party, allowing it to conduct exile activities in Zambia for 30 years.
Mandela had a special relationship with Kaunda, visiting him first among foreign leaders after being released from prison in 1990.
On February 21, 1969, Kenneth Kaunda, President of Zambia (second from the left), is walking together with Jomo Kenyatta, President of Kenya, during a visit to Kenya. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]
CNN reported, "After retirement, Kaunda became one of the most respected figures in Africa," adding, "He devoted most of his post-retirement life to AIDS eradication efforts and was a representative figure of the African independence movement."
Earlier, in 1986, he lost one of his sons to AIDS.
Meanwhile, Zambia plans to hold a mourning period for 21 days starting from the 17th.
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