Kenneth Kaunda - the late Saambiya president passed away

[Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar]

African nations declare days of mourning to honour Kenneth Kaunda

Countries pay respects to Zambia’s late founding president, revered for helping many movements across the continent fight against colonialism.

Leaders across Africa have paid tribute to Zambia’s founding president, Kenneth Kaunda, who died on Thursday at the age of 97, declaring several days of mourning in their respective countries.

While in power, Kaunda hosted many of the movements fighting for independence or Black equality in other countries around the continent, standing up to white minority rule in countries such as Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe.

President Hage Geingob of Namibia said in a statement Africa lost “a giant of a man”.

“Kenneth Kaunda was a generous, affable, and a resolute leader who freed our region from colonialism.”

In appreciation of his contribution to their various struggles, some African countries on Friday announced varying periods of mourning and lowered their national flags to half-mast.

South Africa will mourn for 10 days, while Botswana, Namibia and Tanzania will pay their respects for seven days, their presidents announced.

Zimbabwe will mourn over three days.

‘Father of African independence’

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa described Kaunda as a “rightfully revered father of African independence and unity”.

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

“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. We will never be able to repay the debt of gratitude,” Ramaphosa added.

Kaunda had provided logistical help to a number of African liberation movements, including the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU) and the breakaway Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) of Southern Rhodesia and the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa.

The ANC’s Radio Freedom was allowed to broadcast from Zambia’s capital, Lusaka, and it was under Kaunda’s protection that the ANC waged an armed struggle, then a diplomatic one against apartheid.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame said in a tweet Kaunda’s “commitment to Africa’s liberation will never be forgotten”.

“His leadership on the continent and legacy of Pan-Africanism will live on for generations to come,” he said.

Countries pay respects to Zambia’s late founding president, revered for helping many movements across the continent fight against colonialism.

Leaders across Africa have paid tribute to Zambia’s founding president, Kenneth Kaunda, who died on Thursday at the age of 97, declaring several days of mourning in their respective countries.

While in power, Kaunda hosted many of the movements fighting for independence or Black equality in other countries around the continent, standing up to white minority rule in countries such as Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe.

President Hage Geingob of Namibia said in a statement Africa lost “a giant of a man”.

“Kenneth Kaunda was a generous, affable, and a resolute leader who freed our region from colonialism.”

In appreciation of his contribution to their various struggles, some African countries on Friday announced varying periods of mourning and lowered their national flags to half-mast.

South Africa will mourn for 10 days, while Botswana, Namibia and Tanzania will pay their respects for seven days, their presidents announced.

Zimbabwe will mourn over three days.

‘Father of African independence’

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa described Kaunda as a “rightfully revered father of African independence and unity”.

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

“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. We will never be able to repay the debt of gratitude,” Ramaphosa added.

Kaunda had provided logistical help to a number of African liberation movements, including the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU) and the breakaway Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) of Southern Rhodesia and the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa.

The ANC’s Radio Freedom was allowed to broadcast from Zambia’s capital, Lusaka, and it was under Kaunda’s protection that the ANC waged an armed struggle, then a diplomatic one against apartheid.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame said in a tweet Kaunda’s “commitment to Africa’s liberation will never be forgotten”.

“His leadership on the continent and legacy of Pan-Africanism will live on for generations to come,” he said.

Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine said Kaunda was one of Africa’s “few surviving independence heroes”.

Kaunda ruled Zambia for 27 years, taking the helm after the country gained independence from Britain in October 1964.

“For our founding father, it was not enough for his country Zambia to be liberated when the region and the African continent remained bonded in the shackles of colonialism and apartheid,” President Edgar Lungu told mourners at Kaunda’s house in Lusaka on Friday.

“He soldiered on to seek freedom for humanity,” Lungu said.

- Aljasiira

[Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar]

His death reminded me the following picture of him with my late father and the late Ibraahin Maxsmed Cigaal at madaxweyne C/rashiid's funeral. The picture was taken by AP news agency in Oktoobar 20, 1969.

The picture was accomoanies by the following caption:

From left : Somalia's Prime Minister Mohamed Ibrahim Egal; Zambia's President Kenneth Kaunda and Acting President of Somalia Sheikh Muktar Mohamed Hussien stand at the cemetery of Mogadishu, Somalia, on Oct. 20, 1969, during the burial of assassinated President Abdirashid Ali Shermarke, who was killed in Northern Somalia on Oct. 15, on the eighth day of a ten day tour of the drought stricken North region. A 22 year old policeman has been identified as the alleged assassin by the government. (AP Photo)

Associated Press (AP). 

Creation Date: October 20, 1969

[Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar]

I also made this screenshot from a video made by AP. The late madaxweyne Aaden Cabdulle can be seen on the far left as well as the late Cigaal on right along with dignitaries from Afrika and Khaliijka. 

My old man still dressed like that until his passing. Rabi ha u raxmado madaxdii Soomaaliyeed. 

[maakhiri1]

Zambia, were very fortunate to have him.

[Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar]

It was their Aaden Cadde. It was unfortunate Aaden Cadde - like many of his peers - passed away in a foreign country and not in our country he built its foundation. 

By the way, I used to think his name of Cadde was based on his skin colour. It seems naaneystaas wuxuu ku helay dharka wada uu gishan jiray. 

[Holac]

He was a good President. 

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

Rest in peace old lion. He was a great friend of Somaliland.