Zambia’s first president and a key figure in the country’s independence struggles has died at the age of 97 years.
He had been hospitalized in Lusaka, the country’s capital, since Monday for pneumonia.
Reacting to the former Zambia president’s death on Thursday, President Muhammadu Buhari described him as “one of the greatest African and world leaders of all time who loved his country and people profoundly.”
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant (Media & Publicity), Garba Shehu, Buhari said, “I have received his passing with great shock because I knew his contributions to the development of not only Zambia but also Africa at large.
“We can’t forget in a hurry how Kaunda gave shelter to anti-apartheid freedom fighters from South Africa and from former Rhodesia.
“The late Kaunda was one of the loudest voices for the liberation of Africa from colonialism and imperialism and he did so with passion and sincerity.
“It is impossible to reflect on Kaunda’s legacy without acknowledging his selflessness and passion for service.”
He then condoled with the family, the government and people of Zambia over the death.
