'Africa's Gandhi' Zambia's First President Passes Away at 97 (Comprehensive)

'Independent Hero' Kenneth Kaunda
Contributor to the Spread of Africa's Independence Wave

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Kenneth Kaunda (photo), 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 minister, 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 the wave of African independence during his time in office.

During his 27 years in power, Kaunda made Zambia a stronghold for anti-colonial organizations fighting white minority rule in Southern Africa.

Kaunda externally supported guerrilla groups in Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, influencing the independence of these countries.

He also supported the African National Congress (ANC), Nelson Mandela's party, allowing it to operate in exile in Zambia for 30 years.

Mandela had a particularly close relationship with Kaunda, visiting him first among foreign leaders upon his release from prison in 1990.

1969, Kenneth Kaunda, President of Zambia (second from left), visiting 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.

Additionally, Kaunda led a boycott of butcher shops that discriminated against black people in the 1950s, vowing not to eat meat until his country was governed by the black majority. However, he remained a vegetarian even after independence.

Meanwhile, Zambia plans to hold a mourning period for 21 days starting from the 17th.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.