The African Union (AU) is expected to honor Zambia's first President Kenneth Kaunda in the Union's upcoming 50th anniversary for the role he played in the liberation struggles in the southern African region, the Times of Zambia reported on Friday. The African regional body is scheduled to hold its 50th anniversary in May this year at its headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The Zambian envoy said Kaunda, who will turn 89 on April 24 this year, was among the great African leaders who immensely contributed to the liberation struggles in most African countries, adding that it was surprising that even after the immense contribution he made, the former Zambian leader was barely noticed.
Kaunda ruled Zambia from 1964 when the country gained independence from Britain to 1991 when he was defeated in an election after the re-introduction of multiparty politics. During his reign, he helped other countries to gain independence and Zambia hosted several freedom fighters from neighboring countries.
After retiring from active politics, the former Zambian leader has been involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS through his Kenneth Kaunda Children of Africa Foundation.