Juba, South Sudan
June 22, 2021 — South Sudan President, Salva Kiir Mayardit, has declared three days of mourning in solidarity with the people of Zambia and Africa to honor the life of the late Zambian President and founding father, Kenneth Kaunda who died on June 17 at the age of 97.
The incumbent sent his condolences on behalf of the country and the people of South Sudan to President Edgar Lungu, the government and the people of Zambia following the death of Founding President of Zambia, according to press release by the presidential unit.
“On behalf of the people of South Sudan and Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity, I offer my heartfelt condolences to Your Excellency and the people of Zambia,” H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit said, in a message of consolation communicated to the media by the Minister of Presidential Affairs Hon. Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin.
President Kiir declared three days of mourning across the country and urged government institutions and diplomatic missions to fly the flag at half-mast during the three days that commence effective from Tuesday, June 22, 2021.
“In honour to the Late Former President of Zambia Kenneth Kaunda, H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit has declared three days of mourning across South Sudan and instructs all the Government institutions and South Sudan’s diplomatic missions to fly flags Half-mast during this period beginning from today Tuesday 22nd June 2021”, the statement added.
According to the Minister of Presidential Affairs, Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin, Kiir and the people of South Sudan are saddened and grieving the death of President Kaunda.
” President Salva Kiir Mayardit and the people of South Sudan are deeply saddened and grieving with their brothers and sisters in Zambia and the entire continent for the immense loss, adding that the people of South Sudan stand in solidarity with the Government and people of Zambia”.
Dr. Benjamin eulogized the late founding father of the Zambian Nation as a true Pan Africanist who steadfastly supported the liberation of Africa from the scourge of colonialism, adding that Zambian former President Kenneth Kaunda gave a lot of support to the people of South Sudan during the liberation struggle and contributed tirelessly on the achievements of South Sudan’s independence.
Late. Kenneth Kaunda died four days ago at the age of 97 and he was the last Pan Africanists of his generation.
