In a message, João Lourenço referred that it was with "profound consternation" that he received the news of the death, Thursday, of Kenneth Kaunda.
João Lourenço highlighted the achievements of Kenneth Kaunda, whose life was "dedicated to the liberation of the Zambian people", an action that also extended to the southern region of Africa, "where he served as a mediator for several conflicts and integrated the States of the Front Line against the apartheid regime in South Africa".
"As Head of State, his country was the rearguard of the liberation movements, having housed their political directorates, training centers and logistical bases", said the head of State.
According to João Lourenço, despite having abandoned active political life, Kenneth Kaunda did not fail to intervene, through his Foundation, in the fight against the HIV-AIDS epidemic and in other humanitarian fronts.
"The loss of him leaves a great void among his sympathizers, family and friends, as his humanist and solidary philosophy was recognized," he stressed.
The independence leader and first president of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda, died at age 97, "peacefully" in hospital, as announced by the Zambian government.
The former head of state, who led the former British protectorate for 27 years, was admitted to hospital in Lusaka on Monday with pneumonia.
