RB Eulogized for selfless service to nation
Hector Simfukwe-Late former President RUPIAH BANDA has been eulogised for his selfless service to the nation and international community.
And visiting Heads of State from Zimbabwe EMMERSON MNANGAGWA and HAGE GEINGOB of Namibia have paid tribute to Mr. BANDA.
Dr. MNANGAGWA says Mr. BANDA was a committed Pan Africanist and leaves behind a rich legacy of dedication and commitment.
Namibia’s President Dr. GEINGOB said Mr. BANDA has left a rich history of having been a leader of two African countries.
He says apart from being President of Zambia, Mr. BANDA was also Elected President of Council for Namibia at the United Nations in 1974.
Dr. GEINGOB has described the 4th President as a pan Africanist.
The duo sad this during President BANDA’s State funeral at Lusaka’s Show grounds.
And addressing the mourners, President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA said Mr. BANDA played a huge role in the aftermath of the August 2021 general election.
President HICHILEMA said Mr. BANDA in the company of former President of Tanzania JAKAYA KIKWETE and former President of Sierra Leon ERNEST BAI KOROMA facilitated power transition.
MEANWHILE, Dr. KIKWETE who represented that country’s President SUHULU HASSAN said Mr. BANDA’s death is a loss to Tanzania as he was a great friend who was instrumental in promoting bilateral relations.
He said bilateral, political and diplomatic relations between his country and Zambia are what they are today because of Mr. BANDA.
Former Malawian President BAKILI MULUZI who represented current President LAZARUS CHAKWERA commended President HICHILEMA for facilitating Mr. BANDA’s access to medical services.
Dr. MULUZI said Mr. BANDA’s smooth handover of power to Mr. SATA in 2011 set a huge example to Africa as most states end up in conflicts after elections.
And Former President of Botswana Lieutenant General IAN KHAMA said Mr. BANDA did so much for the region and its people during regional meetings.
General KHAMA said a few weeks ago he visited Mr. BANDA upon being invited and they engaged on various issues despite him being frail.
Kenyan President UHURU KENYATTA in a message delivered by JAMES WAINAINA Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development said Mr. BANDA supported various peace efforts in the region as a diplomat.
He applauded the late former President for having enhanced bilateral ties between Zambia and Kenya cementing relations established by founding fathers of the two nations.
Mr. KENYATTA said even after leaving office, Mr. BANDA visited Kenya several times.
And representing President of Botswana MOKGWEETSI MASISI, Local Government Minister ERIC MOLALE said Mr. BANDA ensured bilateral relations between Zambia and his country remained strong.
African Union Commissioner for Trade ALBERT MUCHANGA said Mr. BANDA was a respected leader who served Zambia and the continent even in his retirement.
Others who delivered words of consolation are former President of Mozambique JOACHIM CHISANO and Angolan Minister of External Relations TETE ANTONIO.
President HICHILEMA later led the dignitaries in viewing the body of the former President.
The post RB Eulogized for selfless service to nation appeared first on .