Kufuor pays last respects to Mwanawasa

From Kwaku Osei Bonsu, GNA Special Correspondent, Lusaka, Zambia

Lusaka, Sept. 3, GNA - The mortal remains of the late Zambian President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, were on Wednesday laid to rest at the Embassy Park in Lusaka amidst outpouring of grief and pain.

The late Mwanawasa died on August 19, at the Percy Military Hospital in Paris, where he was admitted after he suffered a stroke on the eve of the African Union (AU) Summit in the Egyptian Red Sea Resort of Sharm-El-Sheikh in late June.

President John Agyekum Kufuor and 13 other African Heads of State joined the huge crowd of mourners from across Africa and beyond, who gathered at the forecourt of the Parliament House to pay their last respects and show their support for the nation.

Among them were AU Chairman President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, South African President Thabo Mbeki, President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki, Dr Bingu Wa Mutharika, President of Malawi and President Joseph Kabila, Democratic Republic of Congo. As the casket of the late Zambian leader borne on gun carriage and escorted by a long column of military vehicles, some mounted with guns, snailed its way to his final resting place, many people including some of Ministers of State shed tears.

Earlier at a pre-burial service, various tributes hailing his sublime leadership qualities of discipline, hard work, dedication, anti-graft and anti-corruption drive were read to his memory. President Mbeki, Chairman of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), described him as "a true African" who they were going to miss for his invaluable contribution to the political struggle to address the challenges facing the Region.

The best way to honour him, he said, was for the leaders to act in a manner that would advance democracy, peace, stability and economic development.

AU Chairman Kikwete said he would always be remembered as a great leader, who served with dignity, dedication, honesty and integrity and was never afraid to speak his mind.

The wife, Maureen Mwanawasa, labelled him as "real gem in the political community of Africa, a man who lived his word and demonstrated integrity in political governance."

"He was the anchor in my family, a disciplinarian, who was consistent in his approach to many issues. This is how I will remember you", she said in an emotionally touching tribute. Acting Zambian President Rupiah Banda said the late Mwanawasa left a worthy legacy and the only fitting tribute they could pay to him was to ensure speedy implementation of the policies and programmes he initiated to fight poverty and injustice. Meanwhile, President Kufuor has signed a book of condolence opened for the late leader at the Zambian State House, which for the past seven years served as his official residence. He wrote "Fare thee well, my friend. You served your nation and Africa well. Rest in perfect peace." The late leader became President of his country in 2001 and was re-elected in 2006.