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Funeral held for former Zambian President Frederick Chiluba
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June 27, 2011
Original URL: http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Funeral_held_for_former_Zambian_President_Frederick_Chiluba



Frederick Chiluba, former President of Zambia, has been laid to rest in
the capital, Lusaka. Chiluba is credited with introducing democracy to
the nation.

Chiluba led protests that caused then-President Kenneth Kaunda to agree
to an election, which Chiluba won in 1991. During his two terms in
office he allowed foreigners to invest in the nation. He relinquished
his post in 2001 after attempts to modify the constitution to allow a
third term saw his turn to face protests. 

Chiluba was a figure of some controversy, being implicated in various
corruption allegations. Charged locally in 2002, a six-year trial
produced an acquittal but a separate trial in London saw a fraud
conviction in 2007. The British court ordered a repayment of £36
million, but the Zambians never enforced the ruling. Chiluba also faced
accusations of heavy-handed approaches to his opposition; outspoken
journalists were imprisoned, and politicians were dismissed for critical
remarks.

Public opinion has remained sympathetic to the former ruler, whose
funeral was attended by hundreds. It was projected on large screens and
broadcast on state TV. Current President Rupiah Banda, President of the
Democratic Republic of Congo Joseph Kabila, Zimbabwean Prime Minister
Morgan Tsvangirai and numerous provincial chiefs were among those
present. 

Mozambique's President, Armando Guebuza, sent condolences; both
Mozambican Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Co-operation Eduardo
Bacio Koloma and Ambassador to Zambia Maria Leocadia attended the
funeral at Belvedere Lodge. Chiluba's widow Regina and ex-wife Vera
Tembo both attended.

Chiluba was buried beside his successor Levy Mwanawasa, who died in
2008. Only former Presidents are buried at the cemetery. Chiluba's final
years were spent at home on the grounds of ill-health; he was already
unable to leave the country owing to the confiscation of his passport.

Koloma said the leader would be remembered beyond Zambia for his
championing of democracy. Mwaba Mushota, a friend of Chiluba, praised
the man's representation of workers. 

No cause of death has been released for Chiluba, who died at his Lusaka
home more than a week ago.

== Sources == 

* http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13929859
* http://www.daily-mail.co.zm/media/news/viewnews.cgi?category=8&id=1309133141