South African History Online

Statement by President Nelson Mandela following the arrest of former President of Zambia, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda

26 December 1997

The South African Government has taken note of the arrest and detention in
Lusaka of Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, former State President of the Republic of Zambia
and wishes to express its disappointment and grave concern at this
development.

Given the commitment of the members of the Southern African Development
Community to the promotion and maintenance of democracy, good governance and
human rights in our constituent States and in the region generally, the summary
detention and arrest of a former State President and founder of that nation is,
whatever the substantive issues at stake, a matter of serious concern.

The detention without trial of political opponents is contrary to the basic
principles of a democratic polity, and will not serve to foster confidence in
the kind of free political activity to which the Harare declaration commits us
as States of this region. We wish to call upon the Zambian authorities to either
bring Dr. Kaunda to trial immediately or to release him from detention
forthwith.

We do trust that the matter of the detention of Dr. Kaunda will be resolved
speedily and in the interest of political stability and good governance in
Zambia and in our region.

For further details.
Professor JG Gerwel
082 990 2889

Issued by: Office of the President