Kaunda, Kenneth David

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Kaunda, Kenneth David (1924– ) Zambian statesman, president (1964–91). In 1959, he was imprisoned for membership of the banned Zambia African National Congress. In 1960, he became leader of the United National Independence Party (UNIP). Kaunda led Northern Rhodesia to independence as Zambia, becoming its first president. In 1972, he imposed single-party rule. Kaunda was a staunch opponent of apartheid and played a leading role in establishing an independent Namibia (1990). In 1991, severe economic problems and political unrest forced him to allow multiparty elections in which he was defeated by Frederick Chiluba. In 1997, after a failed military coup, Kaunda was imprisoned. In 1998, he was released and resigned as leader of UNIP.

http://www.kaundachildrenofafrica.org

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