On the 17th of June 2021, the world learnt of the passing away of Dr Kenneth Kaunda, the last remaining Founding Father of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was launched in 1963. He was 97.
The AU Commission Chairperson Mr Moussa Faki Mahamat released a message of condolences, saying the sense of loss was indescribable.

“Africa has lost one of its finest sons. He embodied the true sense of Pan-Africanism, placing his own country Zambia at grave risk in order to provide safe harbour for the liberation movements of Southern Africa as well as its peoples. His championing of the Frontline States to defeat apartheid and white minority rule in Southern Africa laid the foundation for what we call regional integration today. The African Union stands in solidarity with the Kaunda family, the people and the Government of the Republic of Zambia as we mourn and honour the life of a freedom fighter, statesman, visionary and liberation struggle icon.”

A few weeks before his death, the African Union had honoured Dr Kaunda at its virtual Africa Day celebrations on the 25th of May, for his role in promoting African Cultural Renaissance, Pan-Africanism and continental integration.
The late former President was laid to rest on the 7th of July in Lusaka Zambia.