The President of Botswana Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi has declared seven (7) days of mourning the founding President of the Republic of Zambia Dr Kenneth Kaunda.

Kaunda, also known as KK died at a hospital in Zambia this Thursday aged 97.

Masisi decreed that all flags must fly at half-mast during the mourning period. In a statement, Masisi paid tribute to the late Dr Kaunda’s four-day State Visit to Botswana, from May 21st to May 24th, 1968.

The visit ushered in a period of unparalleled excellent bilateral relations between Botswana and Zambia.

He also spoke highly of the role he played in the liberation of most southern African countries.

It was during Dr Kaunda’s presidency, that bilateral relations between Botswana and Zambia blossomed over the decades, and so did the personal relations between him and the founding President of Botswana Sir Seretse Khama.

In his message of heartfelt condolences, President Masisi expressed profound sorrow and commiserates with the mourning nation of the Republic of Zambia.

He described Kaunda as an iconic statesman of the highest credentials and selfless dedication to the interests of his own country as well as the wellbeing of neighbours and humankind at large.

Masisi described Kaunda as Botswana’s best friend during the worst of times when the country was battling to find itself during the trying times of early independence when it needed friends the most.

President Masisi said the charismatic former President of Zambia is a grave loss to his compatriots and to all peace-loving people, in Botswana and elsewhere.