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Zambian leader pressured to quickly decide rival's fate
Hearing for Kaunda resumes Monday
December 27, 1997
Web posted at: 11:43 a.m. EST (1643 GMT)
LUSAKA, Zambia (Reuters) -- International pressure mounted on Saturday for Zambian President Frederick Chiluba to charge or release his political rival Kenneth Kaunda, locked in a maximum security jail after his Christmas Day arrest.
President Nelson Mandela of South Africa joined the United States and the Commonwealth in criticizing Chiluba for having detained Kaunda, 73, apparently in connection with an abortive coup attempt two months ago.
Home Affairs Minister Peter Machungwa told Reuters that Kaunda, who led Zambia to independence in 1964 and was president for 27 years, was being held in Kabwe north of Lusaka.
He said Kaunda had refused to eat or drink since being arrested. "This is a democratic society. We cannot force people to eat or not to eat," Machungwa said.
Kaunda was flown to Kabwe from Lusaka by military helicopter on Friday after a brief court appearance at which his lawyers challenged the 28-day detention order. The hearing was adjourned to Monday.
Mandela upset by arrest
Local newspapers on Saturday quoted Foreign Minister Kelly Walubita as having told diplomats in Lusaka that Kaunda had been arrested in connection with the coup attempt on October 28. No confirmation of the reports was immediately available.
Kaunda had left the country before the rebellion by junior army officers, and visited South Africa and Zimbabwe before returning to Lusaka a week ago. Kaunda and his United National Independence Party (UNIP) denied any connection with the disaffected army officers.
Mandela, one of the continent's leading statesmen, said in a statement he was disappointed and seriously concerned about the arrest of Kaunda.
"The detention without trial of political opponents is contrary to the basic principles of a democratic polity ... We wish to call upon the Zambian authorities to either bring Dr. Kaunda to trial immediately or to release him from detention forthwith."
Kaunda provided a safe haven for members of Mandela's African National Congress during their armed struggle against apartheid governments.
On Friday, the White House called for Kaunda's release, and Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku said regional leaders were concerned about Zambia's failure to charge the veteran politician formally.
Chiluba ousted Kaunda as president in polls in 1991 and subsequently changed the constitution so Kaunda could not run for the post again.
Related stories:
- Former Zambian president goes on hunger strike in custody - December 26, 1997
- Zambia's Chiluba defeats coup attempt - October 28, 1997
- U.S. envoy to seek peaceful end to Zaire war - April 28, 1997
- Zaire rebels give U.N. 60 days to repatriate refugees - April 27, 1997
- Zairian rebel leader, U.N. officials discuss missing refugees - April 26, 1997
- Zairian rebel leader pressed to provide answers - April 26, 1997
- As rebel noose tightens, Mobutu appears ready to talk - April 25, 1997
- Zairian prime minister offers to share power - April 3, 1997
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