A freedom fighter in Zimba district in Southern Province has implored African leaders to guard jealously the democracy their countries have enjoyed for many years.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Zimba today, Jackson Hamaamba said various countries should uphold the tenets of democracy as they celebrate Africa Freedom Day tomorrow, May 25th.

Mr. Hamaamba reminded Zambians not to drift away from the peace and unity on which Zambia’s foundation was laid.

He said the Africa Freedom Day is a special occasion for the continent to reflect on challenges and build on the achievements recorded since the end of imperialism.

“It is our duty to guard our democracy and contribute to the economic and social development of the continent through individual nations,” he said.

Mr. Hamaamba is happy that President Hakainde Hichilema is building the nation with a message of unity through the ‘One Zambia, One nation’ motto.

He stated that Zambia’s forefathers abandoned all their selfish desires and put the country’s interest first for them to gain political independence.

“We only have one Zambia and one nation therefore, let us abandon all forms of misgivings that hinder the nation from developing but move forward as a united front,” Mr. Hamaamba said.

He said the struggle for the liberation of Africa was done with a spirit of love, unity, dedication and commitment.

He explained that in Zambia for example, a number of freedom fighters rejected scholarships to study abroad just to ensure that they participated in the country’s liberation struggle.

The 85-year-old Mr. Hamaamba praised the first president Kenneth Kaunda and his compatriots who were committed and united to win the struggle for Zambia’s independence.

The freedom fighter has since urged the new generation to take time and learn the history of Zambia and the African continent to understand where its people are coming from.

The 2022 Africa Freedom Day is celebrated under the theme ‘leveraging on national resources to boost food security’.