Fight graft - Mrs Mwanawasa

2009-08-19 14:54

Lusaka - The widow of Zambia's late president Levy Mwanawasa urged the nation to carry on his fight against corruption, after his predecessor Frederick Chiluba was cleared of embezzlement charges.

Maureen Mwanawasa spoke at a memorial held one year after her husband's death, where rival politicians openly embraced in Lusaka's Cathedral of the Holy Cross, although Chiluba was conspicuously absent.

"We should emulate his stance against corruption. He repeatedly told the close family members that they should not expect sympathy from him if they were engaged in corrupt activities," she said.

"He was prepared to lose friends and he challenged unfairness even when it came from foreign heads of states," his widow added.

Mwanawasa was handpicked by Chiluba to succeed him, but once in office his political protégé launched a sweeping anti-corruption drive that has landed convictions against a raft of top political and military figures, including Chiluba's wife Regina.

Political divisions

Chiluba on Monday was cleared in court of charges that he embezzled $500 000 in state funds during his 10 years in office, when the former trade unionist developed a taste for flashy suits and custom elevator shoes.

Two of his business associates were convicted and each sentenced to three years in prison in the same trial.

Current President Rupiah Banda, who has publicly defended Chiluba, hugged the leaders of the main opposition parties and repeated his call for the nation to overcome political divisions over the trial.

"Let us desist from all forms of antagonism that will disturb our peace. My brother Levy reminded us to work together for the good of the country," Banda said.

Mwanawasa died a year ago in France at age 59 after suffering a stroke.

- AFP