Zambia ex-prexy Kaunda first in Boston U. African leaders program

Jet, Sept 23, 2002

Rather than face a coup in their countries, African leaders can now vie for a year's residence of teaching and writing at Boston University.

The program is designed to allow the former heads of state to gradually conform to civilian life.

Headed by former U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania Charles Stith, the African Presidents in Residence program aims to demonstrate that there is life after the presidential term is over.

The first president to take advantage of this opportunity is Zambia's former head Kenneth Kaunda, who will begin his year's stay in October.

Father of his country, Kaunda won independence for his country in 1964 and then ruled the Southern African nation for 27 years.

At Boston University, he will serve as a professor and take part in policy sessions on campus and throughout the U.S. His papers will be compiled by the university and eventually published as part of a series.

Kaunda will experience the life of a celebrity, living in a posh Back Bay district with round-the-clock security and a stipend (the amount has not been announced).

Stith said that landing Kaunda to initiate the unusual project was "a real coup." "He's a man of all the seasons," said the ex-envoy, who has his eyes on other former presidents, including South Africa's Nelson Mandela.