Kaunda : Still a force in Zambian politics

Opponent Blames Zambian Government for Shooting

Dr Kaunda had been campaigning against a law that stops him standing for re-election. He said he had no doubt the shooting was carried out on instruction from the highest level.

The leader of the opposition alliance in Zambia, Roger Chongwe, was more seriously injured, but is now out of danger.

The former president was ousted in democratic elections six years ago, and remains one of the main opponents to President Frederick Chiluba, who is currently out of the country.

The opposition alliance has waged a bitter campaign against President Chiluba ever since he barred Dr Kaunda from standing in presidential elections on the grounds that his parents were born in Malawi.

In response, opposition parties boycotted last year's presidential elections which President Chiluba easily won. The opposition has also challenged the nationality of President Chiluba, claiming that he was born of Zairean parents.

A High Court challenge on the President's parentage was recently defeated, but Dr Kaunda's followers have persisted in staging public demonstrations against the government. Many have been broken up by the security forces.