Monument to Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin unveiled in Zambia’s capital

A monument to cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space, was officially unveiled at the Russian House in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia.

The ceremony took place ahead of the 65th anniversary of Gagarin’s historic spaceflight on 12 April 1961, when the Soviet pilot and cosmonaut orbited the Earth aboard Vostok 1, completing a single orbit in 108 minutes, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

The event included a formal reception with representatives from Zambian ministries and agencies, heads of diplomatic missions accredited in the country, members of the public, and schoolchildren. Guests also enjoyed a cultural programme organised by the Russian House in Lusaka.

In his speech, Russian Ambassador to Zambia Azim Yarakhmedov noted that Gagarin’s flight—achieved just 16 years after the end of World War II—was one of the greatest accomplishments of the 20th century. He described it as a symbol of scientific progress, peaceful exploration of space, and humanity’s limitless potential.

The ambassador highlighted that in a remarkably short time, the Soviet Union not only recovered from the war but also achieved a groundbreaking scientific and technological feat through the efforts of pilots and cosmonauts like Gagarin.