Former Zambian President Rupiah Bwezani Banda has died in his home on Friday, March 12, 2022.
Banda died of colon cancer around 1900 hours, his family and the presidency said. He was 85 years old.
Banda was diagnosed with cancer about two years ago and had been receiving medical treatment.
Addressing the nation in a special broadcast, President Hakainde Hichilema said ‘We recognise with fondness his long and illustrious career in public service and we appreciate his service to the nation’.
Rupiah Banda was Zambia’s fourth president. He was in power from 2008 to 2011.
He held senior diplomatic posts under first President Kenneth Kaunda before being named as Vice President in 2006 by then President Levy Mwanawasa.
Banda became acting president in mid-2008 when President Mwanawasa was down with stroke.
He eventually won the October 2008 elections and sworn-in as president.
