March 12, (THEWILL) – Former Zambian President, Rupiah Bwezani Banda, has died at age 85.
The former President, who ruled Zambia between 2008 and 2011, died on Friday at his home after a prolonged battle with colon cancer, diagnosed in 2020.
“It is with deep sadness that we learned today of the demise of Zambia’s 4th Republican President, H.E Rupiah Bwezani Banda. As we pray for the bereaved family, we know that the Lord will wrap them in His arms and comfort them”, said President Hakainde Hichilema.
His death comes a day after President Hichilema paid him a courtesy call at his residence, where he found him in high spirits.
Banda, was appointed Zambia’s Vice President to the late Levy Mwanawasa in 2006, after serving in several diplomatic posts under the presidency of Kenneth Kaunda.
Following Mwanawasa’s death in 2008, he was made acting President and narrowly won against opposition leader, Michael Sata, during the 2008 bye-elections.
Banda, however, was defeated in 2011 elections despite overseeing major economic growth during his tenure.
Zambia’s economy expanded during Banda’s brief presidency, mainly on the back of rising copper prices and a surge in Chinese investment.
He pursued a construction spree started under Mwanawasa, building much-needed roads, hospitals, and schools.
Zambia recorded a 7.6 percent increase in growth for 2011, up from 6.4 percent the previous year, for which Banda took credit.
He had hoped the economic uptick would convince voters to keep him in power.
In September 2011, he was heavily defeated by opposition leader, Michael Sata.
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