Ex-Zambian President Rupiah Banda is dead.
Written by News Room on March 12, 2022
Zambia’s former president Rupiah Banda died on Friday at the age of 85 after a long battle with colon cancer, his son Andrew told newsmen.
The southern African country’s fourth leader since independence from Britain served for three years from 2008 — a term remembered for economic growth and corruption allegations.
Banda was vice-president when his predecessor Levy Mwanawasa unexpectedly succumbed to a stroke, propelling him into the top job.
But the veteran diplomat 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. Wealth accumulated in the hands of a few as corruption allegations surfaced, marring his reputation.
Seun Fakorede
