Zambia’s Former President Rupiah Banda Dies Aged 85

Former Zambian President Rupiah Bwezani Banda, 85, died at home on Friday after a short battle with colon cancer, his family and the presidency said.

Mr Banda was the fourth president of Zambia who was in power from 2008 to 2011

He was diagnosed with cancer two years ago and had been receiving medical treatment.

Mr Banda had asked Zambians to pray for him in the last few days he appeared in public follwing his illness.

Born in the then Southern Rhodesia, Banda entered the political fray at a tender age. He participated in Zambia’s struggle for independence.