Rupiah Banda was a former Zambian president who died at the age of 85 on March 11, 2022.
Banda was born in the British territory of Zimbabwe, on February 19, 1937.
He eventually went to his parents’ birthplace of Northern Rhodesia, now Zambia, before studying in Ethiopia and Sweden, where he got a degree in economics.
In the early 1960s, after finishing his studies, he began a diplomatic career in Europe. Later, he was named ambassador to Egypt, the United States, and the United Nations.
He took over the president in 2008, following the death of the then-incumbent Levy Mwanawasa.
He led the southern African country until 2011, when he lost elections to Michael Sata, the Patriotic Front leader.
He ruled Zambia for three years and faced corruption charges after leaving office on which he was acquitted.
Rupiah Banda sickness: What disease did Rupiah Banda have?
Banda personally announced in October 2020 that he was battling colon cancer.
Banda’s son, Andrew delivered the news by phone.
Rupiah Banda cause of death
Banda died at home in Lusaka, following a 2-year-fight with colon cancer.
He was survived by his second wife Thandiwe Banda, and eight children.
