Xinhua News Agency, Harare, March 11 (Reporter Zhang Yuliang) Lusaka News: Zambian President Hitch Lema announced on social media on the 11th that former Zambian President Rupia Banda died that day at the age of 85.
Hitchilema said he was very sad after learning of Banda's death. Banda's whole life was dedicated to Zambia and the African continent, "reflecting the highest state of patriotism".
Banda's son, Andrew Banda, told local media that Banda died at home at 19:00 on the 11th.
Banda's office issued a statement in October 2020 saying that Banda was suffering from colon cancer and was receiving treatment.
Banda was born in February 1937, served as Vice President of Zambia in October 2006, and served as President of Zambia from October 2008 to September 2011.