Rupiah Banda, former Zambian president, dead at 85

LUSAKA, Zambia

Rupiah Banda, Zambia's fourth democratically elected president, died Friday in the capital of Lusaka after a two-year battle with colon cancer.

His son, Andrew, confirmed in a brief statement that the 85-year-old had passed on.

Banda, who ruled from 2008 to 2011, was instrumental last August in mediating a smooth power transition between incumbent Edgar Lungu and current President Hakainde Hichilema, a feat seen as his last significant contribution to the country.

Banda's death now leaves Lungu, who Hichilema ousted in the poll, as the nation’s sole surviving ex-president.

A former parliamentary deputy, Banda had wept in 2011 when he handed over power to Michael Sata.

Addressing the nation, Hichilema said Banda should be mourned with dignity and respect for his illustrious career in public service.

The president visited Banda on Thursday but his office only published images of him bidding farewell to Thandiwe, his widow.