Former Zambian President Rupiah Banda died Friday at the age of 85 after a long battle with colon cancer, the family announced.
The fourth leader of the southern African country since its independence from Britain served for three years from 2008, a short tenure marked by economic growth and accusations of corruption.
Rupiah Banda was vice president when his predecessor, Levy Mwanawasa, died of a stroke, which propelled him to the helm of the country. But the seasoned diplomat was then defeated in the 2011 election, despite overseeing massive economic growth under his tenure.
Zambia’s economy grew during Banda’s brief presidency, driven mainly by rising copper prices and a boom in Chinese investment. He continued the infrastructure work begun under Mwanawasa, building much-needed roads, hospitals and schools.
Zambia recorded growth of 7.6% in 2011, down from 6.4% the previous year, for which Banda took credit. He had hoped that the economic upturn would convince voters to keep him in power.
Most of the 17.9 million Zambians, however, have not reaped the benefits of the mining and construction boom. Wealth accumulated in the hands of the few, while accusations of corruption surfaced, tarnishing his reputation.
In September 2011, he was largely defeated by opposition leader Michael Sata.
(with Agencies)