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Rupiah Banda
Rupiah Bwezani Banda was the fourth president of Zambia, serving from 2008 to 2011. He became president after the death of Levy Mwanawasa, with whom he had served as vice-president since 2006. A veteran politician, Banda's involvement in Zambian politics began during Kenneth Kaunda's presidency, during which he held various diplomatic roles that enhanced his political experience.
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RUPIAH BANDA
Rupiah Banda was born on February 19, 1937, in Miko, Gwanda, in what was then Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. His parents had migrated from Northern Rhodesia in search of employment before his birth. Banda's educational journey was supported by a local Dutch Reformed Church preacher and the family of B. R. Naik, who had Indian roots. His political career began in 1960 when he joined the youth wing of the United National Independence Party (UNIP), marking the start of a lifelong commitment to public service.
In the early 1960s, Banda represented UNIP in Northern Europe before being appointed Zambia's Ambassador to Egypt in 1965. There, he formed a notable friendship with Jonas Savimbi, the leader of UNITA, and played a crucial role in allowing UNITA to establish offices in Lusaka. His diplomatic career continued as he became Zambia's Ambassador to the United States in 1967, a position he held for approximately two years before returning to Zambia to serve as the Chief Executive of the Rural Development Corporation and later as the General Manager of the National Agriculture Marketing Board.
Banda's contributions to Zambia's international relations did not stop there; he became the Permanent Representative to the United Nations and headed the U.N. Council for Namibia. His brief tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs in the mid-1970s was marked by efforts to negotiate a cease-fire in Angola, demonstrating his commitment to regional stability. In 1978, he was elected as a Member of Parliament for the Munali Constituency, although he faced electoral defeats in subsequent years. Despite setbacks, he remained politically active and served as Minister of State for Mines.
In 1991, Banda lost his parliamentary seat to a candidate from the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) but later supported a boycott of the 1996 elections. His political resurgence began when President Levy Mwanawasa appointed him Vice-President in 2006, recognizing his influence and the support of eastern Zambians for the MMD.
Following Mwanawasa's stroke in June 2008, Banda became acting president, providing updates on the president's health amid growing skepticism. After Mwanawasa's death in August 2008, Banda officially assumed the presidency, winning a closely contested election against Michael Sata of the Patriotic Front, who alleged electoral fraud.
As president, Banda focused on economic development and promoted Zambian trade internationally. His presidency, however, faced criticism for dismantling anti-corruption initiatives established by his predecessor. In the September 2011 election, Banda was defeated by Sata, ending his three-year term.
After leaving office, Banda faced serious allegations of corruption, leading to the revocation of his presidential immunity in 2013, making him only the second Zambian leader to experience such a fate. He passed away at the age of 85 on March 11, 2022, at his home in Lusaka after a battle with colon cancer. His death prompted a national mourning period, reflecting the significant impact he had on Zambian politics.
Banda was married twice; his first wife, Hope Mwansa Makulu, whom he wed in 1966, passed away in 2000. Together, they had three sons. He later married Thandiwe Banda, a political science teacher who served as First Lady during his presidency.
Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rupiah_Banda
GOVERNING TIME LINE
Rupiah Banda served as President of Zambia from August 19, 2008, to September 23, 2011. He assumed office following the death of President Levy Mwanawasa, as he was the vice president at the time. Banda left office after losing the 2011 elections to Michael Sata, completing his three-year tenure.