President Hage Geingob has hailed the role played by late Zambian leader Rupiah Banda, following his death on Friday at the age of 85.
Banda, who was Zambia’s fourth president, died at home in Lusaka on Friday after a long battle with colon cancer, according to his family. In a message of condolences, Geingob said in Banda, Namibia has lost a dependable friend who contributed greatly to the liberation movements in southern Africa.
“The People of Zambia have lost a great statesman, former president Rupiah Banda. In 1974, President Banda, in his capacity as Permanent Representative of Zambia to the United Nations, took on the special responsibility of President of the United Nations Council for Namibia,” said Geingob.
“In that difficult assignment, president Banda played a pivotal role in advancing the cause of independence for the Namibian people.
Indeed, with his passing, Namibia has lost a dependable friend. But, we are comforted by his indelible contributions to the liberation movements of our region, and the socio-economic development of its
people.
During this hour of grief, I extend sympathies to his wife, Madame Thandiwe Banda, the children, and the fraternal people of Zambia. May his soul rest in peace.” Banda held senior diplomatic posts under first President Kenneth Kaunda before being eventually being named as vice president in 2006 by then president Levy Mwanawasa. He served as acting president in mid-2008 when Mwanawasa suffered a stroke. Banda narrowly won October elections the same year on a ruling party ticket. He served as Zambian president until 2011.