Monday 9 March 2015

Zambian President Collapses, Hospitalised

Zambia's President Edgar Lungu collapsed on the podium while presiding
over a Women's Day celebration in Lusaka - less than two months after
taking over from a leader who died in office.

Lungu was rushed to a military hospital on Sunday, but the president's
office later issued a statement saying he had been treated for malaria
and there was no need for concern.

"I am feeling much better and have been told I have high levels of
fatigue and should take some rest," Lungu said in the statement.

"There is nothing to worry about."
Lungu came to power in January after the death in office of President
Michael Sata in October.

Rumours that Sata was ill had circulated widely before his death, but
were always denied by the government.

Sata was Zambia's second leader to die in office in six years,
sparking calls for presidential aspirants to undergo medical checks to
guarantee they are fit.

Lungu, who fell after standing for some 20 minutes during the
ceremony, is rumoured to have diabetes, the AFP news agency reported.

Presidential spokesman Amos Chanda said doctors at the military
hospital had conducted comprehensive medical checks and said Lungu's
results were good.

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