Zambian president dispels reports of being sick

Zambian President Edgar Lungu was on Thursday forced to appear on state television to dispel reports that he was sick and has been evacuated to South Africa.

On Wednesday, social media was awash with speculations on the well-being of the Zambian leader after a statement purported to come from the governing party said he had suspended campaigns ahead of the August 11 polls.

A statement purported to be from the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) secretary-general Davies Chama went viral, in which he was quoted telling party supporters that Lungu has taken a break and suspended campaigns.

The governing party chief has since denied issuing the statement.

Other reports claimed the suspension of the campaigns was because the Zambian leader was sick.

But Lungu, in a televised interview on the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC), refuted the reports that he was unwell and has been evacuated, saying he was enjoying the best of his health.

He said it was unfortunate that people could be spreading falsehood about his health and urged the media to be truthful.

He added that his campaign team has drawn up a campaign schedule that will take to all the 10 provinces.

Last year, Lungu collapsed while delivering a speech during the commemoration of the International Women's Day.

He later underwent a high-tech medical procedure in South Africa to correct the narrowing of his food pipe.

Lungu, 59, has a history of a condition that narrows his esophagus, or food pipe, which leads to low sugar levels. Endit