The Secretary-General was saddened to learn of the passing of the fourth President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Rupiah Bwezani Banda, on 11 March. He expresses his deepest condolences to the bereaved family, as well as to the Government and the people of Zambia.

Former president Banda was a visionary statesman who made significant contributions to peace and unity in Zambia and across the African continent.

The United Nations stands with Zambians in this period of national mourning.