{Zambia’s new president Edgar Lungu has undergone a medical check-up at the country’s military hospital.}
The check-up was described as “routine” but it nonetheless carries much significance in a country where two previous presidents have died in office over ill health.
Besides, Mr Lungu had himself been the subject of rumours of poor health during the election campaign.
“President Lungu undertook a baseline health parameters routine check-up at Maina Soko Military Hospital and attended the dentistry at Lusaka Trust Hospital,” said a statement issued by his spokesman Amos Chanda.
“Doctors have given him a clean bill of health. His personal physicians interviewed him yesterday as part of the process that he completed today.”
During the campaign for the presidency, Mr Lungu’s opponents raised allegations of his “ill-health”.
The privately-owned daily The Post and several online media had a field day quoting a supposedly leaked medical report signed by a doctor indicating Mr Lungu had been diagnosed with renal disease, allegations the candidate dismissed as “false and malicious.”
Realignments
Zambian politicians rarely discuss their health status. Mr Lungu later challenged his opponents to a joint medical test, but none came forward.
With two presidents having died in office – Levy Mwanawasa in 2008 and Michael Sata 2014 – Zambians have been demanding to know more about the health of their leaders, which was the reason why age was a major part of the presidential election campaigns.
President Lungu is 58 years old.
Meanwhile, the president is to make his first trip as Head of State to the African Union summit in Addis Ababa this week. his first trip to the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Thursday since he was inaugurated Sunday.
Vice-President Inonge Wina, Zambia’s first female deputy leader, will be in charge of the country’s affairs while he is away.
And in an apparent purge, President Lungu has fired the country’s attorney-general, Mr Musa Mwenye, only three days after the presidential inauguration.
The President’s office has indicated he will be making further changes upon returning from the AU summit.
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Africa Review}}
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