Zambian president deteriorating despite fresh surgery: deputy

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

LUSAKA (AFP) — Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa, hospitalised in France after suffering a stroke in June, required urgent surgery Monday after a rapid deterioration in his health, Vice President Rupiah Banda said.

"The team of doctors have reported that the intervention was successful but described the condition of His Excellency the President as serious," Banda said, citing a sudden downturn in Mwanawasa's health Sunday.

The 59-year-old suffered a stroke in Egypt on June 29, on the eve of an African Union summit. It was his second stroke in just over two years. He was airlifted to France after initially being treated in Cairo.

Health Minister Brian Chituwo told Zambia's parliament earlier this month that Mwanawasa would likely remain in the intensive care...