Zambia President Edgar Lungu collapsed Sunday afternoon during the commemoration of Defence Forces Day in Lusaka, the country’s capital.
In a statement, Secretary to Cabinet and Principal Private Secretary Simon Miti said President Lungu experienced sudden dizziness but recovered immediately.
Miti said that the Head of State then walked to his car and returned to State House. The statement read:
His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, this afternoon experienced sudden dizziness whilst officiating at the 45th Defence Force Day Commemoration and Investiture Ceremony.
His Excellency recovered immediately and walked to the official car and returned to his residence at State House.
The President wishes to assure the general public and all concerned citizens and the international community that he is well and has continued to discharge his duties as Head of State Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Force.
His scheduled programmes will continue as planned.
Lungu had a similar experience in 2015, caused by what the presidency said was an “oesophagus condition”.
The four-hour defence day ceremony took place at Lusaka’s Freedom Statute on Independence Avenue where the Defence Forces showcased their military prowess.
The Zambian president used the event to conduct an investiture ceremony to honour gallant men and women in uniform.
President Lungu ascended to power in a by-election necessitated by Michael Sata’s death in 2014.