Zambian ex-First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa dies aged 61

Zambia's former First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa has died at the age of 61.

She succumbed late Tuesday after a short illness at a hospital in the capital, Lusaka, her family said.

The former first lady was married to the country's third President, Levy Mwanawasa, who served from 2002 until his death in 2008.

President Hakainde Hichilema described her death as a "deep shock".

Trained as a lawyer, Mrs Mwanawasa was an active advocate for social justice, community development and public health issues.

She co-owned a law firm with her husband until he entered politics and was actively involved in her husband's successful presidential bid in 2001.

Before her husband's death in 2008, she was considered a potential candidate to succeed him but after he died, she did not seek to stand.

In 2016, Mrs Mwanawasa unsuccessfully ran for the position of mayor of Lusaka.

It is not clear if she was a member of any political party before her death.

She was a founding member and former president of the Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS, currently known as the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development.

Her efforts in community development earned her several awards, including the International Hope Award from World Vision in 2006.

"May her legacy of hardworking, kindness, compassion, and dedication to our nation continue to inspire us," said Nevers Sekwila Mumba, leader of Mr Mwanawasa's Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), now in opposition.

In his statement, President Hichilema called on the country to unite "as we join her family, and indeed the nation, in prayer".

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