The condition of Zambian President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa had been making steady progress until Sunday night when his condition suddenly changed and required urgent intervention, Vice President Rupiah Banda said in Lusaka Monday.

The condition of Zambian President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa had been making steady progress until Sunday night when his condition suddenly changed and required urgent intervention, Vice President Rupiah Banda said Monday. (Xinhua, File Photo)

The intervention was conducted Monday morning, he said in website of state house of Zambia. But he didn't say what treatment Mwanawasa had received.

The team of doctors have reported that the intervention was successful but described the condition of the President as serious.

The nation will be informed in due course on future developments on the condition of the president, Banda said.

Mwanawasa suffered a stroke on June 29 in Sharm-el-Sheik, Egypt where he went to attend the African Union (AU) heads of state summit and he was admitted at Sharm-el-Sheik International Hospital. President Mwanawasa was then evacuated on July 1 to Percy Military Hospital in Paris, France where he is still admitted.

Vice President Rupiah Banda is fully in charge of all government functions after Mwanawasa's illness. He receives support from all line ministries in implementing various government programs.

Zambian chief government spokesperson Mike Mulongoti last month assured the nation that cabinet will continue implementing various government programs despite the Zambian leader's absence.

According to the Zambian Constitution, a presidential election is to be called within 90 days if Mwanawasa dies in office.

Mwanawasa is a favorite of the International Monetary Fund and Western donors. He has ruled Zambia since 2002 and has extended billions of dollars in debt relief after he cracked down on government spending and launched anti-corruption movements.