The president of Zambia, Edgar Lungu, fainted on Sunday during the country’s televised official annual ceremony for the National Defence Forces Day – which was immediately interrupted following the incident.

The 64-year-old head of state, who is running for re-election in August, suffers from the rare disease achalasia.

The condition affects the oesophagus and causes hypoglycaemic attacks.

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President Lungu had previously taken ill and hospitalised in 2015.

Sunday afternoon apparently saw President Lungu experience a sudden dizzy spell.

Nevertheless, Zambia’s leader has since recovered and continues to perform his duties — as per the official statement issued by the presidency.

President Lungu first took office in 2015 and maintained his powerful position in a disputed election the year after.

His official bid to partake in this year’s presidential race has been met with controversy.