Zambia: President Michael Sata Has Died

Late Michael Santa

The Fifth Republican President of Zambia Michael Chilufya Sata passed away this evening in London, as confirmed by multiple sources among the delegation.

President Sata, who had been receiving medical care in London for the past week, died at approximately 2100 hours local time on Tuesday night. He was 74 years old.

Just two days earlier, he had checked out of the Harley Street Clinic to receive private medical care in a central London hotel room.

The president's health had been the subject of numerous conflicting reports in the media and contradictory statements by Patriotic Front (PF) government officials for many months. Recently the president was unable to address the United Nations General Assembly, and was forced to depart Zambia just two days before the the 50th anniversary of independence.

President Sata was a significant figure in Zambian politics for more than 20 years, first rising to prominence serving as Education Minister and then later as a high ranking cabinet member under President Frederick Chiluba. He was elected president in September 2011.

Upon departure from Zambia, his Minister of Defence and Minister of Justice Edgar Lungu was appointed Acting President, though it is not clear who will serve following his death given a constitutional clause on parentage which may nullify Vice President Guy Scott. ...AllAfrica