President Sata, who was
being treated in the UK, died in London's King Edward VII hospital on Tuesday
night.
Media said that he died
after "a sudden onset [of] heightened heart rate".
It is not immediately clear
who will succeed the president. The issue may be decided by the Zambian cabinet
which meets on Wednesday morning.
"It is with a heavy
heart that I announce the passing on of our beloved president," cabinet
secretary Roland Msiska said on national TV.
He said that Mr Sata's wife
and son were at his bedside.
"I urge all of you to
remain calm, united and peaceful during this very difficult period," Mr
Msiska added.
Gravelly-voiced as a result
of years of chain-smoking, Michael Sata rose to political prominence in the
1980s. He quickly earned a reputation as the hardest-working governor while in
charge of Lusaka and as a populist man of action. But he was also known for his
authoritarian tendencies, an abrasive manner and a sharp tongue - and his
critics say his nickname of "King Cobra" was well-deserved.
A devout Catholic, Mr Sata
had worked as a police officer, railway man and trade unionist during colonial
rule. After independence, he also spent time in London, working as a railway
porter, and, back in Zambia, with a taxidermist company.
On the fourth attempt, Mr
Sata won presidential elections in 2011. At first he looked as if he would keep
promises to tackle corruption and create jobs and prosperity. But his term in
office was marred by a crackdown on political opposition and a decline in the
economy.
The president's death comes
just days after Zambia celebrated the 50th anniversary of independence from the
UK.
He is the second Zambian
leader to die in office after Levy Mwanawasa in 2008.
BBC News
Rest in peace
ReplyDeleteHe look frail and weak in d above picture.
ReplyDelete