Zambia President Sata dies in London

President of Zambia Michael Chilufya Sata, 77 passed away in London at King Edward VII’s hospital, Beaumont St, where he had been hospitalised from October 19, 2014 according to Zambia Reports  and Reuters.

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

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.

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.

Presidential by elections will be held in 90 days.