Zambia’s Sata mourns 'exceptional leader' Mutharika
Zambian President Michael Sata says he is deeply saddened with the demise of the late Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika, despite their difference including his arrest when he visited the country.
In his letter of condolence to the newly inaugurated President, Her Excellency Joyce Banda, President Sata expressed his deep sense of shock and sadness at the death of Mutharika.
“The Zambian people feel profoundly sorry for the loss of a true friend like President Wa Mutharika and shares Malawi’s sadness during this period of enormous pain,” stated President Sata in the letter released by George Challah, his press aide.
Sata also stated that Zambia particularly remembers Mutharika for the many years he spent in the country during his tenure as Secretary-General of COMESA.
- President Sata chatting with Mutharika – Picture by Chibaula Silwamba /Post of Zambia
“On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Zambia and indeed on my own behalf, I express our innermost condolences to you, the First Family, the Government and the people of the Republic of Malawi,” stated the President.
“Having known President Wa Mutharika during his tour of duty in Zambia, I can bear out that indeed, he was an exceptional leader and a close friend of our country. His sudden death is therefore a great loss not only for the people of Malawi, but for the Southern African region and the continent as a whole.”
Sata stated that the late Mutharika will also be remembered as a great reformer who championed the cause of humanity and dedicated his life to selfless service up to the time of is death.
“No doubt, my dear brother and colleague will be solely missed by all who knew him for the ideals that he firmly stood for,” President Sata stated.
He stated that during the period of national mourning in Malawi, Zambia commiserates with the people of the sister republic and joins them in spirit and prayerful reflection as the nation seeks God’s guidance to move forward.
