Condolence book opened for late Zambian President

The Zambian High Commission in Ghana on Friday opened a book of condolences in honour of President Michael Sata, who died at a London hospital this week.

“The book of condolences is now opened from 9am each day, it is ready and all brothers and sisters can feel free to come to the High Commission and sign,” Zambian High Commissioner to Ghana, Mr Timothy Mwaba Walamba told journalists.

He said members of the public in provinces and districts in Zambia would be advised not to travel to Lusaka for the funeral as it is likely that the remains would be sent to each to their localities for people to pay their last respect.

Mr Walamba also said a 15-day national mourning has been declared, adding, “the problem is not a family problem it is a national problem”.

President Sata’s remains which arrive in the country on Saturday, November 1, would be buried on November 11, at Embassy Park in Lusaka, the national capital.

President Sata died on Tuesday night at the age of 77 after receiving treatment at King Edward VII Hospital in London for an undisclosed illness.

The Commissioner urged the people of Zambia to remain calm, united and peaceful while a befitting burial is organised for the president whom he described as “action man and hero”.

The president's death comes just days after Zambia celebrated the 50th anniversary of independence.

He is the second Zambian leader to die in office after Levy Mwanawasa in 2008 and the third to be buried at the Embassy Park.

Zambian Vice-President, Guy Scott has been named acting leader following the death of President Sata.

Presidential elections to choose a permanent successor would be held within 90 days, according to the Zambian constitution, the commissioner said.