Zambia Mourns President Michael Sata: Kalusha Bwalya Pays Tribute
Zambia is in mourning following the death of President Michael Chilufya Sata, who passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2014, in London, where he had traveled a week earlier for medical treatment. He was 77 years old.
Among the many tributes paid to the late president was one from Kalusha Bwalya, president of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and a national icon. In a heartfelt message posted on Twitter, Bwalya expressed his grief:
“Heartfelt condolences to #mother Zambia on the passing of our President Michael Chilufya Sata. #No words. May his soul rest in peace.”
— Kalusha Bwalya (@KalushaPBwalya), October 29, 2014
President Sata, who had been in power since 2011, had been battling illness for some time. His last public appearance was at the UN General Assembly earlier in October, where he was unable to deliver his scheduled speech—raising concerns about his health.
His passing has left a power vacuum within the ruling Patriotic Front (PF), where leadership struggles had already been mounting. Defense Minister Edgar Lungu has been appointed interim president.
Sata was Zambia’s fifth president since its independence in 1964 and is remembered for his populist style and strong political presence. His death comes nearly two years before the next scheduled presidential election in 2016, potentially setting the stage for an early and contested vote.
