TheCable

President of Zambia, Michael Sata, has died.

Sata, who was receiving treatment at the Kind Edward VII hospital in London, United Kingdom, died on Tuesday night, but his death was only made public on Wednesday morning.

According to the BBC, Sata, who was nicknamed ‘King Cobra’, died after “a sudden onset of heightened heart rate”.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing on of our beloved president,” Roland Msiska, cabinet secretary, said in a statement read out on national TV on Wednesday.

“I urge all of you to remain calm, united and peaceful during this very difficult period.”

Sata assumed office of president south-central African nation in September 2011, succeeding Rupiah Banda, the same man who defeated him at the 2008 presidential election.

His failing health had been a source of concern to the country’s public as he was out of the limelight for a lengthy spell, but he made a surprise appearance at the parliament last month to deny reports of serious illness.

However, at the beginning of October, he travelled abroad for “medical check-up” and Edgar Lungu, the defence minister, was appointed acting president.