Zambian President Michael Sata Dies in London as Deputy Set to Take Control
Zambia's President Michael Chilufya Sata addresses the 68th United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York. Reuters file photo

Zambian President Michael Sata is said to have died in a hospital in London as Vice President Guy Scott is set to take control of the landlocked southern African nation.

Several local media reports have confirmed the death of Sata. However, the Zambian government is yet to make a formal announcement.

Sata, 77, passed away on Tuesday, 28 October due to undisclosed and prolonged illness at London's King Edward VII hospital. The hospital authorities have not commented on Sata's death either.

Sata had been undergoing treatment at the medical facility for more than a week.

Local reports suggest Scott is likely to take over following a formal power transfer but it is unclear whether the acting president Edgar Lungu will agree to it immediately.

Chiefs of all the armed forces and security agencies are thought to have met Scott before the government officially announces Sata's death.

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