Zambian President, Michael Sata has died after receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness, the government says. He was 77.
President Sata, who was being treated in the UK, died in London’s King Edward VII hospital on Tuesday night.
Media said that he died after “a sudden increase in heart rate”.
It is not immediately clear who will succeed the president. The issue may be decided by the Zambian cabinet which meets on Wednesday morning.
Cabinet secretary Roland Msiska said on national TV: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing on of our beloved president.”
He said that Mr Sata’s wife and son were at his bedside at the time of his death.
“I urge all of you to remain calm, united and peaceful during this very difficult period,” Mr Msiska added.
The president’s death comes just days after Zambia celebrated the 50th anniversary of independence from the UK. He is the second Zambian leader to die in office after Levy Mwanawasa who died in 2008.