19 August 2008
Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa has died in France, where he had been hospitalized for the last seven weeks.
His death was confirmed by President Nicholas Sarkozy of France in a statement issued in Paris on Tuesday. Mwanawasa, 59, was transferred to a French hospital from Egypt after suffering a stroke on the eve of the African Union summit in July.
Sarkozy said Mwanawasa's death was "a great loss for the African continent, which appreciated his political courage [and] a great loss for democracy, of which he was an ardent defender all his life." He conveyed his and the French nation's condolences to Mwanawasa and the Zambian people.
Reuters reports from Lusaka that Vice President Rupiah Banda, who will likely become acting president pending new elections, announced Mwanawasa's death in a television broadcast.
Banda told Zambians: "Fellow countrymen, with deep sorrow and grief, I would like to inform the people of Zambia that our president Dr. Levy Patrick Mwanawasa died this morning at 1030 hours [Zambian time].
"I also wish to inform the nation that national mourning starts today and will be for seven days."
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President Mwanawasa, was a great leader in Africa and he leaves behind a legacy of bringing Zambia into a modern ideal democracy. His courage to speak his mind, while remaining true to himself, will be missed greatly. When the world asks about new democratic leader in the continent of Africa, President Mwanawasa will always stand tall. His was a deep African version of democracy, one not born of the western world arm twisting, but naturally based on African values. Yes, we can say there is democracy in Africa and we the sons and daughters of Africa can point to President Mwanawasa.
President Mwanawasa can never be accused of sucking up to anybody or the western world, but to the people of Zambia and Africa. That is the shape of democracy many of us have longed for. The one that is borne by the sons and daughters of Africa. One that looks back, but firmly holds on to the future of Africa. President Mwanawasa was that ideal African country President. DEEP CONDELSCENCE TO THE GREAT PEOPLE OF ZAMBIA.
This sort of thing challenges me to do the best I can for the virtues President Mwanawasa stood for. His belief in individual freedoms, in democracy; his love for peace and political maturity; these virtues he lived and fearlessly he spoke his mind. May many more like minded leaders emerge to fill the void. May the good Lord strengthen his family in this time of grief.
Phiri, You and I agree 100% on this ! Mwanawasa was a truly great African and my heart goes out to his family and the people of Zambia. No harsh words between us today Phiri, just mutual respect for a fallen warrior ! God rest his Soul , a truly brave and decent man !
My condolences to the family of the late President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, SC, and to the larger Zambian family. May Zambians mourn in dignity and face the future with courage. Let us pray for smooth transition in political leadership.
Deepest sympathy to the Mwanawasa family and the Zambian people.
I am distressed at the passing on of our dear and beloved President. God bless the Zambian people.
We were peace loving Zambians before Mwanawasa and will always be intelligent and peaceful in the decisions we make.
One Zambia One Nation!
Our prayers are for the people of Zambia at this sad time. May you continue to grow in hope in building your great nation.
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I am puzzled and unwell, I really don't know what to say apart from saying "May Our Beloved President Mwanawasa's Soul Rest In Eternal Peace Of Our Lord Jesus". I, We will miss him so much coz it is such a big lose.