President James Michel has sent a message of condolence to Mr Edgar Lungu, Minister of Home Affairs of the Republic of Zambia following the demise of President Michael Chilufya Sata, President of the Republic of Zambia.

President Michel extended his condolences and wished fortitude to the family of President Sata, as well as to the Government and people of Zambia as a whole.

President Michel remarked that the recent celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Zambian Independence, reminded us all that President Sata had dedicated himself to his country and to the strengthening of regional unity through SADC and to African unity under the banner of the OAU and AU.

"I pay tribute President Sata's pivotal contribution towards the development of the African continent. Both Africa and Zambia have lost a true patriot," stated President Michel.

Editors note:
• The appointed interim leader of Zambia is Vice-President Guy Scott