A chartered plane carrying the body of Zambia’s president Michael Sata arrived in Zambia from London, where he died in a hospital after a long illness.
Mourners, some carrying pictures of Sata, gathered on Saturday at the main Lusaka airport before the arrival of the plane. Security forces were also on hand to escort a vehicle carrying Sata’s body to a conference centre, where family, officials and the public will view the casket.
The burial is scheduled for November 11. Acting President Guy Scott said security forces will not tolerate any violence or other illegal activity while the country mourns Sata. Under the Constitution, a presidential election must be held within 90 days.
Sata died on Tuesday while undergoing treatment in London’s private King Edward VII hospital for an unspecified illness.
Sata’s remains will lie in state at Lusaka’s Mulungushi International Conference Centre where Zambians can pay their respects before the funeral.
Sata was sick
For months, officials in the southern African nation repeatedly denied that Sata was sick, despite several trips abroad for medical help.
Fresh elections to pick a new president must be held within three months after Sata’s death. Scott is not expected to run. The public will be allowed to view the body from Sunday until November 9, and parliament will host a thanksgiving ceremony on November 10.
Books of condolences have been opened at government offices in the capital, in the provinces and at Zambian embassies abroad. On November 11 Sata will be buried at Embassy Park cemetery, near government offices in Lusaka’s Long Acres suburb. The graveyard is reserved for heads of state and two of Zambia’s former leaders – Frederick Chiluba and Levy Mwanawasa – are buried there. – AFP