Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Messages of condolences have continued pouring in from across the world following the death of President Michael Sata in London on Tuesday, with US President Barack Obama and African Union Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma joining in expressing their condolences.
In his message of condolences, President Obama has conveyed his condolences on behalf of the American people to First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba Sata and the first family, as well as the Zambian people for loss of President Sata.
Mr Obama says the United States remain committed to its enduring friendship and partnership with the Zambia, and strongly supports a peaceful constitutional transition of power as the country moves forward during this time of sorrow.
The US President says America will continue to seek opportunities to enhance its bilateral relations, support Zambia’s democratic traditions, increase its development, and bolster its commitment to a free and just society.
And African Union Chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma says she has learnt with profound sadness the death of President Michael Sata.
Dr Dlamini-Zuma says since his election as Zambia’s fifth President in September 2011, President Sata has actively participated in the activities of the African Union.
She says will remember President Sata for his frankness and forthrightness during debates within and outside the continent.
Dlamini-Zuma states that as the continent sorrowfully joins the first family, the Government and people of Zambia in mourning President Sata, she has asked that the flags fly at half-mast at the African Union Headquarters.
She since on behalf of the African Union wished heartfelt condolences to the first family, the Government and people of Zambia.
And the Presidents of the European Council and European Commission say they have learnt of the death of President Michael Sata with great sadness.
In a joint statement of condolences, Herman Van Rompuy and Jose Manuel Barroso have described President Sata as a promoter of democracy in Zambia and a defender of the interests of ordinary people.
They have since conveyed condolences to the government and people of Zambia and the first family on behalf of the European Union and their own behalf.