Known as the “King Cobra” for his larger-than-life persona and feisty commentary, Zambian President Michael Sata died of as-yet-undisclosed causes at a London hospital Tuesday evening at the age of 77. There’s also plenty of talk about his white successor, acting President Guy Scott, on Twitter. Less than 24 hours after Sata’s death, here is how the world is remembering the long-time opposition leader, who was finally elected president in 2011. Here are 10 tweets about Zambian President Michael Sata’s death.
The Zambian communications agency tweeted this after President Sata’s death was announced:
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and nation on the death of our President #MichaelSata #MHSRIEP
— Media 365 (@Media365Zambia) October 29, 2014
This user tweeted out the above photo of the Zambian flag with her words. It was a fitting image since Zambia celebrated its 50th independence day on Oct. 24, just four days before Sata’s death.
Fox News pointed out that Zambia’s vice president — who is a white and of Scottish descent — became the country’s acting president. This makes Zambia the first African country in post-colonial history to have a white man in the office of president.
A user pointed out the momentousness of Sata’s death this way:
Did you imagine that a white man would rule Africans just 50 years after independence? #RIPMichaelSata #Zambia — Mainado (@mainado) October 29, 2014
While this handle kept her tweet about Sata:
Let us remember to mourn with dignity and respect #RIPMichaelSata pic.twitter.com/isKI5S3GFd
— Natasha Phiri (@NatashaPhiri) October 29, 2014
A Zambian law student sent out the above tweet.
This user from South Sudan looked toward the future with his tweet, that spoke of unity for Zambia.
The part-time Lusaka resident had this to say:
My thoughts and prayers go out to my fellow Zambians and the first family. #RIPMichaelSata — Chiseche Tembo (@MissSeich) October 29, 2014
CNN Cable News Network sent out the above tweet commenting on the man and his commitment to his country.
A user responded to the CNN tweet with this one:
@cnn the man is too old for a head of state, African leaders. RIP Mr President
— Nana Kwadwo (@NanaKOManu) October 29, 2014