"Zambian President Michael Sata has died and Vice President Guy Scott has been named interim president.
NBC News reported that Sata had recently fallen ill and had been receiving medical treatment in London where he died on Tuesday. He was 77.
“President Sata's demise is deeply regretted,"" said Cabinet secretary Roland Msiska.
Reuters noted that after news that the man nicknamed ""King Cobra"" had died, Scott was appointed as the first white head of state in sub-Saharan Africa in 20 years.
“Elections for the office of president will take place within 90 days. In the interim I am acting president,"" Scott said in a statement. ""The period of national mourning will start today. We will miss our beloved president and comrade.""
Sata was known for his larger-than-life personality and sharp tongue. He won the presidency after his fourth attempt in the 2011 elections.
His death came just days after the country celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence from the United Kingdom.
Sata was married to Christine Kaseba and has eight children.