TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Zambian Vice-President Guy Scott has been named acting leader following the death of President Michael Sata, as reported by BBC News.
Presidential elections to choose a permanent successor will be held within 90 days, Defence Minister Edgar Lungu said.
Mr Scott becomes Africa's first white head of state since FW de Klerk in apartheid South Africa.
Mr Sata died in the UK aged 77 after receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.
He was being treated at London's King Edward VII hospital where he died on Tuesday night.
BBC NEWS