Levy Mwanawasa: Difference between revisions

Vice-President Banda said on 18 August that Mwanawasa's condition had suddenly deteriorated and urgent medical intervention was necessary. The intervention was successful, according to Banda, but Mwanawasa remained in serious condition.<ref>[http://www.statehouse.gov.zm/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=413&Itemid=47 "UPDATE REPORT ON THE CONDITION OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT, DR LEVY P MWANAWASA, SC"], Zambian Presidency website, 18 August 2008.</ref> On 19 August, a family member who wished to remain anonymous stated that Mwanawasa had died early that morning. The news of Mwanawasa's death was confirmed by Banda through a television broadcast on the government-owned [[Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation|ZNBC]]. He informed the nation that Mwanawasa had died that morning at 10:30 (8:30 GMT) at the Percy Military Hospital in Paris. Expressing "immense grief and deep sorrow", Banda declared national mourning for seven days and urged Zambians to "remain calm and mourn our President with dignity".<ref>[http://www.statehouse.gov.zm/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=414&Itemid=47 "STATEMENT BY HIS HONOUR THE VICE PRESIDENT, MR. RUPIAH BANDA, MP., ON THE DEATH OF THE PRESIDENT"], Zambian Presidency website, 18 August 2008.</ref> The mourning period was extended to 21 days on 21 August.<ref name=Arrangements>[http://www.statehouse.gov.zm/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=416&Itemid=47 "STATE FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE LATE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA, DR. LEVY P MWANAWASA SC"], Zambian Presidency website, 21 August 2008.</ref>