Africa Gets First White President In 20 Years as Guy Scott becomes Zambia President

Zambian Vice-President Guy Scott has become the first white ruler of an African nation in 20 years after the death of President Michael Sata.

Sata died in a London hospital on Tuesday, October 28 and Scott was named interim leader on Wednesday, October 29.

The VP will fill the position until presidential elections can be held 90 days from now in accordance with the country’s constitution.

Defence Minister Edgar Lungu said:

“Dr. Scott will act as president of the Republic of Zambia until the country goes for a presidential by-election.”

The interim ruler also confirmed his appointment and announced the beginning of the mourning period for the late president. 

He said:

“Elections for the office of president will take place within 90 days. In the interim I am acting president.”

“The period of national mourning will start today. We will miss our beloved president and comrade.”

Scott, whose parents were from Scotland, will however not be able to occupy the position of president permanently as he is not eligible to contest for the office due to a provision in Zambia’s constitution which bars heads of state with foreign parents.

The last white ruler in Africa was South Africa’s F.W. de Klerk who lost to Nelson Mandela in the 1994 election that ended apartheid in the country.