Wednesday 12 November 2014

Photos: Zambia President Michael Sata State Funeral


The coffin of the late Zambian President Michael Sata is draped in Zambia's flag at the funeral in Lusaka, Tuesday, 11 November 2014 
 There was a deafening wailing when the coffin came into the stadium
Zambia has held a state funeral for President Michael Sata, who died last month aged 77 after receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness in a UK hospital.
Tens of thousands of people attended the Catholic Mass at the National Heroes Stadium in the capital, Lusaka.
Regional leaders were amongst those who came to pay their respects. More pics after cut...



Known as "King Cobra" for his venomous tongue, Mr Sata was elected Zambia's president in 2011.
The country is now being run by an acting president, and fresh elections are expected in January.
'Dance with my father' The BBC's Dennis Okari in Lusaka says when the coffin of the late president was brought into the stadium there was a deafening wailing.
A moving and emotional ceremony followed, he says.

Zambians shove to access the Heroes stadium ahead of the late Zambian president Michael Sata's state funeral on 11 November 2014 in Lusaka 
 Thousands queued to get a place inside Lusaka's Heroes Stadium for the funeral
 
The coffin of the late Zambian president draped in Zambia's flag at the funeral in Lusaka, Tuesday 11 November 2014  
The start of proceedings was delayed as the stadium filled up
 
The coffin of Michael Sata being brought into the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, Zambia 
 Several regional leaders also came to pay their respects
 
A portrait, centre, stands in front of the coffin of the late Zambian president at the funeral in Lusaka, Tuesday 11 November 2014 
 There was a Catholic mass followed by tributes
 
Christine Kaseba Sata, wife of the late Zambian president is comforted by first lady of Zimbabwe, Grace Mugabe (R) 
 Michael Sata's widow spoke and was comforted during the service by Zimbabwe's first lady Grace Mugabe
One of the president's children, Gerald Sata, sang Dance with my father, written by US soul singer Luther Vandross.
His widow, Christine Sata, also spoke.
"I am not sure whether you are able to hear all the great things your people are saying about you," she said.

 "Farewell my president, go well oh my love, rest in true peace."
Over the past week, members of the public have paid their respects to their former leader - streaming past Mr Sata's body as it lay in state at the Mulungushi International Conference Center.
His death came days after Zambia celebrated the 50th anniversary of independence from the UK.
He was the second Zambian president to die in office.

Source- BBC

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