Zambian president Michael Sata has died after an illness, the country's government said.

Mr Sata died shortly after 11pm yesterday at London's King Edward VII hospital, where he was being treated, Cabinet secretary Roland Msiska said in a statement.

Mr Sata's wife, Christine Kaseba, and his son, Mulenga Sata, were at the 77-year-old president's side when he died, Mr Msiska said.

Mulenga Sata is the mayor of the Zambian capital, Lusaka.

"I urge all of you to remain calm, united and peaceful during this very difficult period," Mr Msiska said in an appeal to Zambians.

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