(Seychelles News Agency) - The Seychelles President James Michel has sent a message of condolences to Zambia's Minister for Home Affairs, Edgar Lungu, following the death of the Zambian President Michael Sata.

In a press statement, the Seychelles Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Michel extended his condolences to Sata’s family as well as to the government and people of Zambia.

“I pay tribute President Sata’s pivotal contribution towards the development of the African continent. Both Africa and Zambia have lost a true patriot,” said Michel in the statement.

".....the recent celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Zambian Independence, reminded us all that President Sata had dedicated himself to his country and to the strengthening of regional unity through SADC (Southern African Development Community) and to African unity under the banner of the OAU (Organisation of African Unity) and AU (African Union)."

Sata died in London where he was receiving medical treatment at the private King Edward VII hospital for an unspecified illness.

Vice-President Guy Scott has now been named acting leader until new elections are held in Zambia, which makes him the first white president of an African nation since the apartheid, when FW de Klerk ruled South Africa more than 20 years ago.

Scott whose parents were from Scotland will not be able to stand in upcoming elections to choose a new president as the Zambian constitution states that a candidate's parents must have been born in Zambia.

According to AFP, the Home Affairs Minister Edgar Lungu who was named acting president by Sata before he left for medical treatment in London has announced that presidential elections will be held within 90 days in accordance with the country's constitution.