Bush tribute to late Zambian leader

Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa has died in a French hospital at the age of 59.

14:15, Tue, Aug 19, 2008

Zambian president Levy Mwanawasa has died in France

Mr Mwanawasa had a reputation for integrity and won praise for his anti-corruption and economic modernisation drive.

He also broke the traditional silence of African leaders toward his autocratic neighbour, Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe.

US President George Bush praised Mr Mwanawasa for speaking out against human rights abuses and threats to democracy "when many others were silent".

Mr Bush said in a statement that Mr Mwanawasa was a "champion of democracy in his own country and throughout Africa".

French President Nicolas Sarkozy called Mr Mwanawasa's death "a great loss for the African continent".

Mr Mwanawasa was admitted to hospital six weeks ago after suffering a stroke.