Bissau, Jan, 10, 2012 (SPS) - Guinea-Bissau's President Malam Bacai Sanha has died at a hospital in France where he has been undergoing medical treatment for an unspecified illness since late November, his office announced Monday.
In a statement read out over national radio, Sanha's office announced with "pain and sadness" that the 64-year-old leader had died at the Val-de-Grace military hospital in Paris. He is survived by his wife and one child.
Sanha was rushed to Paris in November for medical treatment after falling seriously ill. Even prior to that, Sanha had sought medical treatment abroad. He been in intensive care in neighboring Senegal before his treatment in Paris.
Although Sanha's illness is yet to be disclosed officially, French media reported citing unnamed hospital sources that he was suffering from acute diabetics. It is reported that Sanha was in coma before his death.
As per the country's constitution, the speaker of parliament, Raimundo Pereira, will now take over as the interim president until a new leader emerges from fresh elections to be held within 90 days. Pereira is from Sanha's African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC).
Sanha was elected to power in July 2009 after the assassination of former President Joao Bernardo Vieira earlier that year. (SPS)
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