The Significance of King Cobra’s Death

After months of medical treatment and rumors he was ill, President of Zambia Michael Sata died last night at King Edward VII Hospital in London. Elected to the presidency in 2011 after many attempts to unseat his predecessor, and political nemesis, Rupiah Banda, President Sata was soon nicknamed “King Cobra” for his comebacks, his personality, but also for his sharp remarks and criticisms.

President Sata was most critical of Chinese companies and foreign investors in Zambia, often claiming them to be exploitative. The shooting of 13 workers protesting wages by two Chinese supervisors fueled his promise to protect the Zambian workers from all foreign investors, and did so effectively by forcing all companies that invested in his country to abide by strict labor laws. Zambia has a record of being one of sub-Saharan Africa’s most stable countries when it comes to political transitions. Therefore the primary focus of a Zambia post-Sata is what will happen to foreign investment. There is no frontrunner at this time in Zambia, but there is the possibility foreign investors could come flocking back to the African country.

Zambia is one of Africa’s largest Copper producers, as well as Cobalt. Copper is used for the following: electrical wiring, telecommunication systems. piping systems, and more. President Sata’s death now opens the possibility that foreign investors, especially Chinese, will rush back to Zambia. This all depends on who will be President after the elections to be held in 90 days. Should that happen, the United States needs to be prepared to act before another opportunity to gain influence on the African continent slips once again to the Chinese.