Africa has its first white democratic president

An African country has a white democratic president for the first time ever, although he was not directly elected to office.

Guy Scott, who was born in Zambia and whose family is of Scottish descent, has been named the interim leader of Zambia following the death in London of president Michael Sata, aged 77, the country's defence minister said.

Mr Scott, 77, was up until today vice-president of Zambia.

He told the Telegraph he was "very proud to be entrusted" with the presidency.

South Africa's FW de Klerk was technically the last white leader of an African country but he was elected under Apartheid.

Under Zambian law, presidential elections for a permanent successor for Mr Sata must be held within three months.

More: [Zambian president dies in London after undisclosed illness]2