"Mwanawasa's stroke threatens political turmoil"

On the eve of the African Union summit in Egypt, Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa suffered a stroke and has since been flown to Paris for treatment. As this July 2nd, 2008, IRIN article describes, this may lead to political turmoil in Zambia. Mwanawasa's stroke is also a set back for Zimbabwe as he has been a strong voice, along with his diplomatic counterparts in Botswana, in criticizing Mugabe and the abuses of power during the presidential run-off campaign. He has also been critical of South Africa's "quite diplomacy".