JOHANNESBURG , South Africa ( CNN ) -- Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa died Tuesday at a hospital in Paris nearly two months after suffering a stroke , Zambian and French officials confirmed . He was 59 . Levy Mwanawasa , president of Zambia , died after suffering a stroke nearly two months ago . Mwanawasa fell ill in late June at an African Union summit in Sharm El Sheikh , Egypt , Zambian officials said at the time . Mwanawasa 's death `` is a great loss for the Zambian people who respected and had great affection for him , '' according to a statement from French President Nicolas Sarkozy . `` It 's a great loss for the African continent as a whole , which appreciated his political courage , '' Sarkozy 's statement said . `` It 's a big loss for democracy , for which he was an ardent defender his whole life . `` France salutes his memory , full of courage and liberty . '' The Zambian leader was taken from a hospital in Egypt to an intensive care unit in Paris in June , but initial reports that he died days later turned out to be false . Mwanawasa would have turned 60 on September 3 . President Bush also issued a statement mourning the loss of Mwanawasa , described by the U.S. leader as `` a champion of democracy in his own country and throughout Africa . '' `` As President of Zambia , President Mwanawasa launched a sweeping anti-corruption campaign and dedicated himself to improving the welfare of all Zambians , '' according to the White House statement . `` As Chairman of the Southern African Development Community , President Mwanawasa worked tirelessly to uphold the values of good governance , speaking out against human rights abuses and threats to democracy when many others were silent . `` On behalf of the United States , we extend our sincere condolences to President Mwanawasa 's wife , his family , and all Zambians during this difficult time . '' CNN 's Nkepile Mabuse in Johannesburg , South Africa contributed to this report .
Zambia 's President Levy Mwanawasa died in March , nearly 2 months after inauguration . He fell ill in late June at African Union summit in Sharm El Sheikh . NEW : President Bush called him a champion of democracy throughout Africa .