 In 1997, Savimbi and the UNITA leadership named Dembo Savimbi's successor in the event of Savimbi's death.Consistent with this pre-ordained succession, Dembo assumed leadership of UNITA immediately following Savimbi's death in combat.Following Dembo's death, UNITA's leadership was assumed by Isaías Samakuva, who had served as UNITA's ambassador to Europe under Savimbi.