Zambia’s former President Edgar Lungu has died at the age of 68 while receiving specialized medical care in Pretoria, South Africa, his party, the Patriotic Front (PF), confirmed on Thursday. His daughter, Tasila Lungu, stated in a video message that the former leader passed away at 06:00 local time after weeks under medical supervision. The exact cause of death has not been disclosed, though Lungu previously underwent throat surgery due to esophageal narrowing.
Lungu served as Zambia’s president from 2015 to 2021. Initially elected in a special vote following President Michael Sata’s death, he secured a full five-year term in 2016. His presidency was marked by increased Chinese infrastructure investments, but also by rising debt, economic hardship, and corruption allegations involving close allies—allegations he consistently denied. He lost the 2021 general election by nearly one million votes to Hakainde Hichilema, amid widespread dissatisfaction over the economy and governance. Though he initially announced his retirement, Lungu returned to politics in 2023 as opposition to President Hichilema grew. He frequently criticized the administration and alleged political harassment, including travel restrictions and police interference.
Despite a constitutional court ruling in 2023 barring him from contesting future elections—declaring he had served two full terms—Lungu remained a significant political figure. Born on 11 November 1956, Edgar Lungu studied law at the University of Zambia and trained at the Miltez army college. He held various ministerial roles, including home affairs, defense, and justice, before ascending to the presidency. President Hichilema expressed condolences, calling for national unity and respect in Lungu’s memory: “Let us come together, beyond political lines, to honour a man who once led our nation.”
