Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu Dies at 68 in South Africa
Zambia is mourning the passing of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, who died early Thursday morning in South Africa. He was 68.
According to a statement by the Patriotic Front (PF), the former head of state had been receiving specialized medical treatment in Pretoria, the capital of South Africa, for an undisclosed illness.
Confirmation from Daughter Tasila Lungu
In a short video statement, Lungu’s daughter Tasila Lungu confirmed that her father passed away at 06:00 local time (04:00 GMT) while under medical supervision at a clinic in Pretoria.
“In this moment of grief, we invoke the spirit of ‘One Zambia, One Nation’ – the timeless creed that guided President Lungu’s service to our country,” she said, holding back tears.
A Brief Look at Lungu’s Presidency
Lungu came to power in January 2015 after winning a special election following the death of then-President Michael Sata. He served as Zambia’s president for six years until 2021, when he lost to Hakainde Hichilema in a landslide victory.
His tenure was marked by economic challenges, growing debt levels, and concerns over democratic freedoms, but also efforts to improve infrastructure and rural development.
Nation Mourns a Former Leader
News of his passing has sent shockwaves across Zambia, with many citizens and leaders from across the political spectrum expressing their condolences.
Funeral arrangements and official national mourning plans are expected to be announced by the Zambian government in due course.