Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has died at the age of 68. His passing was confirmed by his political party, the Patriotic Front, as well as by his daughter, Hon. Tasila Lungu-Mwansa, and the family’s attorney, Hon. Makebi Zulu. Lungu died in South Africa at Mediclinic Medforum Hospital in Pretoria, where he had been receiving specialized medical treatment. Edgar Chagwa Lungu served as Zambia’s sixth president from January 26, 2015, until August 24, 2021. He first assumed office following the death of President Michael Sata, winning a closely contested by-election. Lungu was later re-elected in 2016, again narrowly defeating his main rival, Hakainde Hichilema. His presidency was marked by economic challenges, political controversies, and efforts to diversify Zambia’s economy beyond its traditional reliance on copper mining. Lungu also made headlines for his strong positions on social issues and for commuting the sentences of hundreds of prisoners during his tenure.

After losing the 2021 presidential election to Hakainde Hichilema, Lungu initially retired from active politics but later returned to lead a faction of the Patriotic Front. His final years were marked by legal disputes and ongoing political division within his party.

The Patriotic Front, in an official statement, expressed deep sorrow over Lungu’s passing and indicated that funeral arrangements would be communicated in due course. His death marks the end of a significant chapter in Zambia’s political history, as Lungu played a central role in the country’s leadership for much of the past decade.

Dandaro Online Zimbabwe Latest News