Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu Dies at 68

Former Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has died at the age of 68, his political party, the Patriotic Front (PF), announced on Thursday.

According to a statement posted on the PF’s official Facebook page, Lungu passed away earlier in the day while receiving specialized medical treatment in South Africa. His death was confirmed by both his daughter and the family’s legal representative.

Lungu served as Zambia’s sixth president from January 2015 until August 2021. He assumed office following the death of then-President Michael Sata and won the subsequent presidential by-election. Lungu narrowly defeated opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema in the 2015 vote and went on to serve a full term before losing to Hichilema in the 2021 general election.

A trained lawyer by profession, Lungu previously held key ministerial portfolios, including Minister of Justice and Minister of Defence under Sata’s administration. His political ascent was rapid, with his presidential candidacy endorsed by the PF in late 2014 amid internal party disputes following Sata’s passing.

Lungu’s time in office was marked by major infrastructure projects and a focus on economic development, although it was also marred by accusations of democratic backsliding and economic mismanagement. His loss in the 2021 election marked a significant political shift in Zambia, as Hichilema and his United Party for National Development (UPND) campaigned on promises of transparency and reform.

Following his departure from office, Lungu kept a relatively low profile, though he occasionally surfaced in the national discourse and remained a respected figure within the PF.

Born on November 11, 1956, Lungu’s political legacy remains significant. According to Wikipedia, he ranks as the 5th most popular Zambian politician and the 8th most notable figure from Zambia overall.

Details regarding funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family and the Patriotic Front in the coming days.

Mimi Mefo Info