Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has passed away at the age of 68, his political party, the Patriotic Front (PF), announced on Thursday, June 5. Lungu died in South Africa, where he had been receiving specialised medical treatment. His death was confirmed by his daughter and the family’s lawyer, according to an official statement released by the party on its Facebook page.
Lungu served as the sixth President of Zambia, holding office from January 2015 to August 2021. He first rose to the presidency in a by-election following the death of President Michael Sata in 2014. At the time, Lungu was serving as Minister of Defence and Minister of Justice. He narrowly won the 2015 election under the banner of the ruling Patriotic Front, defeating opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development (UPND). Lungu secured a full five-year mandate in the 2016 general elections, once again defeating Hichilema in a closely contested poll.
During his tenure, Lungu embarked on an ambitious infrastructure development agenda, investing heavily in roads, bridges, and public facilities across Zambia. His administration also made efforts to modernise the energy sector and improve access to electricity. However, these projects came at a high cost, contributing to a sharp increase in national debt. Critics of Lungu’s government raised concerns about economic mismanagement, rising unemployment, and growing public debt that placed significant pressure on Zambia’s finances.
Edgar Lungu as Zambian President
Edgar Lungu’s presidency was also marked by growing concerns over democratic governance and the rule of law. His critics accused him of using state institutions to suppress dissent, harass opposition figures, and restrict press freedom. Several civil society organisations and international observers noted a decline in democratic norms during his rule, particularly in the run-up to the 2021 general elections.
In August 2021, Edgar Lungu was defeated by Hakainde Hichilema in a landslide victory that marked a significant shift in Zambian politics. Hichilema’s win was widely seen as a rebuke of Lungu’s leadership and a demand for change by the Zambian electorate. Following his defeat, Lungu initially challenged the results but ultimately conceded and handed over power peacefully, earning praise for upholding Zambia’s democratic tradition of peaceful transitions.
After leaving office, Edgar Lungu maintained a relatively low public profile, though he occasionally appeared at political events and expressed interest in returning to active politics. In recent months, speculation had grown about his health, especially after reports that he had travelled abroad for medical treatment.
His death marks the end of a significant chapter in Zambia’s post-independence political history. Tributes have begun pouring in from political leaders, civil society figures, and members of the public, many reflecting on both his achievements and controversies.
As the nation mourns, further details about funeral arrangements and official commemorations are expected to be announced by the government and the Lungu family in due course.
Source – ZambiaNews365.com
