Zambia Mourns Former President Edgar Lungu, Dead at 68

The African Exponent

Zambia is in mourning following the death of its former president, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, at the age of 68. His passing was confirmed by the Patriotic Front (PF), the political party he once led. Lungu had been receiving specialized medical care in South Africa for an undisclosed illness prior to his death.

Lungu came into power in 2015, succeeding the late President Michael Sata. His rise marked a shift in Zambia’s political landscape, as he took office during a period of economic uncertainty and mounting public debt. He was re-elected in 2016 but was defeated in the 2021 general elections by opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema in a sweeping result that reflected growing dissatisfaction with governance under Lungu’s administration.

The African Exponent

His presidency was characterized by large infrastructure investments, closer ties with China, and a controversial handling of press freedom and dissent. Supporters saw him as a pragmatic leader working under difficult conditions, while critics accused his government of authoritarian leanings and economic mismanagement.

After his defeat, Lungu initially stepped back from the political scene, announcing his retirement from active politics. However, he made a surprising return in late 2023, hinting at a comeback ahead of the next election cycle. His return spark debate, both within the Patriotic Front and among the Zambian public, about the direction of the country’s opposition politics.

Edgar Lungu’s death brings an end to a complex chapter in Zambia’s democratic journey—one marked by ambition, controversy, and resilience. The nation now turns to reflection, as tributes pour in from political allies, critics, and ordinary citizens alike.