Edgar Lungu, the sixth President of Zambia, has died at the age of 68. His death was confirmed by the Patriotic Front (PF) on Thursday, 5th June 2025. According to the party, the former head of state passed away while receiving specialized medical treatment in South Africa. His daughter and a family lawyer confirmed the sad news.
Edgar Lungu served as Zambia’s President from January 2015 until August 2021. He first assumed office following the death of President Michael Sata, winning the 2015 by-election as leader of the Patriotic Front. Lungu then secured a full five-year mandate in 2016 after defeating opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema in a tightly contested election.
Edgar Lungu as President
During his time in office, Edgar Lungu focused on ambitious infrastructure development projects, including roads, bridges, and hospitals across the country. His government also invested in expanding the energy sector and boosting electricity access in rural areas. However, his administration faced criticism for a rapid increase in Zambia’s national debt and alleged economic mismanagement.
In addition to economic concerns, Lungu’s presidency was marred by accusations of authoritarianism. Human rights organisations and opposition parties accused him of suppressing dissent, targeting critics, and undermining democratic institutions. Press freedom declined during his tenure, and political tensions intensified in the lead-up to the 2021 general elections.
In August 2021, Edgar Lungu lost his bid for re-election to Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development (UPND). Hichilema won by a landslide, signalling a clear desire for change among Zambian voters. Despite initially questioning the election results, Lungu eventually conceded and facilitated a peaceful transfer of power—preserving Zambia’s reputation as one of Africa’s stable democracies.
Following his departure from office, Edgar Lungu maintained a relatively quiet public life. Although he occasionally appeared at PF events and hinted at a possible political comeback, he had largely stayed out of the limelight. In recent months, concerns had grown regarding his health, especially after reports surfaced that he was receiving treatment abroad.
His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Zambia’s post-independence political journey. Edgar Lungu leaves behind a mixed legacy—praised by some for his infrastructure initiatives and condemned by others for weakening democratic institutions and expanding public debt.
Tributes have begun pouring in from political leaders, civil society organisations, and citizens across the country. Many are reflecting on his contributions to Zambia’s development, while others are engaging in critical debates about his legacy.
The Zambian government is expected to announce official funeral arrangements and national mourning protocols in the coming days. As the nation comes to terms with the death of its former leader, Edgar Lungu will remain a central figure in Zambia’s modern political history.
Stay tuned to Zambianews365.com for more updates on this developing story, funeral arrangements, and reactions from across the country and beyond.
Source – Reuters
