Edgar Lungu, Zambia’s sixth president, died after battling health issues in South Africa, leaving behind a complex legacy marked by political turmoil and economic struggles.
Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu Passes Away at 68
Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu Passes Away at 68
Tragic news marks the end of a controversial chapter in Zambia’s political history.
Former President Edgar Lungu of Zambia has died at the age of 68 while undergoing medical treatment in South Africa. His passing was confirmed by his political party, the Patriotic Front, and his daughter, Tasila Lungu Mwansa, who reported that he had been under medical supervision for some time but did not provide specific details on his illness.
Mr. Lungu served as the sixth president of Zambia from 2015 until his electoral defeat in 2021. His presidency was notable for substantial infrastructure investments that significantly increased the nation's debt, alongside growing concerns regarding the suppression of political dissent and press freedoms. The government employed emergency powers to manage civil unrest during his term.
Following his electoral loss to the current president, Hakainde Hichilema, Lungu retired from active politics. However, he endeavored for a political resurgence as the leader and presidential candidate for a coalition including the Patriotic Front. In a critical legal ruling last December, Zambia’s Constitutional Court deemed him ineligible to pursue another presidential term, citing his previous two elected terms—even though one lasted only 19 months. Some observers pointed to a perceived abuse of power by Hichilema, who had previously removed justices from the court that had ruled against him.
Lungu's death leaves a significant impact on Zambian politics, as the country continues navigating the challenges of governance and democracy amid contrasting legacies of its former leaders.
Mr. Lungu served as the sixth president of Zambia from 2015 until his electoral defeat in 2021. His presidency was notable for substantial infrastructure investments that significantly increased the nation's debt, alongside growing concerns regarding the suppression of political dissent and press freedoms. The government employed emergency powers to manage civil unrest during his term.
Following his electoral loss to the current president, Hakainde Hichilema, Lungu retired from active politics. However, he endeavored for a political resurgence as the leader and presidential candidate for a coalition including the Patriotic Front. In a critical legal ruling last December, Zambia’s Constitutional Court deemed him ineligible to pursue another presidential term, citing his previous two elected terms—even though one lasted only 19 months. Some observers pointed to a perceived abuse of power by Hichilema, who had previously removed justices from the court that had ruled against him.
Lungu's death leaves a significant impact on Zambian politics, as the country continues navigating the challenges of governance and democracy amid contrasting legacies of its former leaders.
