Zambia is in mourning following the death of its sixth president, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, who passed away at the age of 68.
He died early this morning while receiving specialized medical treatment at Medforum Clinic in Pretoria, South Africa.
The news was confirmed by his daughter, Tasila Lungu Mwansa, who described the loss as a profound national tragedy.
Family lawyer Hon. Makebi Zulu also verified the development, stating that the family is in the process of notifying close relatives and friends.
Lungu served as president from January 26, 2015, to August 24, 2021, following the death of President Michael Sata, under whom he served as Minister of Justice and Minister of Defence.
His presidency was marked by ambitious infrastructure projects and controversial debates around debt and governance.
He was succeeded by President Hakainde Hichilema after losing the 2021 general election.
In the years following his presidency, Lungu attempted a political comeback. In December 2024, Zambia’s Constitutional Court barred him from seeking re-election in the 2026 general election, ruling that he had already served the maximum two terms allowed by law.
Despite this, Lungu was selected by the opposition Tonse Alliance to be its presidential candidate in the 2026 election.
The alliance officially launched on November 7, 2024, with Lungu accepting his adoption as the 2026 election candidate and being appointed as the chairperson of the alliance.
In November 2023, the Zambian government withdrew Lungu’s retirement benefits and privileges after his decision to return to active politics.
As a retired president, he had been entitled to various benefits, including security officers, a diplomatic passport, state cars, a furnished house, medical insurance, and funeral expenses.
The government stated that the law required former presidents who returned to politics to forfeit these benefits.
Lungu is survived by his wife, Esther Lungu, and their six children, including Tasila Lungu, who is currently serving as a Member of Parliament for Chawama.
The family has invoked the national motto, “One Zambia, One Nation,” in this moment of grief.
