By Burnett Munthali
The announcement of the passing of former Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has plunged the nation into deep sorrow, marking yet another moment of national grief.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, the page “Zambian Accurate Information” captured the somber mood of the country with the simple but powerful words: “Sad to Mother Zambia.”
This message echoed the sentiments of millions of Zambians who have woken up to the reality of losing another of the nation’s founding sons and former leaders.
To illustrate the magnitude of the loss, the post was accompanied by a striking image: a lineup of Zambia’s former presidents — Kenneth Kaunda, Frederick Chiluba, Levy Mwanawasa, Rupiah Banda, Michael Sata, and now, Edgar Lungu.
The photo stood not just as a visual tribute, but also as a powerful symbol of the passage of time and the continuity of leadership through generations.
It reminded Zambians that these men, though once at the helm of national affairs, are now united in memory, having played their part in the building of the nation.
Edgar Lungu, who served as President from 2015 to 2021, now joins this distinguished and solemn line of national icons, leaving behind a legacy shaped by both achievements and challenges.
His passing comes at a time when Zambia is still grappling with economic and political reforms, and his memory will inevitably rekindle debates around his leadership style and contributions.
But beyond politics, the tribute from “Zambian Accurate Information” captured something deeper: the collective heartbreak of a nation that has, over the decades, lost its patriarchs one by one.
Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia’s first president and independence hero, laid the foundation.
Frederick Chiluba, the advocate of multi-party democracy, followed.
Levy Mwanawasa brought reform and rule of law.
Rupiah Banda steered with diplomacy, while Michael Sata was known for his grassroots appeal and development focus.
Edgar Lungu, with his own blend of humility and legal background, became part of this historical sequence — a chapter that has now closed with his death.
The visual timeline posted on Facebook invites reflection on how far Zambia has come and where it is headed as the nation prepares to honor Lungu’s memory.
It is a reminder that leadership is temporary, but legacy is eternal — and each of these men contributed their verse to Zambia’s national story.
As the country mourns, tributes continue to pour in from across political divides, civil society, and international partners, all acknowledging the role Edgar Lungu played in Zambia’s journey.
Indeed, it is a sad time for Mother Zambia, as the Facebook post put it — a time to remember, to honor, and to reflect.
