Zambia’s former President Edgar Lungu dies aged 68

LUSAKA, Zambia, June 5 – Former Zambia President Edgar Lungu has died at the age of 68, according to a statement from his party, the Patriotic Front.

The party said Lungu had been undergoing specialized treatment in South Africa for an undisclosed illness.

Lungu served as Zambia’s president from 2015 to 2021 before losing the election to current President Hakainde Hichilema in a landslide defeat.

Following his loss, he initially withdrew from active politics but later made a return, signaling intentions to contest the presidency once more.

While in office President Lungu introduced policy initiatives aimed at diversifying Zambia’s economy beyond its reliance on copper and supported infrastructure development.

He further appointed Zambia’s first female Vice President, Inonge Wina and enforced the commuting of death sentences.

President Lungu’s time in office was not without criticism with his administration marked by concerns over rising public debt the use of emergency powers during times of unrest, and the passage of legislation seen as restricting civil liberties.

Nevertheless, Zambia’s democratic institutions endured and the country experienced a peaceful transfer of power in 2021.