Zambia’s sixth president, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, has died at the age of 68 after receiving specialized medical care in Pretoria, South Africa.
His death was confirmed Thursday morning by his family and his political party, the Patriotic Front.
Lungu served as Zambia’s president from 2015 to 2021, leaving behind a mixed legacy marked by bold leadership, economic reform efforts, and intense political debate.
His daughter, Tasila Lungu-Mwansa, announced the passing in a somber video message, noting that her father had been under medical supervision for weeks. “His condition was managed with dignity and privacy,” she said.
During his tenure, Lungu was praised for elevating Zambia’s profile on the international stage and forging stronger ties with neighboring countries.
“We are all ambassadors of our country in our own right,” he once said, calling for unity beyond political divides.
Lungu championed economic diversification, infrastructure development, and social policies, including the appointment of Zambia’s first female vice president and a national day of prayer. However, his leadership style was frequently criticized as authoritarian.
He faced backlash for enacting restrictive laws, curbing press freedom, and suppressing opposition voices through emergency powers and controversial legal reforms.
His presidency weathered economic headwinds, including a recession and rising public debt. After his 2021 electoral defeat to President Hakainde Hichilema, Lungu briefly retired but later returned to politics, triggering the loss of his state retirement benefits.
Born in Ndola in 1956, Lungu rose from military and legal circles to political prominence, ultimately becoming Zambia’s head of state after the death of President Michael Sata. He is survived by his wife Esther Lungu and their six children.
