Lusaka, Zambia – Zambia is mourning the death of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, who has died at the age of 68. His death was shared on Facebook by Sean Tembo, a member of the Tonse Alliance political group.
Tembo wrote, “Sadly, we have lost the Tonse Alliance Chairman and sixth President of Zambia, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu. May he rest in peace.”
Reports say Lungu passed away on June 5, 2025, at Mediclinic Medforum in Pretoria, South Africa. He was there receiving treatment for chest problems.
Early Life and Career.
Edgar Lungu was born on November 11, 1956, in Ndola, Zambia. He studied law at the University of Zambia and finished in 1981. Later, he joined politics and served in important roles such as Minister of Justice and Minister of Defence.
Time as President
Lungu became the sixth President of Zambia on January 26, 2015. He led the country until August 24, 2021. He won a close election in 2015 and was re-elected in 2016. In 2021, he lost the election to Hakainde Hichilema and accepted the result, helping ensure a peaceful handover of power.
As president, Lungu worked to grow Zambia’s economy beyond just copper mining. He also supported new sources of energy.
Life After Presidency
After leaving office, Lungu stayed involved in politics. He led the Patriotic Front party again, even though there were debates about whether he could run for president again due to term limits. The Constitutional Court later ruled that he could not run in the 2026 elections.
People have different opinions about his time in office. Some praised him for trying to improve the economy. Others disagreed with some of his views, such as his stance on LGBT rights.
A Nation in Mourning
Lungu’s death is a big moment in Zambia’s history. Many people remember him as a leader who served the country for many years. His family, friends, and fellow citizens are mourning his passing and honoring his memory as a public servant who helped shape Zambia.
