By Ollus Ndomu
Zambia is in mourning following the death of its sixth President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, who passed away this morning in Pretoria, South Africa. He was 68.
The late former President, who was undergoing specialized medical treatment, reportedly died during surgery at Mediclinic Medforum Hospital. His passing was confirmed by his daughter and Chawama Member of Parliament, Hon. Tasila Lungu-Mwansa, and family lawyer Hon. Makebi Zulu.
Lungu, who served as Zambia’s Republican President from January 26, 2015, to August 24, 2021, had been receiving care in South Africa over the past few weeks for what sources describe as chest-related complications. Efforts to stabilize his condition through surgery earlier today were unsuccessful.
In an official statement, Patriotic Front (PF) Acting President Hon. Given Lubinda expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the former head of state, describing him as a “servant leader who gave himself fully to the country during a challenging time in Zambia’s history.”
“The family is still being informed, and funeral arrangements will be shared in due course,” Lubinda said.
President Lungu’s rise to power followed the death of President Michael Sata in 2014. Initially serving as Minister of Justice and Defense under the PF government, Lungu emerged as the party’s candidate and won the 2015 presidential by-election, later securing a full five-year term in 2016.
His tenure was marked by a mix of infrastructure expansion, controversial constitutional amendments, and heightened political polarization. While some Zambians praised him for road and energy investments, critics often pointed to growing concerns over press freedom, economic hardships, and the erosion of democratic institutions.
Despite stepping down peacefully after his 2021 electoral defeat to President Hakainde Hichilema, Lungu remained a key political figure. His return to active politics in 2023 fueled speculation of a PF comeback in the 2026 general election, where he was expected to play a leading role in opposition efforts.
News of his death has sent shockwaves across the country, especially within the Patriotic Front and its Tonse Alliance partners. Lungu had been serving as chairperson of the alliance and was widely regarded as its unofficial presidential candidate for 2026.
Condolences have begun pouring in from political allies, foreign missions, and ordinary Zambians across social media. President Hichilema is expected to issue a national address later this evening.
A state funeral is anticipated, though official details remain pending. Flags across government buildings are likely to be flown at half-mast in the coming days as Zambia comes to terms with the passing of one of its most consequential post-independence leaders.
AfricaWorld Reports will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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