Edgar Lungu Death and Obituary – Edgar Chagwa Lungu, the former president of Zambia, passed away at the age of 68 in a hospital in South Africa after a prolonged period of medical supervision. His death was confirmed by his daughter, Tasila Lungu-Mwansa, through a heartfelt video shared on social media by his political party, the Patriotic Front (PF). The exact cause of his death was not immediately disclosed by his family, although the Patriotic Front later released a statement attributing it to a medical condition. While no official cause was confirmed at the time, reports suggest that Lungu succumbed to complications arising from a medical procedure.
Lungu’s health had been a subject of concern for several months prior to his passing. He had reportedly undergone surgery for achalasia, a rare disorder that causes the narrowing of the food pipe, leading to difficulty swallowing and other digestive issues. It is believed that Lungu experienced cardiac complications following the surgery, which ultimately led to his death. This medical condition had been a long-standing issue for the former president, with reports indicating that he had been receiving treatment for it over the years.
Edgar Lungu served as the 6th president of Zambia from 2015 to 2021, following the unexpected death of his predecessor, Michael Sata. Lungu was initially appointed as acting president in 2014 and later won the presidential election in 2015. He was re-elected in 2016, serving two terms in office. Throughout his presidency, Lungu was a controversial figure, with his administration being criticized for alleged corruption, economic challenges, and concerns over democratic backsliding. However, his leadership also saw significant infrastructure development, including road construction and energy sector improvements, which earned him praise from some sectors of the population.
During his presidency, Lungu’s government faced mounting criticism from both opposition groups and international observers. His handling of political dissent, restrictions on freedom of the press, and attempts to centralize power were seen as signs of authoritarianism. Despite this, Lungu managed to maintain a strong political base, especially among the Patriotic Front supporters who appreciated his populist policies and commitment to infrastructure development.
After his term ended in 2021, Lungu’s political ambitions did not fade. He expressed his intention to challenge the newly-elected President Hakainde Hichilema in the next presidential election, aiming for a return to power. However, this bid was blocked by the Zambian courts, which ruled that Lungu was ineligible to run again due to constitutional term limits. The ruling marked the end of his hopes of returning to the presidency, and his political future seemed uncertain in the face of the legal setback.
Lungu’s death has been met with an outpouring of tributes from various political leaders and citizens in Zambia, who have praised his service to the country. President Hichilema, in his message of condolence, expressed his sympathies to the Lungu family and the people of Zambia. Many Zambians, regardless of political affiliation, have recognized Lungu’s impact on the nation during his time in office.
In his passing, Zambia loses a prominent political figure who played a crucial role in the country’s political and economic landscape over the last decade. Edgar Lungu’s legacy will be debated for years to come, but he will always be remembered for his influence on Zambia’s modern political era.
Edgar Lungu’s family, especially his daughter Tasila, has asked for privacy during this difficult time, as the nation mourns the loss of a former president who led Zambia through significant challenges and changes.
