Former President of Zambia, Edgar Lungu, who served as the country’s leader for nearly seven years, has passed away at the age of 68.
His death occurred on Thursday at a medical facility in Pretoria, South Africa, where he had been undergoing specialised treatment. Both his political party, the Patriotic Front, and his family confirmed the development.
Lungu’s daughter, Tasila Lungu-Mwansa, shared the news via a video message posted on social media.
In her tribute, she acknowledged the steady decline in her father’s health in recent weeks and the concerted efforts made to manage his condition privately and respectfully. She refrained from disclosing the specific cause of his death but appreciated the encouragement and concern shown by supporters during his illness.
The former president had long been dealing with achalasia, a medical condition marked by the narrowing of the oesophagus, which often affects swallowing and digestion. He had previously sought treatment for this ailment in South Africa, and it is believed to have contributed to his recent hospitalisation.
Lungu was a trained lawyer and military officer before stepping into the political spotlight. He ascended to Zambia’s highest office in 2015, following the death of then-president Michael Sata.
He went on to complete the remainder of Sata’s term and was re-elected in 2016. During his tenure, Lungu often portrayed himself as a man of modest background, calling himself “an ordinary Zambian of humble beginnings.”
After his administration came to an end in 2021—when he was decisively defeated by longtime opposition figure Hakainde Hichilema—Lungu remained active in political circles. Despite stepping down from office, he had expressed intentions to contest the presidency again in the upcoming 2026 elections.
Throughout his leadership, Lungu’s presidency drew both support and criticism, particularly on matters of governance, economic management, and democratic freedoms. Nonetheless, his legacy as a former leader of Zambia remains significant in the country’s recent political history.
What you should know
Edgar Lungu, Zambia’s sixth president, led the country from 2015 to 2021 after the passing of Michael Sata. Known for his modest background and legal training, Lungu had battled a chronic oesophageal condition.
He passed away in South Africa while receiving medical treatment, just months after signalling his intention to run again in the 2026 presidential elections.
