Zambia Mourns: Former President Edgar Lungu Dies at 68 in South Africa

Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu

iNewsAfrica | Cape Town Bureau | June 6, 2025

Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has died at the age of 68 in Pretoria, South Africa, where he had been receiving medical treatment. His death was confirmed by his daughter in an emotional video posted on social media.

• Edgar Lungu, Zambia’s sixth president, has died at 68.

• Passed away in a Pretoria hospital after weeks of medical supervision.

• Served from 2015 to 2021, with a controversial legacy marked by economic challenges and infrastructure expansion.

• His political comeback bid in 2023 was thwarted by Zambia’s constitutional term limit ruling.

Pretoria, South Africa – Zambia is in mourning following the death of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, who passed away at the age of 68 in a South African hospital. His daughter, Tasila Lungu-Mwansa, confirmed the news through a video shared on the Patriotic Front’s official Facebook page.

Lungu, who had been undergoing treatment in Pretoria for a rare esophageal condition, reportedly succumbed while under intensive medical care. No official cause of death has yet been released.

Lungu served as Zambia’s sixth president from 2015 to 2021, first stepping into office after the death of President Michael Sata. He later secured a full term in the 2016 elections. His presidency was characterized by a surge in infrastructure development, particularly road and energy projects, but also by mounting foreign debt that led to Zambia’s historic sovereign default in 2020.

After being defeated in the 2021 elections by current President Hakainde Hichilema, Lungu staged a political return in 2023, attempting to reclaim leadership of the Patriotic Front. However, Zambia’s Constitutional Court ruled that his initial short term counted towards the two-term limit, effectively ending his presidential ambitions for 2026.

His tenure remains polarizing—praised for pro-poor policies and accessibility, yet criticized for increasing authoritarianism, economic mismanagement, and a weakened judiciary. Allegations of corruption and political intimidation during his administration continue to shadow his legacy.

African leaders and citizens alike are reacting to the news with mixed emotions, with many recognizing the former leader’s impact on Zambia’s political landscape.

“Zambia has lost a statesman. While his leadership was contentious, his role in the nation’s modern political evolution cannot be ignored,” said a Lusaka-based political analyst in response to the news.

The Zambian government is expected to announce funeral arrangements and national mourning plans in the coming days.

iNewsAfrica extends its condolences to the Lungu family and the people of Zambia.