Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu Dies at 68

Former Zambian president Edgar Lungu, who governed from 2015 until 2021, passed away on Thursday at age 68 while undergoing medical treatment in a South African hospital, his family and the Patriotic Front party confirmed.

Lungu had been admitted to a Pretoria clinic for specialised care, the Patriotic Front said in a statement. In a social media video, his daughter, Tasila Lungu-Mwansa, explained that her father had been under medical supervision in recent weeks. She added, 

“His condition was handled with dignity and privacy, with support from well-wishers,” though she did not specify the exact cause of death.

The former president had battled recurring achalasia, a narrowing of the oesophagus, which prompted his treatment in South Africa. A retired military officer turned lawyer, Lungu assumed office in 2015 following the death of President Michael Sata and portrayed himself as “an ordinary Zambian of humble beginnings.” 

He stepped down after losing the 2021 election to Hakainde Hichilema, who won by a landslide. Before his death, Lungu had announced his intention to contest the 2026 presidential election.