Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu Passes Away at 68

Edgar Lungu, the sixth President of Zambia, has passed away at the age of 68, leaving behind a complex legacy marked by both ambitious projects and accusations of freedom erosion.

Edgar Lungu, Zambia's sixth President, has died at a medical facility in South Africa, as confirmed by his political party, the Patriotic Front, and his daughter Tasila Lungu Mwansa. He was 68 years old. The announcement came via a video posted on the party’s Facebook page, where Mwansa indicated that her father had been undergoing medical treatment in recent weeks without providing specific details.

Lungu governed Zambia from 2015 until 2021, a term noted for its extensive infrastructure investments that led to significant national debt, as well as growing concerns regarding political and press freedoms. His administration made use of emergency powers in response to public unrest, which sparked criticism from various human rights groups.

After losing the presidential election to Hakainde Hichilema in 2021, Lungu retired from public office but later pursued a political comeback as the leader and presidential candidate of the Patriotic Front alliance. However, his hopes were dashed in December 2023 when Zambia’s Constitutional Court ruled that he could not seek another presidential term, stating that he had already served two terms in office, despite one being a partial term of just 19 months.

This court ruling stirred debate among analysts, some of whom viewed it as a maneuver of political power from Hichilema, who had previously dismissed several justices from the high court who opposed him. The legacy of Edgar Lungu remains contentious, as many reflect on the duality of his projects and governance style, illustrating the complex political landscape of Zambia.