We start with breaking news from Southern Africa — the nation of Zambia is in mourning following the death of its sixth president, Edgar Chagwa Lungu. The former head of state passed away early Thursday morning at the age of 68 while undergoing treatment at a medical facility in Pretoria, South Africa.
His passing was confirmed by both his family and his political party, the Patriotic Front. In a heartfelt message shared online, his daughter, Tasila Lungu-Mwansa, stated that her father had been under close medical supervision for weeks. She thanked well-wishers for their support and emphasized that his final days were handled with privacy and dignity.
President Lungu led Zambia from 2015 to 2021 — a time marked by both ambition and controversy. He is remembered for championing Zambia’s global engagement, helping to elevate the country’s diplomatic presence across Africa and beyond. He once remarked, “We are all ambassadors of our own country,” a phrase that captured his emphasis on unity, patriotism, and Zambia-first leadership.
His administration took major steps to diversify Zambia’s economy beyond its traditional reliance on copper, investing heavily in infrastructure and development. Lungu also made history by appointing Zambia’s first female vice president, Inonge Wina, and increased the representation of women in government.
Human rights advocates acknowledged these milestones. Juliet Chibuta, a prominent Zambian activist, noted that under Lungu, Zambia had the highest number of female cabinet ministers at the time.
But his tenure was not without significant controversy.
President Lungu’s leadership style drew concern at home and abroad. Critics accused his administration of authoritarian tendencies, citing the use of emergency powers to suppress dissent, the shutdown of critical media outlets, and the rapid passage of laws seen as limiting online freedom. His handling of national unrest and security incidents often led to allegations of repression and curtailed civil liberties.
Lungu, however, stood by his decisions, once telling the public he would do “whatever it takes to bring sanity” to difficult situations. That included controversial remarks suggesting he might have to “become a dictator for once” — statements that alarmed democracy advocates across the continent.
After his 2021 election loss to President Hakainde Hichilema, Lungu initially stepped away from politics, only to return later — a move that resulted in the suspension of his retirement benefits, as stipulated under Zambian law.
Born in 1956 in the Copperbelt town of Ndola, Edgar Lungu rose from lawyer and military officer to commander-in-chief, following the death of President Michael Sata. He was married to Esther Lungu and was the father of six children.
Public opinion on Lungu remains divided. Supporters point to his efforts to stabilize the economy and expand infrastructure. Detractors recall the democratic setbacks and strained freedoms during his time in office.
Zambian governance expert Guess Nyirenda described him as humble and approachable, though often underestimated. Meanwhile, President Hakainde Hichilema, his political rival, offered a more critical tone, stating, “Respect is earned, not forced,” in a subtle reflection on Lungu’s legacy.
As Zambia reflects on a complex chapter in its national story, tributes and debates continue to pour in from across the political spectrum.
Reporting by Ehud Jones.
