Johannesburg, South Africa – Zambia is mourning the death of its sixth Republican President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 68. The announcement was made by the country’s current Head of State, President Hakainde Hichilema, in a solemn address to the nation.
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The late former president reportedly collapsed during a routine morning jog in Lusaka and was pronounced dead shortly after being rushed to the Maina Soko Medical Centre, where he had received treatment in the past.
Edgar Lungu served as Zambia’s president from 2015 to 2021, following the death of President Michael Sata. A trained lawyer and long-time member of the Patriotic Front (PF), Lungu rose to political prominence through various cabinet portfolios, including Minister of Home Affairs, Defence, and Justice before assuming the presidency.
In office, President Lungu oversaw significant infrastructure expansion projects, particularly in roads and healthcare. However, his administration also faced criticism for growing debt levels and accusations of democratic backsliding. Despite these challenges, Lungu remained a central figure in Zambian politics, returning to the public stage in recent months after a brief retirement.
President Hichilema has declared seven days of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and all public entertainment suspended during the mourning period.
“He served the country with dedication and resilience, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family, the Patriotic Front, and all Zambians,” President Hichilema said in his televised message.
Details of funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days. Meanwhile, tributes have begun pouring in from across the region, with several African leaders expressing their condolences and recalling Lungu’s commitment to regional peace and stability.
AfricaHeadline will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
