In a significant loss for Zambian politics, former President Edgar Lungu has passed away at the age of 68 while undergoing medical treatment in South Africa. He was the leader of Zambia from 2015 to 2021, known for his infrastructure initiatives that ultimately led to a controversial rise in national debt and concerns over diminishing political freedoms. His daughter, Tasila Lungu Mwansa, shared the news via a video on the Patriotic Front's Facebook page, informing the public that her father had been under medical supervision for some time.
Edgar Lungu, Former Zambian President, Passes Away at 68
Edgar Lungu, Former Zambian President, Passes Away at 68
Lungu's tenure was marked by economic ambitions and political controversies, culminating in a court ruling barring his presidential candidacy.
Mr. Lungu’s presidency was rife with allegations regarding the curtailing of civil liberties and media freedom, as the government employed emergency measures to silence dissent. Following a significant electoral defeat in 2021 to President Hakainde Hichilema, Lungu attempted to re-enter the political scene but faced a major hindrance when Zambia's Constitutional Court declared him unfit to contest due to past election terms, a ruling some experts view as politically motivated.
Lungu’s legacy remains deeply divisive, representing both ambitious national growth plans and controversial governance that sparked widespread criticism during his leadership.
Lungu’s legacy remains deeply divisive, representing both ambitious national growth plans and controversial governance that sparked widespread criticism during his leadership.
