Former President of Zambia Edgar Lungu died on Sunday, June 2, 2025, in Lusaka after collapsing during a morning walk. Zambian authorities confirmed his death later that day. Lungu, who served as president from 2015 to 2021, was 68 years old.
Circumstances of His Death
According to a statement from the Zambian government, Lungu collapsed around 7:30 a.m. during his routine exercise and was rushed to the Maina Soko Medical Centre, a military hospital in Lusaka, where he was pronounced dead. Government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa confirmed the news in a televised address. Lungu had previously experienced health-related incidents while in office, including fainting during a 2021 Defense Day event, which his medical team later attributed to fatigue and low blood sugar.
Brief Political Background
Edgar Lungu was born on Nov. 11, 1956. He trained as a lawyer before entering politics. Lungu rose through the ranks of the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) party and served in various cabinet positions under President Michael Sata, including as minister of home affairs, and later minister of defense and justice. Following Sata’s death in 2014, Lungu was elected as the party’s candidate and won the presidential by-election in January 2015. He was re-elected in 2016.
During his presidency, Lungu focused on infrastructure development, particularly road and energy projects. His time in office, however, also drew criticism from opposition figures and international observers over concerns related to press freedom, political rights, and the country’s rising public debt.
2021 Electoral Defeat and Post-Presidency Role
In August 2021, Lungu lost the general election to opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development (UPND). Hichilema won by a significant margin, marking one of Zambia’s most peaceful democratic transitions of power.
After leaving office, Lungu remained active in Zambian political circles. In late 2023, he announced his return to frontline politics despite his earlier retirement, drawing criticism from some quarters, including government officials who cited constitutional provisions related to the retirement benefits of former presidents. His re-engagement in political affairs, particularly his criticism of the sitting government, renewed tensions between the PF and the ruling UPND administration.
National Reaction and Public Mourning
President Hakainde Hichilema expressed condolences to Lungu’s family and declared a period of national mourning. As of June 3, the Zambian government had initiated preparations for a state funeral. Flags were ordered to fly at half-mast across the country, and tributes poured in from various African leaders, political parties, and international bodies acknowledging Lungu’s role in Zambia’s political landscape.
The Patriotic Front, now in opposition, also issued a statement mourning the death of their former leader and praising his dedication to public service. Some supporters gathered outside his Lusaka residence to pay their respects.
Legacy and Broader Context
Lungu’s presidency came at a time when Zambia faced significant economic pressures, including rising debt levels and dependency on external financing. His administration’s efforts to develop infrastructure were supported by loans, particularly from Chinese financial institutions, which became a point of domestic and international concern. Nonetheless, his government maintained that these projects were essential to long-term national development.
His tenure also witnessed increased political polarization, with opposition parties reporting constraints on freedom of assembly and expression. These issues drew attention from global watchdogs such as Human Rights Watch and Freedom House. Still, Zambia retained its reputation as one of the more stable democracies in sub-Saharan Africa, due in part to the peaceful handover of power after the 2021 election.
Final Notes
Edgar Lungu’s death marks the passing of a key figure in Zambia’s modern political history. While his leadership was viewed differently across political lines, he played a central role in shaping the nation’s governance in the post-Sata era. National mourning activities are ongoing, and further details about his burial arrangements are expected in the coming days.
According to GhanaWeb, Lungu’s death has prompted regional reflection on leadership transitions and democratic resilience in southern Africa.
