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Former President Edgar Lungu has died after reportedly suffering chest complications in a South African Hospital in the early hours of today, the family has announced.
The former President, who had been receiving specialized treatment in South Africa, died today at Mediclinic Medforum Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa.
Daughter to the former President, Tasila Lungu, confirmed the demise of her father in a statement issued in Lusaka today, June 5, 2025.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of His Excellency Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, Sixth President of the Republic of Zambia, who departed this morning at 06:hours at Medforum Clinic, a Medical Centre in South Africa,” she said.
Tasila said her father had been under medical supervision in recent weeks and his condition was managed with dignity and privacy, with support from wellwishers.
“In this moment of grief, we invoke the spirit of “One Zambia, One Nation” – the timeless creed that guided President Lungu’s service to our country,” she said.
Key things to remember about late President Lungu:
Born on November 11, 1956, in Ndola, Zambia, Lungu studied law at the University of Zambia and graduated with an LL.B. in 1981.
Before entering politics, he worked as a lawyer and underwent military officer training.
Early Life and Education
1. Born: November 11, 1956, Ndola Central Hospital, Zambia
2. Education: University of Zambia (LL.B., 1981)
3. Military Training: Miltez, Kabwe, under Zambia National Service (ZNS)
Political Career
President Lungu’s political journey began in the 1990s when he joined the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD).
He later switched to the Patriotic Front (PF) and became a key figure in the party.
Some notable positions he held include:
– Minister of Home Affairs (2012)
– Minister of Defense (2013-2015)
– Minister of Justice (2014)
– President of Zambia (2015-2021)
Read More: Former First Lady, Maureen Mwanawasa, dies. Six things to remember about her
Presidency
President Lungu became President of Zambia after the death of President Michael Sata in 2014.
He won the presidential by-election in January 2015 and was re-elected for a full term in August 2016.
During his presidency, President Lungu focused on infrastructure development, energy sector reforms, and social programs however, his tenure was also marked by economic challenges, political tensions, and controversies surrounding electoral irregularities.
Post-Presidency
After losing the 2021 presidential election to Hakainde Hichilema, Lungu retired from active politics but later returned to lead the Patriotic Front.
He joined the United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) and later the Tonse Alliance, where he was appointed Chairperson and presidential candidate for the 2026 general election however, the Constitutional Court barred him from running again for president due to his previous two terms in office.
Personal Life
Late President Lungu was married to Esther Lungu, and they have six children, including Tasila Lungu, a Member of Parliament for Chawama Constituency.
He and his family are practicing Baptists.
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