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The Zambian government has called on citizens to refrain from issuing inflammatory statements and hate speech as the nation mourns former President Edgar Lungu, who died in South Africa at the age of 68.
President Lungu passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at a hospital in Pretoria, where he had been receiving treatment for several weeks.
Speaking during a joint press briefing with the Ministry of Defence in Lusaka on Monday, Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister, Jack Mwiimbu, emphasized the need for solemnity, unity, love, and compassion during the mourning period.
Minister Mwiimbu appealed to Zambians to maintain peace and dignity while honoring the memory of a man who led the country for six years and seven months.
“For the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Mr. Lungu’s death is a deeply personal loss, given that he once served as Minister in this very Ministry. Personally, I have lost a fellow lawyer,” Mwiimbu said.
He stressed that the nation must mourn together, setting aside political affiliations and convictions to honor the former President.
“This is a collective loss. Mr. Lungu once held the highest office in our land. Let us mourn him as one people,” he said.
Mwiimbu further urged Zambians to uphold the values of peace, dignity, and unity that define the nation.
Earlier on, UPND Lusaka Province Chairperson Obvious Mwaliteta led ruling party members in signing the Book of Condolence at Belvedere Lodge.
Speaking to journalists afterwards, Mwaliteta said the UPND was committed to mourning the late President in peace and giving him a dignified send-off befitting a former Head of State.
“This childish behavior by our colleagues in the PF, such as [Raphael] Nakacinda, must come to an end. We need to mourn our former President with the dignity he deserves. He was our President for six years—why can’t we give him a proper farewell?” he said.
Mwaliteta emphasized the importance of setting aside political differences during the mourning period, adding that political debates can resume after the burial.
Read More: Churches, Christian bodies mourn late former President Lungu
Meanwhile, Cheshire Homes National Chairman, Gaudenzio Rossi remembered President Lungu as a leader who had a heart for people with disabilities and supported the organization actively.
“Mr. Lungu always showed up for fundraising walks organized by Cheshire Homes in Chawama,” Rossi recalled.
Similarly, the United Nations (UN) in Zambia expressed its condolences, describing Lungu’s death as a loss to the nation.
UN Resident Coordinator Beatrice Mutali said President Lungu would be remembered for his dedication to public service and Zambia’s strong engagement with the United Nations.
“He will be remembered for his leadership in fighting gender-based violence and child marriage, and for promoting gender equality—including appointing Zambia’s first female Vice-President,” said Mutali.
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