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Zambia woke up to heartbreaking news on Thursday with the passing of its Sixth Republican President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, a man remembered for his humility, national service, and regional statesmanship.
The 68-year-old former Head of State died at 06:00 hours at Medforum Clinic in Pretoria, South Africa, where he had been receiving medical treatment.
His death marks the end of a significant chapter in Zambia’s political journey, drawing tributes from across Africa and beyond.
Former President Lungu dies in South African hospital, family confirms
Since his demise, messages of condolence have continued to pour in, honouring a leader whose time in office left a lasting imprint on the nation’s infrastructure, political culture, and regional diplomacy.
In a formal announcement posted on his Facebook page on June 5, 2025, President Hakainde Hichilema described the moment as one of deep national sorrow and urged Zambians to stand united in grief.
“It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we have been informed by his family of the passing on of the Sixth President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu,” said President Hichilema.
“We therefore wish to officially inform the nation of this sad development and extend our heartfelt condolences to his widow, the Sixth First Lady Madam Esther Lungu, the entire Lungu family, the Patriotic Front party, and the people of Zambia,” he said.
The President called for national unity in mourning, saying moments like this transcend political divisions.
“As Zambians, Africans, and more so as Christians, this moment calls for solemnity, unity, love, and compassion,” President Hichilema said.
He stated that: “In the spirit of patriotism and national solidarity, we urge all citizens to offer support and respect to the bereaved family, and to uphold the values of peace, dignity, and togetherness that define us as Zambians.”
Kenyan President William Ruto was among the first regional leaders to pay tribute, calling President Lungu “a progressive and outstanding leader.”
“Our condolences to the family and the people of Zambia for the untimely death of Former President Edgar Lungu,” Ruto posted on Facebook.
“He served the people of Zambia with zeal and commitment. May God grant the people of Zambia strength and comfort during this painful time,” Ruto said.
Namibian President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, also expressed her nation’s sorrow, describing the late Zambian leader as a champion of regional solidarity.
“The Namibian people have benefitted immensely from the generosity of the Zambian Government and its people who hosted the liberation movement, SWAPO and its leadership, at great cost to its own internal security,” she said.
“President Lungu continued this legacy and maintained strong cooperation and friendship between our two nations,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
She extended heartfelt condolences to President Hichilema, the Lungu family, and the people of Zambia.
Back home, voices from across the political and religious spectrum have remembered Lungu’s humility and sense of service.
Rt. Reverend Dr. Musonda Trevor Mwamba, leader of UNIP, said President Lungu was “a man of the people.”
“To the Lungu family I offer Psalm 34:18 — ‘The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’ May you find solace in the knowledge that God’s love is with you, and that He will strengthen you during this time of grief,” he said.
Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) spokesperson Anthony Chibuye said Lungu’s passing was a blow to both Zambia and the international community.
“As FDD and members of the UPND Alliance, we have and shall always value the relationship we had with President Lungu during and after his presidency. His death has illuminated fresh memories of our beloved leaders who passed before him. It is indeed sad,” said Chibuye.
United for a Better Zambia leader Apostle Hector Soondo praised Lungu’s achievements and statesmanship.
“During his tenure, he spearheaded major infrastructure projects in health, education, and transportation—transforming the national landscape and improving access to services for millions of Zambians,” Soondo said.
“He will also be remembered for his role in maintaining peace and stability during challenging times, and for his contributions to regional diplomacy.”
As the nation mourns, President Hichilema reminded citizens that honouring the legacy of a former Head of State must go beyond words.
“At such times, we must mourn together as one people, above political affiliation or personal conviction, as we honour the life of a man who once held the highest office in our land,” he said.
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