Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has passed away while receiving medical treatment in a South African hospital. The 65-year-old leader, who served as Zambia’s sixth president from 2015 to 2021, had a history of health complications and had previously sought treatment in South Africa.
Health Struggles and Hospitalization
Lungu’s health had been a concern for several years. In 2015, he underwent medical checks at Johannesburg’s Milpark Hospital, where he was accompanied by aides. His most recent hospitalization followed reported difficulties in securing approval to travel to South Africa for treatment. Despite these challenges, he was eventually admitted, though the exact cause of his death remains undisclosed.
Political Legacy and Recent Activity
After losing the 2021 elections to incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema, Lungu remained politically active. He left his former party, the Patriotic Front (PF), following internal power struggles and later aligned with the newly formed National Congress Party (NCP). Reports indicated he was negotiating a coalition with the Zambia Must Prosper (ZMP) party ahead of next year’s elections, though he was not expected to run as a presidential candidate.
Lungu’s tenure was marked by controversy, including allegations of suppressing opposition voices—most notably against Hichilema, who was frequently arrested during Lungu’s presidency. After leaving office, Lungu himself faced accusations of harassment by the current administration, highlighting ongoing tensions between Zambia’s former and sitting leaders.
Regional Reactions and Funeral Arrangements
Lungu’s legacy may be divisive, Zambian authorities are expected to accord him a state funeral as a former head of state. Regional leaders, including Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and former South African President Jacob Zuma—both of whom had close ties to Lungu—may attend the services.
President Hichilema has yet to issue an official statement, but observers anticipate a formal response given Lungu’s status. “Despite their political differences, I expect President Hichilema to uphold constitutional protocols in honoring a former president,” Mokoena remarked.
Lungu’s death leaves a significant void in the opposition’s efforts to challenge Hichilema’s government. Tributes and critiques of his leadership are expected to dominate public discourse in the coming days.
Funeral arrangements are pending, with further details to be announced by Zambian officials and Lungu’s family.