In brief
Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has died in South Africa at the age of 68. His political tenure was marked by significant infrastructure initiatives and concerns over civil liberties. A recent court ruling barred him from seeking re-election, concluding a tumultuous political journey.
Article Text: Former President Edgar Lungu of Zambia has passed away at a medical center in South Africa, as reported by his political party, the Patriotic Front, and confirmed by his daughter. He was 68 years old. In a heartfelt video shared on the party's Facebook platform, Tasila Lungu Mwansa mentioned that her father had been receiving medical supervision for several weeks, although she did not specify the nature of his condition.Mr. Lungu served as the sixth president of Zambia, holding office from 2015 until his defeat in the 2021 elections. His administration was noted for ambitious infrastructure development that significantly increased the national debt, while also raising alarms regarding the erosion of political freedoms, as the government employed emergency measures to manage civil unrest.Following his electoral defeat to current President Hakainde Hichilema, Mr. Lungu initially retired from public life. However, he made attempts for a political comeback, positioning himself as the leader and presidential candidate for an alliance that included the Patriotic Front. In December 2024, Zambia's Constitutional Court ruled against Mr. Lungu's eligibility to run for president again, citing his previous two elected terms. Critics argue that this ruling stemmed from political maneuvering by President Hichilema, who had previously removed three justices from the high court that had ruled against him, thereby impacting the judicial process surrounding Lungu's political future.
