Edgar Lungu, the immediate past president of Zambia, has died at 68 while receiving treatment in Pretoria, South Africa. Lungu, who rose swiftly through his country’s political ranks, served as Zambia’s president from 2015 to 2021 before losing to current president Hakainde Hichilema.
Though he initially retired, Lungu re-entered politics in 2023, planning to challenge his successor in the next presidential election. However, Lungu was barred from contesting by the nation’s Constitutional Court, which ruled that he had already served the constitutionally allowed two terms.
Despite this, he remained influential in Zambian politics. A lawyer by training, Lungu boosted Chinese investment during his tenure. However, he was criticized for economic struggles, high unemployment, and alleged corruption. His death marks the end of an era in Zambian politics, sparking reflection on his complex legacy.
