Former president planning next election comeback passes away

Zambia is mourning the loss of its former president, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 68.

Lungu died while receiving specialized medical care at a clinic in Pretoria, South Africa, his family and the Patriotic Front (PF) party confirmed.

Lungu, who led Zambia from 2015 to 2021, had been battling achalasia — a rare disorder affecting the esophagus and had undergone treatment for the condition multiple times in South Africa.

His daughter, Tasila Lungu-Mwansa, shared the news in a heartfelt video message posted to social media.

“My father had been under medical supervision in recent weeks,” she said. “His condition was managed with dignity and privacy, with support from all well-wishers.”

While the exact cause of death was not disclosed, sources close to the family said his health had been fragile in recent months.

A trained military officer and lawyer, Lungu rose to prominence following the death of President Michael Sata in 2014. He was elected in a tightly contested vote in January 2015 and won re-election in 2016, serving until 2021 when he was defeated by longtime opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema in a landslide.

Despite stepping down gracefully, Lungu had recently signaled his intention to return to the political scene and contest the 2026 presidential election.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family and the Zambian government in the coming days.