FORMER ZAMBIAN PRESIDENT EDGAR LUNGU DIES IN SOUTH AFRICA

Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu died on Thursday June 5, 2025 at the age of 68, six months after an attempted return to politics was thwarted by a court ruling that he could not run for office again.
Lungu was the sixth president of the Southern African nation and held office from 2015 to 2021, when he lost an election to long-time opposition leader and current President Hakainde Hichilema.
Lungu died on Thursday morning at a medical centre in South Africa's capital Pretoria, where he had been receiving specialized treatment for a rare disorder that caused a narrowing of the food pipe, his political party, the Patriotic Front, said in a statement on social media.
"The legacy of Edward Lungu is a checkered legacy, he will be remembered for tolerating thuggery among his supporters although he also represented a brand of politicians who interacted across class," said political analyst Lee Habasonda at the university of Zambia.
In a statement on X, President Ruto eulogised the former president as a leader who served his people with zeal and commitment. "Our condolences to the family and the people of Zambia for the untimely death of Former President Edgar Lungu," part of the statement read.
Uhuru also mourned Lungu describing him as a man of humility, wisdom, and unwavering faith in his tribute. “President Lungu was not only a distinguished statesman who served his country with dedication and honour but also a man of humility, wisdom, and unwavering faith.”