This is a good article. Click here for more information.
Page protected

Edgar Lungu

From Chalo Chatu, Zambia online encyclopedia
(Redirected from Edgar Chagwa Lungu)
Jump to navigationJump to search

Edgar Lungu
Office 6th President of Zambia
Term start 25 January 2015
Term end 24 August 2021
Predecessor Guy Scott (Acting)
Successor Hakainde Hichilema
Nationality
Political party Patriotic Front
Residence
Occupation


Edgar Chagwa Lungu (11 November 1956 – 5 June 2025) was a Zambian lawyer and politician who served as the sixth President of Zambia from 2015 to 2021. He previously held cabinet positions, including Minister of Defence and Minister of Justice. Lungu assumed the presidency following the death of President Michael Sata and was elected to a full term in 2016. He lost the 2021 election to Hakainde Hichilema. Lungu passed away on 5 June 2025 at the age of 68 while receiving medical treatment in South Africa.

Early life and education

Lungu was born in Ndola, Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). He studied law at the University of Zambia, graduating with an LLB in 1981. He later trained at the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education (ZIALE) and was admitted to the Bar in 1983.[1]

After his admission to the Bar, Lungu worked in private practice at the law firm Andre Masiye and Company. He subsequently underwent military officer training at Miltez in Kabwe under Zambia National Service (ZNS) before returning to legal practice.

Political career

Entry into politics

He joined the United Party for National Development under the leadership of Anderson Mazoka, but later switched to the Patriotic Front (PF), founded by Michael Sata, and rose through the ranks to become a trusted member of Sata’s inner circle.

Cabinet roles

He was appointed Minister of Home Affairs in 2012 and later served as Minister of Defence and Minister of Justice. President Sata went abroad for medical treatment on 19 October 2014, leaving Lungu in charge of the country in his absence.[2][3] Sata died on 28 October 2014. Vice President Guy Scott took over as Acting President, and Lungu was viewed as one of the main contenders to ultimately succeed Sata in a presidential by-election.

Presidency (2015–2021)

President Edgar Lungu walks through the guard of honour at his presidential 2015 inauguration in Lusaka. EPA/NOEL MACKSON

On 3 November 2014, Acting President Scott dismissed Lungu as Secretary-General of the PF.[4] He replaced him with Davis Mwila, the Member of Parliament for Chipili.[4] However, the next day, on 4 November 2014, Scott announced Lungu was to remain as Secretary-General.[5] On 30 November 2014, Lungu was elected as President of the Patriotic Front at a national convention of the party held in Kabwe, Zambia. However the convention was unusual because no voting took place. Instead, the unaccredited delegates elected him by raising hands.

Lungu won the 2015 presidential by-election and was sworn in on 25 January 2015 at the National Heroes Stadium in the capital Lusaka. He was re-elected in the 2016 general elections amid allegations of electoral irregularities.[6]

During his presidency, Zambia experienced both economic challenges and political tensions. His administration was criticised for increasing debt levels, suppressing dissent and limiting media freedoms.[7]

Post-presidency and political comeback

After losing the 2021 election, Lungu initially retired from politics. However, he returned in 2023, leading an opposition alliance including the Patriotic Front. In December 2024, Zambia's Constitutional Court ruled that Lungu was ineligible to run for another term, stating that his initial term from 2015 to 2016 counted as a full term under the constitution.[8]

Death

Lungu died on 5 June 2025 at the age of 68 while receiving specialised medical treatment in South Africa. His daughter, Tasila Lungu, a member of parliament, confirmed his passing, stating that he had been under medical supervision in recent weeks.[9]

Personal life

Lungu was married to Esther Lungu, and they had six children, among them, Tasila Lungu who is Member of Parliament for Chawama Constituency since 2021. He was a practicing Christian and was known for his involvement in church and community activities.

Legacy

Edgar Lungu’s presidency is noted for infrastructure expansion, controversial governance reforms and his role in upholding Zambia’s democratic tradition by stepping down after electoral defeat.

See also

Political offices
Preceded by
Guy Scott
Acting 		President of Zambia
2015–2021 		Succeeded by
Hakainde Hichilema
<templatestyles src="Hlist/styles.css"></templatestyles><templatestyles src="Module:Navbox/styles.css"></templatestyles>
<templatestyles src="Hlist/styles.css"></templatestyles><templatestyles src="Module:Navbox/styles.css"></templatestyles>
<templatestyles src="Hlist/styles.css"></templatestyles><templatestyles src="Module:Navbox/styles.css"></templatestyles>

References

  1. ↑ “Edgar Lungu Biography.” Zambia Reports, 25 Jan. 2015.
  2. ↑ "Zambian President Michael Sata goes for medical check-up", BBC News, 20 October 2014.
  3. ↑ "Party rivalries grow as Sata ails", Africa Confidential, volume 55, number 21, 24 October 2014.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Scott drops Edgar Lungu as PF Secretary General (article apparently moved), Lusaka Times, November 3, 2014.
  5. ↑ "Guy Scott reinstates Edgar Lungu as Secretary General until the burial", LusakaTimes, November 4, 2014.
  6. ↑ “Lungu declared winner of Zambia presidential vote.” BBC News, 15 Aug. 2016.
  7. ↑ “Zambia’s slide into autocracy under Lungu.” Human Rights Watch, 2020.
  8. ↑ “Zambian court rules ex-president Lungu ineligible to run for another term.” Reuters, 10 Dec. 2024.
  9. ↑ “Zambia's former president Edgar Lungu dies aged 68.” Reuters, 5 June 2025.


Retrieved from "http://www.chalochatu.org/index.php?title=Edgar_Lungu&oldid=29585"