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{{Infobox president
{{pp-move|small=yes}}
| name               = Edgar Lungu
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
| image             = Edgar Lungu January 2015.jpg
{{good article}}
| image_size        =  
{{Featured article}}
| order              = [[List of Presidents of Zambia|6th]]
{{Infobox officeholder
| office            = President of Zambia
| name         = Edgar Lungu
|vicepresident = [[Inonge Wina]]
| image         = Edgar_Lungu.jpg
| term_start         = 25 January 2015
| caption      =  
| preceded          = [[Guy Scott]] {{small|(Acting President)}}<!-- Do not change this. The office was handed over to him by Scott as seen in this image: https://www.facebook.com/statehousepressofficezambia/photos/a.837971872930915.1073742008.322302104497897/837972876264148 -->
| office        = 6th President of Zambia
| Vice-President      = [[Inonge Wina]]
| vicepresident = [[Inonge Wina]]
| term_end          =
| term_start   = 25 January 2015
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|1956|11|11|df=y}}
| term_end      = 24 August 2021
| birth_place        = [[Ndola]], [[Northern Rhodesia]]
| predecessor  = [[Guy Scott]] (Acting)
| nationality        = Zambian
| successor    = [[Hakainde Hichilema]]
| party              = [[Patriotic Front (Zambia)|Patriotic Front]]
| office1      = [[Minister of Defence]]
| spouse            = Esther Lungu
| term_start1  = 24 December 2013
| relations          =
| term_end1    = 25 January 2015
| children          = 6<ref name ="telegraph">{{cite news |last=Laing |first=Aislinn |date=20 January 2015 |title=Edgar Lungu, tipped as Zambia's next president, denies alcoholism claim |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/zambia/11356260/Edgar-Lungu-tipped-as-Zambias-next-president-denies-alcoholism-claim.html |newspaper=Telegraph |location= |accessdate=20 January 2015 }}</ref>
| president1    = [[Michael Sata]]
| alma_mater        [[School of Law of the University of Zambia]] {{small|([[LL.B]])}}
| predecessor1  = [[Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba]]
| profession        = Lawyer
| successor1    = [[Richwell Siamunene]]
| religion          = [[Christianity]] <!-- He used a Bible during his swearing-in ceremony https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.837971872930915.1073742008.322302104497897&type=3 -->
| office2      = [[Minister of Justice]]
| blank1            = Awards
| term_start2  = August 2014
| data1              =
| term_end2    = January 2015
| signature          =
| president2    = [[Michael Sata]]
| signature_alt     =  
| predecessor2  = [[Wynter Kabimba]]
| website            = {{URL|www.edgar-lungu.com}}
| successor2    = [[Ngosa Simbyakula]]
| nickname          = Ba Edigar<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.edgar-lungu.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/EL-Profile_web.pdf |title= Meet Edgar C. Lungu: The Profile | format = [[PDF]] |last1= Anthony |first1= Mukwita |date=2014 |website=edgar-lungu.com |publisher= |accessdate=26 January 2015}}</ref>
| birth_name    = Edgar Chagwa Lungu
| birth_date    = {{birth date|1956|11|11}}
| birth_place  = [[Ndola]], Northern [[Rhodesia]]
| death_date    = {{death date and age|2025|6|5|1956|11|11}}
| death_place  = South Africa
| party        = [[Patriotic Front]]
| spouse        = [[Esther Lungu]]
| children     = 6
| education    = [[Mukuba secondary school]]
| alma_mater    = [[University of Zambia]] (LLB)
| profession    = Lawyer
}}
}}


'''Edgar Chagwa Lungu''' (born 11 November 1956) has been the [[President of Zambia]] since January 2015. Under President [[Michael Sata]], Lungu served as Minister of Justice and Minister of Defense. Following Sata's death in October 2014, Lungu was adopted as the candidate of Sata's party, the [[Patriotic Front (Zambia)|Patriotic Front]], for the [[Zambian presidential election, 2015|January 2015 presidential by-election]]. In the election, he narrowly defeated opposition candidate [[Hakainde Hichilema]] and took office on 25 January 2015.  
'''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 career==
==Early life and education==
Lungu was born 11 November 1956 at [[Ndola]] Central Hospital. After graduating with a [[LL.B.]] in 1981 from [[University of Zambia]], he joined the law firm Andre Masiye and Company in Lusaka. He subsequently underwent [[Military officer|military officer training]] at [[Miltez]] in [[Kabwe]] under Zambia National Service (ZNS). He then returned to practising law. He then joined politics.
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.<ref>“Edgar Lungu Biography.” Zambia Reports, 25 Jan. 2015.</ref>
 
==Legal career==
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==
==Political career==
He joined the [[United Party for National Development]] under the leadership of [[Anderson Mazoka]], but later switched to the [[Patriotic Front (Zambia)|Patriotic Front]] (PF) led by party founder [[Michael Sata]].
===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.


After the PF won the 2011 election, Lungu became [[Junior Minister]] in the [[Vice President of Zambia|Vice President's]] office. He was subsequently promoted to [[Minister of Home Affairs]] on 9 July 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lusakatimes.com/2012/07/10/labour-ministry-realigned-masebo-lungu-appointed-cabinet-ministers/ |title=Labour and Tourism Ministry re-aligned again, Masebo, Lungu appointed as Cabinet Ministers|website=Lusaka Times}}</ref> He became [[Minister of Defence]] on 24 December 2013<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zambianwatchdog.com/edgar-lungu-is-new-defense-minister/ |title=Edgar Lungu is new Defense Minister|website=Zambian Watchdog}}</ref> after [[Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba]] resigned from his ministerial post, and he functioned as Acting President during President Sata's long term illness in 2013-14. He has also held a string of central positions in his party, including Chair of the PF Central Committee on Discipline, and he became PF Secretary General and [[Minister of Justice]] on 28 August 2014 to replace [[Wynter Kabimba]], who was fired.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201408290077.html |title=Zambia: Wynter 'Bruised'.. Edgar Lungu Is New Justice Minister and PF Secretary General |website=All Africa}}</ref> These positions were in addition to the Defence portfolio.
===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.<ref>[http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-29692576 "Zambian President Michael Sata goes for medical check-up"], BBC News, 20 October 2014.</ref><ref>[http://www.africa-confidential.com/article-preview/id/5814/Party_rivalries_grow_as_Sata_ails "Party rivalries grow as Sata ails"], ''Africa Confidential'', volume 55, number 21, 24 October 2014.</ref> 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.


President Sata went abroad for medical treatment on 19 October 2014, leaving Lungu in charge of the country in his absence.<ref>[http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-29692576 "Zambian President Michael Sata goes for medical check-up"], BBC News, 20 October 2014.</ref><ref>[http://www.africa-confidential.com/article-preview/id/5814/Party_rivalries_grow_as_Sata_ails "Party rivalries grow as Sata ails"], ''Africa Confidential'', volume 55, number 21, 24 October 2014.</ref> 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)===
[[File:Edgar Lungu 2015 Inauguration.jpg|thumb|left|300px|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.<ref name="lusakageneral">[http://www.lusakatimes.com/2014/11/03/guy-scott-drops-edgar-lungu-pf-secretary-general/Guy Scott drops Edgar Lungu as PF Secretary General (article apparently  moved)], ''[[Lusaka Times]]'', November 3, 2014.</ref> He replaced him with [[Davis Mwila]], the Member of Parliament for [[Chipili]].<ref name="lusakageneral"/> However, the next day, on 4 November 2014, Scott announced Lungu was to remain as Secretary-General.<ref name=NtimpaKC>[http://www.lusakatimes.com/2014/11/04/guy-scott-reinstates-edgar-lungu-secretary-general-burial/ "Guy Scott reinstates Edgar Lungu as Secretary General until the burial"], ''[[LusakaTimes]]'', November 4, 2014.</ref> 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.


On 3 November 2014, Acting President Scott dismissed Lungu as Secretary-General of the PF.<ref name="lusakageneral">[http://www.lusakatimes.com/2014/11/03/guy-scott-drops-edgar-lungu-pf-secretary-general/Guy Scott drops Edgar Lungu as PF Secretary General (article apparently  moved)], ''[[Lusaka Times]]'', November 3, 2014.</ref> He replaced him with [[Davis Mwila]], the Member of Parliament for [[Chipili]].<ref name="lusakageneral"/> However, the next day, on 4 November 2014, Scott announced Lungu was to remain as Secretary-General.<ref name=NtimpaKC>[http://www.lusakatimes.com/2014/11/04/guy-scott-reinstates-edgar-lungu-secretary-general-burial/ "Guy Scott reinstates Edgar Lungu as Secretary General until the burial"], ''Lusaka Times'', November 4, 2014.</ref> 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.<ref>“Lungu declared winner of Zambia presidential vote.” BBC News, 15 Aug. 2016.</ref>


[[File:Inauguration of Edgar Lungu.jpg|thumb|A cross section of the crowd at the inauguration ceremony.]]
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.<ref>“Zambia’s slide into autocracy under Lungu.” Human Rights Watch, 2020.</ref>
On 20 January 2015 Lungu contested the [[Zambian presidential election, 2015|presidential by-election]] and beat his closest rival [[Hakainde Hichilema]] of the [[United Party for National Development]] by a narrow majority of just 27,757 votes (1.66%).<ref>[http://www.elections.org.zm/results/2015_presidential_election#cm3] "The official results of the 2015 Presidential Election, as released by the ECZ"</ref> He was declared the winner by the Electoral Commission of Zambia on 24 January.<ref>NtimpaKC{{nonspecific|date=January 2015}}</ref>


==Presidency==
===Post-presidency and political comeback===
Lungu was sworn in as President of Zambia on 25 January 2015 at the [[National Heroes Stadium]] in the capital [[Lusaka]].<ref>Matthew Hill, [http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2015-01-25/edgar-lungu-sworn-in-as-president-of-zambia-in-lusaka.html "Zambian Ruling Party's Edgar Lungu Inaugurated as President"], Bloomberg, 25 January 2015.</ref>
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.<ref>“Zambian court rules ex-president Lungu ineligible to run for another term.” Reuters, 10 Dec. 2024.</ref>


The following month, Lungu forced the head of the country's central bank out of office and promised lower interest rates. He appointed [[Inonge Wina]] as Zambia's first female Vice-President.<ref>Matthew Hill,[http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-13/zambian-president-names-denny-kalyalya-as-central-bank-governor-i63nj3ws "Zambia Central Bank Chief Replaced as President Vows Lower Rates"], Bloomberg, 13 February 2015.</ref>
==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.<ref>“Zambia's former president Edgar Lungu dies aged 68.Reuters, 5 June 2025.</ref>
In March 2015 Lungu collapsed while holding a speech commemorating International Women's Day in [[Lusaka]]. After spending a short while in a Zambian hospital he had an operation for his narrowed [[oesophagus]] in Pretoria, South Africa.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-31795526 |title=Edgar Lungu collapse: Zambian president 'needs treatment abroad' |publisher=BBC News |date=9 March 2015 |accessdate=3 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/zambia-lungu-surgery-idUSL6N0WG02620150314 |title=Zambia's president recovering after surgery in South Africa |publisher=Reuters |date=14 March 2015 |accessdate=3 January 2016}}</ref>
 
Lungu commuted the death sentences of 332 prisoners to life in prison on 16 July 2015 and condemned the massive overcrowding at the [[Mukobeko]] prison, calling it "an affront to basic human dignity".<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/07/16/us-zambia-prison-idUSKCN0PQ18M20150716 "Zambian president gives death row inmates life sentences"], Reuters, 16 July 2015.</ref>
 
In October 2015, Lungu ordered a national day of prayer, to prevent further damage to his country's economy. Top religious and political officials participated, and other public events were cancelled.<ref>[http://www.rt.com/news/319018-zambia-national-prayer-currency/ "‘God have mercy on currency’: Zambia holds national prayer day to hold Kwacha from record drop"], RT, 18 October 2015.</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Lungu is married to Esther and has six children.<ref name=telegraph />
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.


==References==
==Legacy==
{{reflist|30em}}
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.


==External links==
==See also==
* {{Official website}}
* [[List of Presidents of Zambia]]
* {{youtube|gUfu7f8awuE|2015 Campaign video}}
* [[Hakainde Hichilema]]
* [[Patriotic Front]]


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{{s-bef|before=[[Guy Scott]]<br>{{small|Acting}}}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Guy Scott]]<br>{{small|Acting}}}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of Presidents of Zambia|President of Zambia]]|years=2015–present}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of Presidents of Zambia|President of Zambia]]|years=2015–2021}}
{{s-inc}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Hakainde Hichilema]]}}
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{{ZambianPresidents}}
{{Template:Zambian Presidents}}
{{Template:Lungu Cabinet Navbox 2016}}
{{Template:Edgar Lungu}}
 
==References==
<references/>
 
==External links==
* [https://www.statehouse.gov.zm/ Official website of the Presidency (archived)]
* [https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-33981827 Edgar Lungu profile – BBC News]
 


{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
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| DATE OF BIRTH    = 11 November 1956
| DATE OF BIRTH    = 11 November 1956
| PLACE OF BIRTH    = Ndola, Zambia
| PLACE OF BIRTH    = Ndola, Zambia
| DATE OF DEATH    =
| DATE OF DEATH    = 5 June 2025
| PLACE OF DEATH    =
| PLACE OF DEATH    = South Africa
}}
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Lungu, Edgar}}
 
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[[Category:Defence Ministers of Zambia]]
[[Category:Defence Ministers of Zambia]]
[[Category:Government ministers of Zambia]]
[[Category:Government ministers of Zambia]]
[[Category:Justice Ministers of Zambia]]
[[Category:Justice Ministers of Zambia]]
[[Category:Zambian lawyers]]
[[Category:Patriotic Front politicians]]
[[Category:Patriotic Front politicians]]
[[Category:People from Ndola]]
[[Category:People from Eastern Province]]
[[Category:People from Eastern Province]]
[[Category:Presidents of Zambia]]
[[Category:People of Zambia]]
[[Category:University of Zambia alumni]]
[[Category:University of Zambia alumni]]
[[Category:Zambian lawyers]]
[[Category:Government ministers of Zambia]]
[[Category:Zambian politicians]]

Latest revision as of 03:58, 6 June 2025

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

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.