Edgar Lungu
| 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]
Legal career
After his admission to the Bar, Lungu worked in private practice at the law firm Andre Masiye and Company. He also briefly served in the Zambian Army before returning to legal practice.
Political career
Entry into politics
Lungu joined 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. Following President Sata’s death in October 2014, Lungu emerged as the PF’s presidential candidate.
Presidency (2015–2021)
Lungu won the 2015 presidential by-election and was sworn in on 25 January 2015. He was re-elected in the 2016 general elections amid allegations of electoral irregularities.[2]
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.[3]
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.[4]
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.[5]
Personal life
Lungu was married to Esther Lungu, and they had six children. 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
References
- ↑ “Edgar Lungu Biography.” Zambia Reports, 25 Jan. 2015.
- ↑ “Lungu declared winner of Zambia presidential vote.” BBC News, 15 Aug. 2016.
- ↑ “Zambia’s slide into autocracy under Lungu.” Human Rights Watch, 2020.
- ↑ “Zambian court rules ex-president Lungu ineligible to run for another term.” Reuters, 10 Dec. 2024.
- ↑ “Zambia's former president Edgar Lungu dies aged 68.” Reuters, 5 June 2025.
External links
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