Edgar Lungu, the former president of Zambia, passed away at the age of 68 while undergoing treatment in Pretoria, South Africa. Lungu, who served as Zambia’s president from 2015 to 2021, quickly rose through the political ranks of his country. He was defeated by current president Hakainde Hichilema in the 2021 elections.
After initially retiring from politics, Lungu made a comeback in 2023 with plans to challenge his successor in the next presidential election. However, the nation’s Constitutional Court ruled that he had already served the constitutionally allowed two terms, preventing him from running again. Despite this setback, Lungu continued to wield influence in Zambian politics.
A lawyer by profession, Lungu focused on attracting Chinese investment during his time in office. However, his tenure was marred by economic challenges, high unemployment rates, and allegations of corruption. His death has prompted a period of reflection on his complex legacy in Zambian politics.
Edgar Lungu’s leadership marked an era in Zambian history, with both achievements and controversies defining his time in office. As the nation mourns his passing, his impact on the political landscape will be remembered and analyzed for years to come.
Source: BBC
