Edgar Lungu, the former president of Zambia who led the southern African country from 2015 to 2021, has died at the age of 68.
His daughter, Tasila Lungu-Mwansa, shared the news of his passing in a video on the official Facebook page of his political party, the Patriotic Front.
She stated that he passed away in a South African hospital after being under “medical supervision” for several weeks. The cause of death was not disclosed by Ms. Lungu-Mwansa.
Lungu assumed the presidency in 2015 following the death of Michael Sata, serving out the remainder of his term. He was then elected to a full term in 2016, defeating the current president, Hakainde Hichilema. However, Hichilema defeated Lungu in the 2021 election.
Lungu had intended to challenge Hichilema in the upcoming presidential election, but a court ruling last year prevented him from running. The court determined that his time as president from 2015 to 2016 constituted a full term, meaning he had already served the maximum of two terms.
Lungu claimed that the court ruling was influenced by political interference. His wife and other family members have been subject to corruption allegations.
Last year, Lungu alleged that his movements were being monitored by the police, effectively placing him under house arrest to limit his return to politics. Police stated that monitoring former presidents is standard practice for their safety.
