In brief
Edgar Lungu, Zambia's former president, has died at a medical center in South Africa. His presidency was marked by debt and concerns about freedom, and he faced a recent court ruling barring him from future elections due to previous terms.
Former President Edgar Lungu of Zambia has died at the age of 68 while receiving medical treatment in South Africa, according to his political party, the Patriotic Front, and his daughter. In a Facebook post, Tasila Lungu Mwansa shared that her father had been under medical supervision for a few weeks. Mr. Lungu served as Zambia's sixth president from 2015 to 2021, known for significant infrastructure investments that increased national debt along with accusations of decreasing political and press freedoms.After losing the 2021 elections to current President Hakainde Hichilema, Lungu attempted a political comeback with the Patriotic Front but faced a legal setback. In December, Zambia’s Constitutional Court ruled that he was ineligible to run for president again, stating he had already served two terms, despite one being a partial term.Some experts believe the court's decision was influenced by Hichilema's actions, which included removing judges who had previously made unfavorable rulings. As Zambia navigates this political transition, Lungu's legacy remains a topic of debate, characterized by both ambition and controversy.
