from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – CONDOLENCES are pouring in for the former Zambian president, Edgar Lungu, who passed away on Thursday.
He died, aged 68, in South Africa where he was receiving medical care for an undisclosed illness.
He was Zambia’s sixth president, from 2015 to 2021.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia, lauded the deceased for solidifying ties between the two countries.
“In that vein, the passing on of former President Lungu is deeply felt by the Namibian people who have forged strong bonds of friendship with the Zambian people over many decades,” she said.
“As Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, I recall meeting on several occasions President Lungu during his tenure in Office and I felt his resolute commitment to stronger bilateral cooperation between Namibia and Zambia,” Ndaitwah said.
President William Ruto of Kenya, lauded Lungu’s leadership.
“President Lungu was a progressive and outstanding leader who served the people of Zambia with zeal and commitment,” Ruto said.
Samia Suluhu Hassan, president of Tanzania, also sent her condolences.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, I extend our heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, President Lungu’s family, friends and the people of Zambia,” Hassan said.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) described Lungu as a true regional statesman.
“His legacy of service to Zambia and SADC will forever be remembered,” the bloc stated.
Some opposition leaders and parties in the region also paid tribute.
Moise Katumbi, an opposition leader in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), said, “President Lungu was a great man who, during his time in office, promoted peace across the region and always kept the DRC close to his heart.”
South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) praised Lungu for introducing policy initiatives aimed at diversifying Zambia’s economy beyond its reliance on copper and supported infrastructure development.
“Notably, he appointed Zambia’s first female Vice President, Inonge Wina, and enforced the commuting of death sentences,” EFF stated.
It noted however, Lungu’s administration was marked by concerns over rising public debt, use of emergency powers during times of unrest, and the passage of legislation seen as restricting civil liberties.
“Nevertheless, Zambia’s democratic institutions endured, and the country experienced a peaceful transfer of power in 2021,” EFF added.
– CAJ News