ZCLU MOURNS THE DEMISE OF DR. EDGAR C. LUNGU, 6TH PRESIDENT OF ZAMBIA
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA — 6TH JUNE, 2025
It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt sympathy that the Zambian Civil Liberties Union mourns the passing of His Excellency Edgar Chagwa Lungu, the Sixth President of the Republic of Zambia.
President Lungu will be remembered for the strong and courageous foundation upon which he began his presidency – most notably, his bold and selfless decision to gift the nation a much improved and more refined Constitution.
In doing so, he accomplished what many before him could not: He strengthened Zambia’s democratic governance by enacting constitutional provisions that, even at the risk of undermining his own re-election prospects, raised the threshold for presidential vote, curtailed excessive executive powers such as the unilateral appointment and dismissal of the Vice President, and safeguarded the autonomy of traditional leadership. He willingly relinquished powers that many leaders would have zealously guarded, demonstrating his deep belief in strong institutions over personal authority.
Beyond the halls of government, President Lungu touched the lives of many. He stood with the vulnerable – supporting orphaned children in Chisamba, empowering women in Siavonga, and establishing a modern secondary school in Bweengwa. His vision for a better Zambia was also reflected in infrastructure development, including the construction of modern facilities such as Kalindawalo Hospital and introducing a health insurance for every Zambian, which continues to serve as a testament to his commitment to improving lives.
President Lungu was a man of humility and introspection. He did not shy away from acknowledging the challenges and shortcomings of his administration, including the rise of political violence. He was honest enough to admit when things had gone wrong, and courageous enough to apologise – an all-too-rare quality in leadership and a reflection of his deeply human character.
His passing comes at a time when the nation – and indeed, Members of Parliament – needed his voice, wisdom, and counsel, especially as Zambia undergoes a crucial constitutional amendment process. As the only surviving former President, his experience and steady insight would have provided much-needed guidance during this pivotal moment in our democracy.
Following his presidency, President Lungu sought to establish the Edgar Lungu Foundation (ELF) – an institution he envisioned as the embodiment of his life’s work, values, and service to others. Yet even in retirement, he was compelled to re-engage in the political arena, responding to mounting pressure placed upon his family and close associates.
We shall forever cherish the memories we shared with him, the lessons he imparted, his unwavering sense of justice as a lawyer, and the example he set in making difficult but necessary decisions for the sake of national unity and progress.
Our prayers and deepest sympathies go out to his family, the people of Zambia, and all those whose lives were touched by his leadership. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to guide and inspire this nation.
Farewell, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu. Your service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.
Isaac Mwanza
Executive Director
Zambian Civil Liberties Union (ZCLU)
Email: info@zclu.org