Former Zambian president Edgar Lungu, who ruled from 2015 till 2021, handed away on Thursday at age 68 whereas present process medical therapy in a South African hospital, his household and the Patriotic Entrance social gathering confirmed.

Lungu had been admitted to a Pretoria clinic for specialised care, the Patriotic Entrance stated in an announcement. In a social media video, his daughter, Tasila Lungu-Mwansa, defined that her father had been below medical supervision in latest weeks. She added, 

“His situation was dealt with with dignity and privateness, with help from well-wishers,” although she didn’t specify the precise reason for demise.

The previous president had battled recurring achalasia, a narrowing of the oesophagus, which prompted his therapy in South Africa. A retired army officer turned lawyer, Lungu assumed workplace in 2015 following the demise of President Michael Sata and portrayed himself as “an bizarre Zambian of humble beginnings.” 

He stepped down after shedding the 2021 election to Hakainde Hichilema, who received by a landslide. Earlier than his demise, Lungu had introduced his intention to contest the 2026 presidential election.