Zambia has declared seven days of national mourning following the death of former President Edgar Lungu, who passed away while receiving treatment in South Africa.
Flags will fly at half-mast as the nation prepares a state funeral, with citizens honoring Lungu’s legacy and reflecting on his years of national service.
Zambia has officially entered a seven-day period of national mourning following the death of its former president, Edgar Chagwa Lungu. The announcement was made on Saturday by the government, confirming that Lungu passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2025, while undergoing treatment in South Africa.
The late president, who was 68 years old, led the southern African nation from January 2015 until August 2021. He succeeded Michael Sata and served until he was defeated by the current president, Hakainde Hichilema, in the 2021 general elections. During his tenure, Lungu oversaw a challenging economic period for Zambia, often marked by debates over his leadership style and national debt policies.
In a formal statement issued by the Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, the government expressed deep sorrow over Lungu’s passing and confirmed that President Hakainde Hichilema has accorded him a full state funeral in honour of his service to the nation.
“The government of the Republic of Zambia wishes to inform the nation that President Hakainde Hichilema has accorded a state funeral to the sixth president, Edgar Lungu, who died on 5 June,” Kangwa announced.
To mark this solemn occasion, the government has ordered that all national flags be flown at half-mast from Saturday, June 8, through Friday, June 14. In addition, entertainment and celebratory events across the country have been suspended during the mourning period as a sign of respect.
Kangwa also disclosed that Lungu’s body will be flown back to Zambia on Wednesday, June 12, and will lie in state at Belvedere Lodge in Lusaka, which has been designated as the official mourning site. Final burial arrangements are expected to be released in the coming days.
The former president had been receiving advanced medical care in Pretoria, South Africa, where he was being treated for a recurring condition known as achalasia a disorder that causes the esophagus to narrow and makes swallowing difficult. His political party, the Patriotic Front (PF), confirmed that he had struggled with the illness for some time.
Tributes have been pouring in from both within Zambia and beyond its borders. Many political leaders, civil society groups, and members of the international community have expressed condolences to the Lungu family and the people of Zambia.
While his presidency was marked by both support and criticism, many Zambians are now reflecting on his years of service and the role he played during a turbulent time in the nation’s history. Lungu was known for his calm demeanor and his efforts to maintain peace in Zambia during periods of political tension.
As Zambia enters this week of national mourning, citizens across the country are expected to participate in remembrance activities, church services, and formal ceremonies to pay their last respects.
Lungu leaves behind a wife, children, and a legacy that continues to inspire discussion across Zambia’s political spectrum.
