Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata, Herald Correspondent
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has expressed deep sorrow on the passing of former Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, describing him as a dedicated servant of the people and a humble leader who served with honour and distinction.
In a condolence message to Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, President Mnangagwa conveyed the sympathy of the Zimbabwean Government, the nation and his family, saying the loss of the late former President Lungu was not just for Zambia but for the entire Southern Africa.
“It is with profound sorrow that I received the sad news of the passing of the former President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, on 5th June, 2025,” President Mnangagwa said.
“On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Zimbabwe, my family, and indeed on my own behalf, I extend to you, Your Excellency, the bereaved Lungu family, and the great people of Zambia, our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of national mourning.”
Lungu, who served as Zambia’s sixth President from 2015 to 2021, is being remembered across the region for his diplomatic tact, calm leadership, and steadfast commitment to regional integration and peace.
President Mnangagwa reflected on these attributes and described his late counterpart as “a selfless and dedicated servant of the people of Zambia” and “a principled and humble leader.”
“He served his country with honour and distinction,” he said adding that Lungu’s legacy would live on through the regional structures he strengthened.
“His commitment to regional cooperation and unity, particularly through the Southern African Development Community (SADC), was exemplary.”
Highlighting the deep-rooted ties between Zimbabwe and Zambia, President Mnangagwa said: “We remain eternally grateful for his invaluable contribution to the strong and enduring bonds of friendship and co-operation between Zimbabwe and Zambia — ties that are rooted in shared history, mutual respect, and common aspirations.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
President Hichilema, who succeeded Lungu after the landmark 2021 election, is expected to lead Zambia in official mourning arrangements, with condolences pouring in from across Africa and beyond.
The regional bloc SADC is anticipated to issue its own statement soon, reflecting on Lungu’s role in advancing integration and diplomacy in the region.
Lungu first became president in January 2015 after winning a special presidential election triggered by the death in office of Michael Sata.
After completing Sata’s term, he won a further five years in power in 2016.
Lungu was a lawyer by training but enjoyed a meteoric rise in politics after winning a seat in parliament as a PF MP in 2011.
He entered government as deputy minister in the vice-president’s office in that year and rose to become minister of home affairs in just over 12 months.
He later became minister of defence and then justice.
Born on November 11, 1956, Lungu graduated with a law degree from the University of Zambia in 1981. He also underwent military training at the then-Miltez Army College in Kabwe.
He later worked at Andre Masiye and Company Advocates, Barclays Bank and Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines.
