Zambia has declared a seven-day national mourning period in honor of former President Edgar Lungu, who passed away on June 5, 2025, at the age of 68, in South Africa. Lungu served as the sixth president of Zambia from January 2015 to August 2021, when he lost to current President Hakainde Hichilema.
According to Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, President Hichilema has accorded a state funeral to Lungu. “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 said.
The national mourning period will begin on June 8 and end on June 14, during which all flags will fly at half-mast, and entertainment events will be suspended. The government has designated Belvedere Lodge in Lusaka as the official place of mourning, where Lungu’s body will arrive next Wednesday.
Lungu was receiving specialized medical treatment in a clinic in Pretoria, South Africa, for recurring achalasia, a condition caused by narrowing of the esophagus.
As part of the mourning period, the government has urged citizens to observe the mourning period respectfully, and all national flags will be flown at half-mast throughout the country. Further funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course. The government has also announced that it will suspend or cancel all forms of entertainment during this time.
Some Zambians have expressed mixed feelings about Lungu’s legacy, with some praising his efforts to improve infrastructure and others criticizing his handling of economic issues. “President Lungu did a lot for this country, but we can’t ignore the economic challenges we faced during his rule,” said one citizen.
Internationally, Lungu’s passing has been met with condolences from neighboring countries and global leaders, acknowledging his role in regional diplomacy and African affairs. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has issued a statement expressing solidarity with the Zambian people during this period of mourning.