Africa-Press – Malawi. By Rebecca Chimjeka Matemba & Pemphero Malimba:
Condolence messages are pouring from leaders across Africa and beyond as the continent mourns the death of Zambia’s sixth president Edgar Chagwa Lungu, who died Thursday.
He died while receiving specialised medical treatment at Mediclinic Medforum Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa.
In Malawi, government spokesperson Moses Kunkuyu described the demise of Lungu as a great loss to the continent.
“Zambia and Malawi are one; a loss for Zambia is a loss for Malawi. The Malawi Government mourns with the Zambian people. President Lazarus Chakwera, is mourning, as per the statement from State residences,” Kunkuyu said
On his part, former president Bakili Muluzi said the continent had lost a key figure.
“I want to condole [with the family of] Edgar Lungu and the government of Zambia for the sudden death of the former president,” Muluzi said.
Former president Joyce Banda said she was equally shocked with the news.
She said Lungu was full of life.
She further said she worked closely with him when he was foreign minister, and that he was a family man, good father and a God-fearing man.
Enock Chihana“My deepest condolences to his dear wife and children. May his soul rest in everlasting peace,” she said.
One of the closest friends of Lungu, Alliance for Democracy’s president Enock Chihana, said he was saddened by the death of one of the “true sons of Africa”.
“We are mourning with our brothers and sisters in Zambia,” Chihana said.
The news of Lungu’s death was confirmed by his daughter, Tasila Lungu- Mwansa, who is the Member of Parliament for Chawama Constituency.
Family lawyer and former minister Makebi Zulu also confirmed the development, stating that immediate family members were still being informed.
Lungu, who led Zambia from January 26, 2015, until August 24, 2021, was a central figure in the Patriotic Front (PF) and played a key role in shaping Zambia’s recent political landscape.
In an official statement issued by the acting President of the PF, Given Lubinda, the party expressed sorrow at the loss of its former leader.
“Details and funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course,” the statement reads.He was married and had six children.
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