Africa-Press – Namibia. Namibia and Africa at large are mourning the passing of former Zambian president Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
He is a leader remembered not only for his service to his nation but also for upholding the enduring bonds of togetherness between Zambia and Namibia.
In a heartfelt message, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reflected on Zambia’s historic role in supporting Namibia’s liberation struggle.
She praised Lungu’s steadfast commitment to strengthening bilateral relations during his tenure.
“At independence in 1990, Namibia relied on steadfast Zambian expertise in developing administrative frameworks for government. President Lungu continued with the tradition of closer cooperation and friendship between our two nations,” recalled Nandi-Ndaitwah upon hearing the death of Lungu last week.
The lawyer-turned-politician died on 5 June at the age of 68, his party, the Patriotic Front, has said in a statement.
Lungu was receiving specialised medical treatment in Pretoria, South Africa, for an undisclosed condition.
He was Zambia’s sixth president from 2015 to 2021.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said the Namibian people had benefitted immensely from the generosity of the Zambian government and its people.
She stated that Zambia hosted the liberation movement, Swapo, and its leadership at great cost to its internal security.
“Myself, as a former deputy prime minister and minister of international relations and cooperation, recall meeting on several occasions president Lungu during his tenure in office. I felt his resolute commitment to stronger bilateral cooperation between Namibia and Zambia,” she reminisced.
Meanwhile, Zambian president Hakainde Hichilema has declared seven days of national mourning beginning yesterday.
The mortal remains of Lungu are expected to arrive in Zambia on Wednesday.
“As Zambians, Africans and more so as Christians, this moment calls for solemnity, unity, love and compassion. At such times, we must mourn together as one people above political affiliation or personal conviction as we honour the life of a man who once held the highest office in our land,” said Hichilema.
He added: “In the spirit of patriotism and national solidarity, we urge all citizens to offer support and respect to the bereaved family, and to uphold the values of peace, dignity and togetherness that define us as Zambians”.
Tanzania’s president Samia Suluhu Hassan said she is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lungu.
“On behalf of the government and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, I extend our heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, Hakainde Hichilema, president of the Republic of Zambia, president Lungu’s family, friends and the people of Zambia. May his soul rest in peace,” she posted on X.
South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa said: “As regional compatriots, South Africans are standing by the people of Zambia in this difficult moment. We have had the duty and privilege in recent weeks to care for a leader from our region, whom we embraced as a brother and friend”.
He said South Africa shares the grief and loss being experienced by the Lungu family as well as the Zambian nation.
Kenyan president William Ruto described Lungu as a visionary leader who served his people with passion.
“Our condolences to the family and people of Zambia for the untimely death of former president Lungu. President Lungu was a progressive and outstanding leader, who served the people of Zambia with zeal and commitment,” he expressed.
Ruto’s predecessor, former Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta eulogised Lungu as a distinguished statesman, who served his country with dedication and honour.
“His commitment to the prosperity and unity of Zambia was evident throughout his presidency. His calm, measured leadership will be remembered by all who knew and worked with him,’’ he posted on X.
He added: “I mourn a trusted friend, and fondly recall his visits to Kenya and the moments we shared discussing the future of our continent, the role of youth, and the importance of building bridges across our nations”.
Kenyatta offered prayers for Lungu’s family, noting that he carried strength and a genuine desire to see Africa thrive in peace and dignity.
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