CONDOLENCE MESSAGE: 7 June 2025
It is with profound sorrow and sadness that we received the news of the untimely passing on of former Zambian President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, who passed away on the 5th of June in South Africa. President Lungu served as the sixth president of Zambia from January 2015 to August 2021. Under President Michael Sata, he served as Minister of Justice and Minister of Defense.
A patriotic Zambian, President Lungu served his country in various capacities and contributed to the entrenchment of democracy in Zambia. The peaceful transfer of power from President Lungu to the current President Hakainde Hichilema in 2021, restored hope for peace and stability in SADC, against the backdrop of the 2017 military coup that we witnessed in Zimbabwe.
ZAPU mourns with the people of Zambia during this period of national bereavement and reflection. Our ZPRA cadres and political refugees received immeasurable support from Zambia, under President Kenneth Kaunda, during our Second Chimurenga/Umvukela struggle for independence. We will forever be indebted to the people of Zambia for their sacrifices in support of our liberation war effort.
President Lungu will be remembered in history for his willingness to cede power upon electoral defeat in adherence to the tenets of democracy. Unlike despotic rulers who rig elections or ignore results to cling to power, President Lungu respected the people of Zambia, gracefully bowed out and peacefully returned to civilian life. Zambians must never take that for granted.
On behalf of ZAPU and ZPRA veterans, I hereby convey my heartfelt condolences to the President of Zambia, President Hichilema, the Lungu family, and the generality of Zambians. Your son has been untimely lost but his democratic legacy will sustain your country, preserving your peace and stability. May his departed soul rest in eternal peace.
Issued by: Cde Michael Sibangilizwe Nkomo, ZAPU President
