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Mnangagwa mourns Edgar Lungu
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President Emmerson Mnangagwa has described the late former Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu as an astute and visionary statesman who played a vital role in fostering development and cooperation within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Speaking to journalists after signing the Book of Condolence at the Zambian Embassy in Harare yesterday, President Mnangagwa expressed deep sorrow over the former leader's passing, describing it as a significant loss for the entire region.
"Well, we have lost one of our illustrious leaders in the region. He was committed not only to providing leadership to the people of the Republic of Zambia, but also to the rest of the region," said President Mnangagwa. "He was one of us, a man with foresight for the development and collaboration between SADC countries. We worked together very, very well, so it is a big loss to all of us in the leadership in our region."
President Mnangagwa revealed a personal connection with the late President Lungu, recalling their days as law students at the University of Zambia. "Well, besides being Presidents, we were students together. We were former students together in law school, so he is really my college mate. Of course, he was a junior and I was senior at the university," he said.
In his official condolence message, President Mnangagwa conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the people of Zambia, President Hakainde Hichilema, and the Lungu family.
"I was deeply touched and saddened by the sudden passing on of the Former President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency Edgar Chagwa Lungu on June 5, 2025. On behalf of the Government, the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe, my family and indeed on my own behalf, I extend to the President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, the great people of Zambia and the bereaved Lungu family, our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences," reads part of the message.
"We in Zimbabwe fondly remember President Lungu as an astute statesman who served his people with utmost distinction, humility and honour."
Dr Lungu, who passed away in a South African hospital at the age of 68, had been receiving specialised treatment for several weeks for an undisclosed illness.
He served as Zambia's sixth President from 2015 to 2021. His political journey to the top office began in January 2015 when he won a tightly contested special election following the death of then-President Michael Sata. At 57, the lawyer-turned-politician secured the presidency with 48.3 percent of the vote, narrowly defeating Hakainde Hichilema.
Lungu went on to win a full term in the 2016 general elections. However, in 2021 he was defeated by Hichilema and subsequently announced his retirement. In 2023, he made a political comeback, re-entering frontline politics before his health deteriorated.
His death has sparked an outpouring of grief across the region, with many leaders paying tribute to his legacy of leadership, diplomacy and commitment to regional integration.
Speaking to journalists after signing the Book of Condolence at the Zambian Embassy in Harare yesterday, President Mnangagwa expressed deep sorrow over the former leader's passing, describing it as a significant loss for the entire region.
"Well, we have lost one of our illustrious leaders in the region. He was committed not only to providing leadership to the people of the Republic of Zambia, but also to the rest of the region," said President Mnangagwa. "He was one of us, a man with foresight for the development and collaboration between SADC countries. We worked together very, very well, so it is a big loss to all of us in the leadership in our region."
President Mnangagwa revealed a personal connection with the late President Lungu, recalling their days as law students at the University of Zambia. "Well, besides being Presidents, we were students together. We were former students together in law school, so he is really my college mate. Of course, he was a junior and I was senior at the university," he said.
In his official condolence message, President Mnangagwa conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the people of Zambia, President Hakainde Hichilema, and the Lungu family.
"I was deeply touched and saddened by the sudden passing on of the Former President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency Edgar Chagwa Lungu on June 5, 2025. On behalf of the Government, the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe, my family and indeed on my own behalf, I extend to the President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, the great people of Zambia and the bereaved Lungu family, our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences," reads part of the message.
"We in Zimbabwe fondly remember President Lungu as an astute statesman who served his people with utmost distinction, humility and honour."
Dr Lungu, who passed away in a South African hospital at the age of 68, had been receiving specialised treatment for several weeks for an undisclosed illness.
He served as Zambia's sixth President from 2015 to 2021. His political journey to the top office began in January 2015 when he won a tightly contested special election following the death of then-President Michael Sata. At 57, the lawyer-turned-politician secured the presidency with 48.3 percent of the vote, narrowly defeating Hakainde Hichilema.
Lungu went on to win a full term in the 2016 general elections. However, in 2021 he was defeated by Hichilema and subsequently announced his retirement. In 2023, he made a political comeback, re-entering frontline politics before his health deteriorated.
His death has sparked an outpouring of grief across the region, with many leaders paying tribute to his legacy of leadership, diplomacy and commitment to regional integration.
Source - Herald
