Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday signed the book of condolences at the Zambian Embassy in Harare, following the passing of former President Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, describing him as an illustrious leader and a dear friend whose death has left a deep void in the region.

The late Dr Lungu, who led Zambia from 2015 until 2021, died last Thursday at the age of 68, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the continent, with the country declaring a seven days of national mourning beginning on Saturday.

Speaking to journalists after signing the condolence book, President Mnangagwa said he knew Dr Lungu not only as a fellow Head of State, but also as a personal friend and former college mate.

“Besides Lungu being a President, we were students together at Law School in Zambia,” President Mnangagwa said. “He is a former college mate. Hence, there’s a lot of history between him, me, and a lot of others who have been leaders.”

President Mnangagwa hailed Dr Lungu’s regional vision and enduring contributions to the development of southern Africa.

“We have lost one of our illustrious leaders in the region. He was committed not only to provide leadership in Zambia but to the rest of the region. He had foresight in the region’s cooperation and development. He will be dearly missed,” he said.

Dr Lungu’s Presidency is remembered for significant milestones in Zambia’s post-independence trajectory, among them, the accelerated rollout of infrastructure projects that improved the country’s internal road networks and cross-border connectivity.

His administration also launched the National Health Insurance Scheme in 2018, a landmark policy that transformed healthcare financing and broadened access for millions of Zambians.

President Mnangagwa is expected to join other regional leaders at the late Zambian leader’s official funeral proceedings in Lusaka, where he will be laid to rest with full honours.

New Ziana