Zambian President Hichilema confirms death of predecessor Lungu

LUSAKA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on Thursday confirmed the death of Edgar Lungu, the country's sixth president.

According to a statement issued by Patriotic Front Party Acting President Given Lubinda, Lungu passed away earlier in the day while receiving specialized medical treatment at Mediclinic Medforum Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa's administrative capital.

"As Africans, this moment calls for solemnity, unity, and an outpouring of love and compassion," said Hichilema.

He expressed deep sorrow and a heavy heart over the passing of his predecessor and called for national unity during this time of mourning.

Tasila Lungu Mwansa, the former president's daughter, said her father had been receiving medical treatment in recent weeks.

Lungu, 68, served as president of Zambia from January 2015 to August 2021. Enditem