Former Zambian President Lungu dies aged 6816 hours ago Share Save Kennedy Gondwe & Damian Zane BBC News, Lusaka & London Share SaveHindustan Times via Getty Images Edgar Lungu had hoped to contest next year's electionsZambia's former President Edgar Lungu has died at the age of 68, his party has said in a statement. Lungu led Zambia for six years from 2015, losing the 2021 election to the current President Hakainde Hichilema by a large margin. "In this moment of grief, we invoke the spirit of 'One Zambia, One Nation' - the timeless creed that guided President Lungu's service to our country," she added in an emotional statement. Lungu first became president in January 2015 after winning a special presidential election triggered by the death in office of Michael Sata. Those who are ready for this fight, please come along with me, I am ready for anything," Mr Lungu told supporters at the time.