By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Harare – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has paid tribute to the late former Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, describing him as an astute and visionary leader who contributed significantly to regional development and cooperation within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Speaking to journalists after signing the Book of Condolence at the Zambian Embassy in Harare yesterday, President Mnangagwa expressed his sorrow over Lungu’s passing, calling it a substantial loss for the region.
“We have lost one of our illustrious leaders in the region. He was committed not only to leading the people of Zambia but also to fostering development and collaboration among SADC countries,” Mnangagwa said.
“He was one of us, a man with foresight for our region’s progress. We worked very well together, so his loss is deeply felt by all of us in regional leadership.”
The President also shared a personal connection with Lungu, recalling their days as law students at the University of Zambia.
“Besides being Presidents, we were students together. We studied law at the same university, so he is really my college mate. Of course, he was a junior and I was a senior,” Mnangagwa added.
In his official condolence message, President Mnangagwa extended sympathies to the people of Zambia, President Hakainde Hichilema, and the Lungu family.