President Hichilema, others mourn Nawakwi as Lungu blames current administration for harassing late politician

Various political parties have expressed sorrow following the death of Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) leader, Edith Zewelani Nawakwi, describing her as a trailblazer in Zambian politics.

President Hakainde Hichilema took to Facebook to offer condolences to her family and the FDD fraternity, saying her passing was deeply saddening.

“We are saddened by the passing of former Finance Minister Madam Edith Zewelani Nawakwi. We offer our deepest condolences to her family, the FDD fraternity, colleagues, friends, and the nation at large. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this challenging time,” President Hichilema wrote.

Read more: Troubled Nawakwi, first female finance minister dies. Here are 10 things to remember about her.

Former President Edgar Lungu also mourned her death but criticized the government, claiming it failed to assist Nawakwi in accessing medical treatment abroad.

Lungu claimed that Nawakwi was recently admitted to Coptic Hospital where preparations were being made to evacuate her to India, but that the state did nothing to support those efforts.

“This is because of the usual politics of bitterness, malice and vengeance against opposition leaders,” Lungu said.

He added that when Nawakwi’s family resources became inadequate, Zambians had expected President Hichilema and his administration to intervene, especially since the Cancer Hospital at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) was “practically dysfunctional.”

Comparing her case to that of the late President Michael Sata—who was evacuated to South Africa at midnight by late President Levy Mwanawasa despite political rivalry—Lungu claimed Nawakwi had faced state-sponsored mistreatment and political hostility over the past four years.

“In April 2023, on two occasions, Zambia Police stormed UTH under political instruction while Ms. Nawakwi was admitted, in a bid to arrest her during treatment,” Lungu alleged.

He said police officers intended to transfer a visibly ill Nawakwi to Choma to face charges related to the controversial Hatembo family case.

“That gesture was unjustifiably terrible, morally regrettable, and an act of historical violence against a sick citizen,” Lungu said.

Meanwhile, United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) Chairperson, Sakwiba Sikota, and Golden Party of Zambia (GPZ) President, Jackson Silavwe, visited Nawakwi’s funeral house, paying tribute to her legacy.

Sikota described her as a fearless patriot who began her political journey in youth.

“Madam Nawakwi was courageous and never shy to speak her mind on national matters,” he said.

Silavwe described her as a “fearless lioness” and praised her efficiency, patriotism, and motherly nature.

“Her perspective on national matters enriched our political discourse. The nation has lost President Nawakwi at a critical time when her voice was most needed in the opposition. Indeed, the nation has lost a gallant statesman,” Silavwe said.

UKA leaders called on Zambians to mourn Nawakwi with dignity befitting someone who served the nation with distinction.

Republican Progressive Party leader, Leslie Chikuse, echoed the sentiments, highlighting her legacy as Zambia’s first female Finance Minister.

“She broke barriers and inspired many—especially women—to take up leadership roles and actively participate in national development,” Chikuse said.

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