The remains of Edgar Lungu, who served Zambia as president from 2015 to 2021, will be interred in South Africa despite government wishes for a state funeral, highlighting tensions surrounding his posthumous arrangements.
Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu to Be Laid to Rest in South Africa Amid Funeral Dispute
Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu to Be Laid to Rest in South Africa Amid Funeral Dispute
Lungu's family opts for a private burial service following a clash with the Zambian government
Edgar Lungu, the former president of Zambia, will be buried in South Africa in a private ceremony after a dispute erupted between his family and the Zambian government over funeral arrangements. The family announced on Thursday that they decided against repatriating his remains to Zambia, which had been the initial plan, and would instead hold a burial in Johannesburg, with the date to be confirmed later.
The Zambian government, led by President Hakainde Hichilema, had declared a national mourning period as Lungu was honored as a former head of state. However, relations soured when Lungu's family refused to allow the government to bring his body back to Zambia, resulting in Hichilema terminating the mourning period early. The President stressed that Lungu "belongs to the nation of Zambia" and that he deserved to be buried with military honors at home.
Tensions escalated as the opposition Patriotic Front (PF), the political party Lungu led until his death, supported the family's decision and criticized the government's handling of the situation. PF acting president Given Lubinda condemned the approach taken by Hichilema's administration, describing the funeral as a "solemn occasion" that should not be politicized.
In response to the controversy, civil society and religious leaders have called for peaceful dialogue to address the situation and preserve national unity. Emmanuel Chikoya of the Council of Churches in Zambia urged humility and cooperation to honor Lungu's legacy.
Lungu passed away earlier this month while undergoing treatment for an undisclosed illness in South Africa. His political career ended following a significant loss to Hichilema in the 2021 elections. While he was ineligible to run for president again due to a ruling from the Constitutional Court, Lungu retained substantial influence and was vocal about his successor's governance.
