Zambia's Edgar Lungu Family and Government Reach Agreement on Funeral Arrangements

The family of Edgar Lungu, Zambia's former president, has reached an agreement with the government regarding his funeral arrangements after initial disputes on how to honor his legacy upon his passing.

After a period of negotiations, the family of Zambia's late former president Edgar Lungu has reached a consensus with the government, allowing for a state funeral to take place. Lungu, who passed away at the age of 68 in South Africa while seeking treatment for an undisclosed illness, had held the presidency from 2015 until 2021. His family previously expressed that he wished for political rival Hakainde Hichilema, the current president, to avoid involvement in the funeral proceedings. However, a spokesperson for the Lungu family later confirmed that an understanding was reached permitting Hichilema to conduct the state funeral, set for next Sunday.

The disagreement surrounding funeral arrangements led to confusion among Zambians as they sought to pay their respects to the departed leader. The finalized arrangements stipulate that Lungu's body will be flown back to Lusaka on a chartered flight on Wednesday. Upon arrival, military honors will be given at the airport, after which the body will be taken to his residence for a period of lying in state. For three days starting Thursday, the public will be welcomed to pay their last tributes at a local conference center.

The state funeral will proceed on June 22, with official mourning extending into the following day. The burial is planned for the subsequent Monday, although details regarding the specific burial site remain unclear, as it is yet to be determined whether Lungu will be laid to rest at the presidential burial grounds or his personal residence.

During a press conference in South Africa, Lungu family spokesperson Makebi Zulu and Secretary to Zambia's Cabinet Patrick Kangwa expressed their hopes for unity amidst this challenging time, with Zulu extending apologies for any distress caused by the lengthy negotiations. Lungu, despite losing in the 2021 elections and stepping back from politics, retained significant influence in the political sphere, often criticizing Hichilema and the government even following his disqualification from future presidential runs.