Controversy Surrounds Repatriation of Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu's Body

Thu Apr 23 2026 08:12:33 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Zambia's government asserts its right to repatriate the remains of former President Edgar Lungu, igniting a familial dispute over burial preferences and the wishes of the late leader's family.

The Zambian government has taken control of the remains of Edgar Lungu, the former president who passed away in South Africa. This action comes despite opposition from Lungu's family, who had sought a private burial. The government argues that as a former head of state, Lungu should be honored with a state burial in Lusaka, while the family disputes the legality of this transfer and has sought legal recourse in South Africa.

The Zambian government has announced it has taken possession of the body of former president Edgar Lungu, who died in South Africa 10 months ago, igniting a controversy as the family contests the move.

This dispute is the latest chapter in a conflict between Lungu's family and his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema, regarding the handling of the former leader's remains.

The government maintains that as a former head of state, Lungu should receive due honors and a burial in the presidential burial ground in Lusaka. In contrast, Lungu's family has requested a private burial after failed negotiations regarding the funeral arrangements.

Last August, a South African court upheld the Zambian government's claim to repatriate Lungu's body and conduct a state funeral. However, the family’s representatives have since contested this ruling, asserting they have followed proper legal procedures. Following the latest developments, Lungu's family lawyers have urgently appealed to the South African high court to return the body to the funeral home where it was initially held.

Edgar Lungu, who served as Zambia's president from 2015 until he lost the 2021 elections, passed away at the age of 68 from an undisclosed illness in Pretoria. His relationship with Hichilema remained strained, particularly regarding funeral arrangements, as Lungu had reportedly wished to exclude Hichilema from the mourning ceremonies.