A Legacy Disputed: Zambia’s Former President Lungu’s Funeral Sparks Controversy

The tensions between former President Edgar Lungu's family and the Zambian government highlight deep-rooted political enmity, even extending into discussions of the late leader's burial.

President Hakainde Hichilema and former President Edgar Lungu's rivalry is intensifying, exacerbated by the recent death of Lungu. The former leader, who passed away three weeks ago at the age of 68, remains unburied as disputes arise over his funeral arrangements. While Hichilema's administration has mandated a state funeral within Zambia, Lungu's family argues that their loved one desired to be buried without the oversight of his political adversary. As Lungu died in South Africa after medical treatment, his family seeks to conduct the burial there.

Last week, a South African court intervened to prevent the family's plans, following a lawsuit from the Zambian government challenging their intentions. The court ordered a stay on proceedings until the legal disagreements are resolved. Lungu's family, represented by spokesperson Makebi Zulu, insists that their objective is to ensure a respectful farewell, free from political theatrics. "We aim for a dignified burial, not one that lends itself to ridicule or PR schemes aimed at manipulating the international perception of how he was treated," Zulu stated.

With both sides entrenched in their positions, the timely resolution of this dispute remains uncertain, underscoring how political rivalries can echo beyond life itself in Zambia.