Zambian Ex-President Lungu's Funeral Plans Face Chaos Amid Family Dispute

A stand-off between the Zambian government and Edgar Lungu's family leaves his burial in limbo.

In an unexpected turn of events, Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema has called off the national mourning period for former President Edgar Lungu, following an escalating dispute regarding burial arrangements. The family of Lungu has delayed the repatriation of his body from South Africa, resulting in confusion regarding when and where the former leader will ultimately be laid to rest.

In a public address, Hichilema expressed the need for the nation to “move forward” and declared the immediate termination of the mourning period which was originally set to extend from June 8 to June 23. This decision follows previous efforts by government officials to negotiate with Lungu’s family amidst disagreements about the funeral plans.

Plans had been made for Lungu's remains to be returned to Zambia on Wednesday for an official funeral, complete with military honors. However, Lungu's family prevented the body from being returned, claiming that the government had not adhered to previous agreements regarding burial proceedings. The family asserts their intention to repatriate the former president "some day," underscoring the sentiment that his body must be interred in Zambia.

Expressing regret over the family's refusal, Hichilema offered an apology to the South African authorities involved in the arrangements, emphasizing Lungu’s status as a former head of state who should be honored appropriately. The government is now seeking to reinstate normalcy after this incident, with the country unable to sustain prolonged mourning.

The opposition Patriotic Front (PF), formerly led by Lungu, has sided with the family, criticizing the government for allegedly politicizing the situation. PF acting president Given Lubinda stated, "This is not how we treat a former head of state," pointing to the dignity owed to Lungu.

Various civil society organizations and religious leaders have called for a peaceful resolution, urging respect for Lungu's legacy as they seek to maintain national unity amidst the turmoil. Emmanuel Chikoya of the Council of Churches in Zambia emphasized the need for "dialogue that honors the memory" of Lungu.

Lungu, who served as Zambia's president from 2015 to 2021, passed away earlier this month after undergoing treatment in South Africa. Though defeated in the last election, he remained a significant figure in Zambian politics, previously attempting a return before being barred by the Constitutional Court. His political influence and criticism of Hichilema have endured even after his official departure from the political stage.