After extensive negotiations, the funeral plans for Zambia’s former president Edgar Lungu have been finalized, easing the nation’s mourning process. The ex-leader, who served from 2015 until 2021, passed away in South Africa just over a week ago due to an undisclosed illness.
Zambia Finalizes Funeral Arrangements for Former President Lungu
Zambia Finalizes Funeral Arrangements for Former President Lungu
Zambia grapples with legacy and mourning as family and government resolve funeral disputes following Edgar Lungu's passing.
Initially, Lungu’s family stated a desire for political rival, current President Hakainde Hichilema, to be excluded from participating in funeral ceremonies. However, amidst public concern and confusion about how to honor their late leader, a compromise was struck, allowing Hichilema to oversee a state funeral scheduled for next Sunday.
The details of the funeral arrangements are as follows: Lungu’s body is set to be flown to Lusaka on Wednesday via a private charter. Upon its arrival, a military honor will accompany the body to his residence before it lies in state for three days. Beginning Thursday, citizens will be invited to pay their respects at a designated conference center in the capital. The state funeral will conclude with a burial on Monday, though the exact interment site remains undecided.
Lungu's family, represented by spokesperson Makebi Zulu, expressed remorse for the distress caused by the drawn-out negotiations, emphasizing their commitment to honoring the late president's wishes. Government representative Patrick Kangwa called for unity and extended gratitude to the public for their patience during these challenging times.
Although Lungu stepped back from politics after his electoral defeat in 2021, he maintained considerable influence and voiced strong criticism toward Hichilema’s administration. His political career faced setbacks with a constitutional ruling barring him from future presidential bids, nonetheless, Lungu remained a significant player within Zambian political circles, navigating between state affairs and personal ambitions up until his death.
The details of the funeral arrangements are as follows: Lungu’s body is set to be flown to Lusaka on Wednesday via a private charter. Upon its arrival, a military honor will accompany the body to his residence before it lies in state for three days. Beginning Thursday, citizens will be invited to pay their respects at a designated conference center in the capital. The state funeral will conclude with a burial on Monday, though the exact interment site remains undecided.
Lungu's family, represented by spokesperson Makebi Zulu, expressed remorse for the distress caused by the drawn-out negotiations, emphasizing their commitment to honoring the late president's wishes. Government representative Patrick Kangwa called for unity and extended gratitude to the public for their patience during these challenging times.
Although Lungu stepped back from politics after his electoral defeat in 2021, he maintained considerable influence and voiced strong criticism toward Hichilema’s administration. His political career faced setbacks with a constitutional ruling barring him from future presidential bids, nonetheless, Lungu remained a significant player within Zambian political circles, navigating between state affairs and personal ambitions up until his death.
