Disputes over burial arrangements for late Zambian President Edgar Lungu, exacerbated by a government-family standoff, led to the abrupt conclusion of the national mourning period, raising concerns for his memorial.
Zambia’s Former President Edgar Lungu's Funeral Plans in Disarray Amid National Mourning Conflict
Zambia’s Former President Edgar Lungu's Funeral Plans in Disarray Amid National Mourning Conflict
The sudden end of a national mourning period by President Hakainde Hichilema has thrown former President Edgar Lungu's burial plans into uncertainty.
Zambia is facing uncertainty surrounding the funeral of its former President Edgar Lungu following an abrupt cancellation of national mourning by current President Hakainde Hichilema. The announcement traces back to escalating tensions between Lungu's family and the government over his burial arrangements, further complicated by the family's refusal to allow his remains to be returned from South Africa.
Initially, the national mourning was scheduled from June 8 to June 14, later extended to June 23, with solemn observances including flags flown at half-mast. However, on Thursday, President Hichilema declared the mourning period over, emphasizing the need for the nation to "resume normal life" and stating that despite the government's attempts, the discussions with Lungu’s family had not yielded outcomes.
Plans had been set for Lungu’s body to be flown back to Zambia on a private charter on Wednesday, with expectations for a full military reception. However, family members blocked the transfer, alleging that the government did not uphold prior agreements regarding the funeral plans. They expressed hope to repatriate Lungu's body "some day" for burial in their homeland.
The government expressed disappointment over the actions of Lungu's family and extended apologies to the South African authorities involved in the transfer process. Hichilema emphasized that, as a former leader, Lungu's remains deserved to be honored and laid to rest in Zambia.
Opposition party Patriotic Front (PF), which Lungu had led, aligned with the family's stance, criticizing the government for transforming a somber occasion into a political matter. Civil society and religious leaders called for immediate resolution and a collaborative dialogue, urging respect for the dignity of both the deceased and the nation.
Lungu, who served as President from 2015 until his defeat in the 2021 elections, died this month in South Africa after prolonged health issues. With his political presence enduring even post-presidency, he was barred by the Constitutional Court from running again, having reached the maximum two-term limit set by law, although he remained a significant figure within Zambian politics.
