The repatriation of former President Edgar Lungu's body has sparked a controversial legal dispute in Zambia, revealing deep political divisions and family tensions. A court has ruled in favor of the government for a state funeral, but Lungu's family remains opposed, citing the former president's wishes against participation by his successor, Hakainde Hichilema.
Controversy Surrounds Repatriation of Zambia's Ex-President Edgar Lungu
Controversy Surrounds Repatriation of Zambia's Ex-President Edgar Lungu
A legal battle unfolds over the remains of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu as family tensions rise against state interests, stirring national discord.
The unexpected death of Edgar Lungu, Zambia's former president, two months ago in South Africa has ignited a contentious debate regarding the return of his remains. The 68-year-old passed away while receiving treatment for an undisclosed condition, and a Pretoria court's recent ruling allows for Lungu's body to be repatriated for a state funeral. However, the lack of agreement between the government and Lungu's family has given rise to a public dispute laden with political implications.
Supporters of the incumbent government celebrated the ruling with the phrase “It's coming home,” echoing sentiments familiar among English football fans, though critics label such reactions as disrespectful. The situation has escalated into a divisive conflict, overshadowing pressing economic issues facing the nation.
The root of the controversy lies in the fraught relationship between the late president and his successor, Hakainde Hichilema, who defeated Lungu in the 2021 elections. The Lungu family is adamant that their preferences regarding the funeral ought to be respected, with claims that one of Lungu's final wishes was that Hichilema abstain from the burial proceedings, an assertion fueling accusations of witchcraft surrounding this highly emotional issue.
Court proceedings are expected to continue, with the Lungu family's legal representation appealing against the South African decision. The family is asserting their rights over the burial process, insisting on a dignified farewell that aligns with Lungu's wishes—a sentiment voiced passionately by Lungu's sister, Bertha, during a court hearing.
Zambian authorities argue that Lungu should receive the state funeral customary for ex-presidents, a long-standing tradition that dictates such funerals take place at Embassy Park. The attorney general proclaimed that provisions would be set for Lungu’s burial to proceed, irrespective of family involvement if an agreement cannot be secured.
Weariness among the public regarding this protracted feud is palpable, but historian Dr. Sishuwa has warned that the government's actions, framed as aligned with public interest, instead exacerbate political divisions and propagate beliefs in occult practices linked with the former president's body—a significant issue in the context of Zambian culture.
As the battle over Lungu's remains stretches on, the unfolding drama is a reflection of broader political tensions within Zambia, leaving many citizens caught between mourning and political strife.
