A South African court has delivered a significant ruling, allowing the Zambian government to repatriate the remains of former President Edgar Lungu for a state funeral, notwithstanding opposition from his family. The court’s decision has left Lungu’s relatives visibly upset, as they had expressed a desire to conduct a private burial in South Africa, where he passed away in June.
Family’s grief amidst national interests
In the aftermath of the ruling, the Zambian state expressed its condolences, emphasizing that while it shares in the family’s sorrow, Lungu “belongs to the nation.” This legal dispute reflects a broader context of tension between Lungu and his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema. The Lungu family has alleged that the late president had conveyed a wish for Hichilema to be absent from any funeral proceedings.
Judge Aubrey Ledwaba, who presided over the case, stated that the Zambian government was “entitled to repatriate the body of the late president” and mandated the family to “immediately surrender” it to the authorities. Following Lungu’s death at the age of 68 due to an undisclosed illness, his family initially aimed to oversee the funeral arrangements and the repatriation, but the Zambian authorities intervened to assert control over the process.
Implications of the ruling and Lungu’s legacy
Initially, there was an agreement between the government and the family for a state funeral, but relations soured over specific arrangements, ultimately leading the family to prefer a burial in South Africa. The emotional toll of the verdict was evident, with Bertha Lungu, the former president’s elder sister, breaking down in tears in the courtroom following the announcement.
It remains uncertain whether Lungu’s family intends to appeal the court’s decision. Amidst the emotional outbursts, Zambian Attorney General Mulilo D Kabesha articulated that the ruling was not merely a triumph for the government but rather “what makes good sense.” He remarked on the unique position of a national leader, stating, “When you are the father of the nation, you can’t restrict yourself to your immediate family.” Kabesha commended the court for rendering a “sound judgment” and acknowledged that while the family possesses the right to appeal, this situation serves as a “learning curve” for those aspiring to leadership roles.
Edgar Lungu served as Zambia’s president from 2015 until his electoral defeat in 2021, after which he largely distanced himself from politics, though he later returned to engage in political discourse.