The family of Edgar Lungu, former President of Zambia, has announced that he will be laid to rest in South Africa following a dispute with the Zambian government regarding funeral arrangements. The decision reflects the family’s desire for a private ceremony after the government’s failure to secure the repatriation of Lungu’s remains from South Africa, which had been initially planned for a funeral in Lusaka.
Family’s decision and government response
In a statement released by family spokesperson Makebi Zulu, it was confirmed that Lungu’s burial will take place in Johannesburg, although a specific date has yet to be announced. Zulu expressed gratitude towards the South African government for respecting the family’s wishes during this sensitive time.
“We wish to announce that the funeral and burial of our beloved Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu will take place here in South Africa, in accordance with the family’s wishes for a private ceremony,”
This development comes after President Hakainde Hichilema abruptly ended a period of national mourning, which had been extended until June 23, following the family’s refusal to allow Lungu’s body to be brought back to Zambia. Hichilema emphasized that as a former head of state, Lungu “belongs to the nation of Zambia” and should be buried with full honors in his homeland.
Political tensions and public outcry
The tensions escalated as the government had previously arranged for a state funeral, but the agreement collapsed just before the repatriation was set to occur. The opposition Patriotic Front (PF), which Lungu led until his death, has voiced strong support for the family’s decision, with acting president Given Lubinda criticizing the government’s handling of the situation, describing it as a political maneuver rather than a respectful farewell.
Civil society organizations and religious leaders have called for a peaceful resolution, urging dialogue to preserve the dignity of Lungu’s legacy and maintain national unity. Emmanuel Chikoya, head of the Council of Churches in Zambia, highlighted the importance of humility in resolving the current impasse.
Edgar Lungu served as Zambia’s president from 2015 until 2021, when he lost the election to Hichilema. Although he stepped back from frontline politics, he remained a significant figure and was critical of his successor’s administration. Lungu’s recent death occurred while he was undergoing treatment for an undisclosed illness in South Africa.