The funeral arrangements for Zambia’s former president, Edgar Lungu, have descended into chaos after his family abruptly halted the repatriation of his body from South Africa, prompting President Hakainde Hichilema to cancel the national mourning period. The dispute has left the nation in uncertainty, with political tensions flaring over the handling of the late leader’s burial.
Lungu, who ruled Zambia from 2015 to 2021, died earlier this month in South Africa, where he was receiving medical treatment. His body was scheduled to be returned to Zambia on Wednesday, with a state funeral planned for Sunday and burial on Monday. However, his family blocked the repatriation, accusing the government of reneging on agreed funeral arrangements.
In response, President Hichilema announced an immediate end to the national mourning period, stating that Zambia could not remain in “indefinite mourning.” He expressed frustration over the family’s decision, emphasizing that Lungu, as a former head of state, “belongs to the nation” and deserves a dignified burial in Zambia. The government had prepared full military honors for his return, but the family’s last-minute refusal has left the process in limbo.
The opposition Patriotic Front (PF), Lungu’s former party, has sided with the family, accusing the government of politicizing the funeral. PF acting president Given Lubinda condemned the handling of the matter, calling it disrespectful to a former leader. Meanwhile, civil society and religious leaders have urged dialogue, warning that the standoff is damaging national unity.
Lungu’s death has reignited political divisions in Zambia. After losing the 2021 election to Hichilema, Lungu remained a vocal critic of the government. His disqualification from the 2024 presidential race by the Constitutional Court further fueled tensions. Now, the funeral dispute has deepened the rift, raising concerns about stability.
As Zambia awaits a resolution, the impasse underscores the challenges of honoring a controversial yet significant political figure. The government has called for calm, but with emotions running high, the nation remains on edge, waiting for clarity on when and where its former leader will finally be laid to rest.
