After nearly two weeks of uncertainty and tension, the family of Zambia’s former President Edgar Lungu and the government have reached a resolution on funeral arrangements, paving the way for a state funeral on Sunday, June 22.
Lungu, who served as president from 2015 to 2021, died in South Africa 10 days ago while receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness. His death was followed by a public and political standoff, as his family initially opposed the involvement of current President Hakainde Hichilema in the funeral proceedings. According to the family, Lungu had left strict instructions barring Hichilema his political rival from coming “anywhere near his body.”
Despite this directive, Lungu’s family has now agreed to allow Hichilema to preside over the state funeral following negotiations mediated in South Africa. Lungu family spokesperson Makebi Zulu confirmed the agreement, expressing regret for the anxiety the standoff had caused but emphasized the family’s efforts to honour the late president’s personal wishes.
Under the newly agreed plan, Lungu’s body will be flown to Lusaka on Wednesday via private charter. It will be received by the family at the airport with full military honours and later transported to his residence to lie in state. From Thursday, the body will be moved to a conference centre in the capital where the public will have three days to pay their respects.
The state funeral will take place on Sunday, June 22, with official mourning ending the following day. The burial is scheduled for Monday, although it remains unclear whether it will occur at the official presidential burial site or at his home.
Cabinet Secretary Patrick Kangwa, speaking on behalf of the government, called for national unity and thanked citizens for their patience during what he termed “a difficult time.”
Lungu, who lost the 2021 election to Hichilema, had remained an influential and vocal political figure despite being barred from contesting again by the Constitutional Court last year. His death closes a significant chapter in Zambia’s political landscape.
