Zambia's Former President Edgar Lungu to be Laid to Rest in South Africa Amidst Controversy

The family of Edgar Lungu, the sixth president of Zambia, has announced that he will be buried in South Africa, following disagreements with the Zambian government over his funeral arrangements, leading to a swift end to the national mourning period.

In a statement, family spokesperson Makebi Zulu confirmed that Lungu would be laid to rest in Johannesburg, aligned with the family's wishes for privacy. This decision comes after a proposed repatriation of his remains became contentious, with President Hakainde Hichilema initially advocating for a state funeral in Zambia. The funeral, set for Sunday in Lusaka, was ultimately canceled due to the family's refusal to comply with government arrangements.

Hichilema emphasized that as a former president, Lungu's body should be honored in Zambia but announced the end of the mourning period after the family blocked the repatriation of his remains. The situation escalated into a political issue, with the Patriotic Front (PF), the party Lungu led until his death, voicing concerns over the government's handling of the event.

Civil society and religious leaders echoed the call for dialogue and reconciliation, urging a resolution that respects Lungu's legacy and unites the nation. Lungu passed away earlier this month in South Africa, where he was undergoing treatment for an undisclosed illness. Despite losing the presidency to Hichilema in 2021, he maintained significant political influence until his death.