Dispute Over Burial Plans Complicates Funeral for Zambian Ex-President Edgar Lungu

President Hakainde Hichilema has ended the national mourning period for Edgar Lungu, leading to uncertainty over the late leader's burial plans. The family has canceled the repatriation of Lungu's body from South Africa, citing broken agreements with the government, while opposition voices criticize the handling of the situation.

In a surprising turn of events, Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema has terminated the national mourning period for the late former President Edgar Lungu, igniting a dispute between Lungu's family and the government over his burial plans. This dispute follows the family's unexpected decision to cancel the return of Lungu's body from South Africa, leaving the nation in limbo regarding the former leader's final resting place.

In a speech on Thursday evening, President Hichilema stated the need for the nation to "resume normal life," highlighting efforts made by the government to collaborate with Lungu's family on funeral arrangements. The mourning period was extended from an initial schedule of June 8 to June 14, through to June 23, allowing flags to fly at half-mast, with solemn music played across radio stations.

Plans had been established for an official reception of Lungu's coffin with military honors, anticipations for a public wake at his residence, and subsequent burial on the following Monday. However, the family’s refusal to allow the repatriation of Lungu’s remains arose from claims that the government failed to adhere to prior agreements regarding how the funeral would proceed.

Hichilema expressed regret regarding the developments, particularly towards the South African government and military, who had prepared for the handover of Lungu's remains. He emphasized that as a former leader, Lungu's body rightfully belonged to the Zambian nation, necessitating an honored burial within its borders.

The opposition Patriotic Front (PF), which Lungu led, has side with the family's stance, criticizing the government and suggesting that they have politicized a period of mourning. PF acting president Given Lubinda remarked on the situation by stating, "This is not how we treat a former head of state."

Civil society leaders and some religious figures have called for urgent dialogue to resolve the impasse, with Emmanuel Chikoya, head of the Council of Churches in Zambia, urging a resolution that honors Lungu's legacy while maintaining national unity. The government has signaled openness to continue discussions with the family.

Edgar Lungu, who served as Zambia's sixth president from 2015 to 2021, passed away earlier this month in South Africa while receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness. Despite losing the presidency to Hichilema in 2021 and facing a court ruling that barred him from future elections due to term limits, Lungu remained an influential political figure, frequently voicing criticism of his successor.