Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu will be laid to rest in South Africa, a departure from the customary return to one’s homeland for burial.
The decision comes amidst a contentious dispute between Lungu’s family and the Zambian government, following his death earlier this month from an undisclosed illness at a South African hospital. Since Lungu’s passing, tensions have escalated as the family voiced their strong objections to any involvement from current Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema in the funeral proceedings.
The family’s demands have added layers of complexity to the task of repatriating Lungu’s body, ultimately leading to the conclusion that a private ceremony in South Africa aligns better with their wishes.Makebi Zulu, the spokesperson and lawyer representing Lungu’s family, shed light on the difficult decision, emphasising that it was made with deep consideration for privacy and respect.
“We would especially like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Government of the Republic of South Africa for their respectful support and for honoring the family’s decision to hold a private funeral and burial here in South Africa,” Zulu stated.
This decision marks a poignant moment not just for the family, but also for Zambia itself, as Lungu’s time in office was characterised by numerous political struggles and rivalry. As citizens reflect on his presidency, the inability to have a collective farewell back home may resonate deeply within the nation.
On Thursday, Hichilema, in a televised address to the nation, canceled the 16-day national mourning that he had declared earlier. “Our country cannot afford a state of indefinite mourning,” he said. “We have done everything possible to engage the family of our departed sixth Republican President, and we have reached a point where a clear decision has to be made.” Hichilema also apologised to the South African government for the inconvenience.
Lungu, 68, had ruled the southern African country from 2015 to 2021, when he lost power to Hichilema. He remained an influential figure in Zambian politics ahead of elections scheduled for next year. Lungu and Hichilema were bitter rivals. Their conflict culminated in Hichilema’s imprisonment in 2017 when Lungu was president. Hichilema was accused of treason after his motorcade failed to give way to Lungu’s presidential convoy.
Last year, Lungu accused Hichilema’s government of using police to harass him and restrict his movements. His family also said the government had initially prevented him from traveling to South Africa for treatment–a charge the government denied.