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The family of Zambia’s former President Edgar Lungu has announced he will be interred in South Africa in a private ceremony, following contention with the government regarding the funeral arrangements. This decision marks a significant departure from initial plans for a state burial in his home country, highlighting the sensitive nature of political transitions and personal wishes concerning the final farewell to a former leader.
Dispute Over Funeral Plans Leads to Burial in South Africa
Late on Thursday, President Hakainde Hichilema truncated a period of national mourning after the Lungu family declined to permit the return of his body from South Africa, contrary to earlier arrangements. His memorial had been scheduled for Sunday in Zambia’s capital, Lusaka.
The family now indicates that it will declare at a later date when Lungu will be laid to rest in Johannesburg in “dignity and peace.”
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Unprecedented Burial of a Foreign Head of State in South Africa
This event marks the first instance of a former head of state from another nation being buried in South Africa.
Lungu’s Will Stipulated Hichilema’s Absence
In his testament, Lungu stipulated that Hichilema, his long-standing rival, should not be present at his service.
Initially, the government and family concurred on a state funeral before relations soured over the specific preparations.
Family’s Decision for a Private Ceremony
“We wish to communicate that the memorial and interment of our cherished Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu will occur here in South Africa, abiding by the family’s desires for a confidential ceremony,” stated family spokesperson Makebi Zulu.
Zulu expressed gratitude to the South African government for its “non-intervention” and honoring the family’s determination and preference during “this profoundly delicate period.”
Government’s Stance on Burial Location
In his address on Thursday, President Hichilema asserted that Lungu, as a former president, “belongs to the nation of Zambia” and consequently, his body should “be interred in Zambia with full honors, and not in any other country.”
Nevertheless, due to the disagreement, he proclaimed an immediate conclusion to the mourning period, stating the country needed to “return to normalcy.”
“The government has exhausted all avenues to collaborate with the family of our deceased sixth president,” he remarked.
National Mourning Period Abruptly Ended
The national mourning period initially spanned from June 8 to 14 but was subsequently extended until June 23, characterized by flags at half-mast and solemn music on radio stations.
President Hichilema and high-ranking officials had been prepared to receive Lungu’s remains with complete military protocols on Wednesday.
However, Lungu’s family obstructed the repatriation of his remains at the last moment, alleging the government had reneged on its agreement concerning the funeral arrangements.
Political Fallout and Societal Reactions
The opposition Patriotic Front (PF), the party Lungu directed until his passing, has aligned with the family regarding the funeral plans.
“The government has transformed a solemn occasion into a political exercise,” declared PF acting president Given Lubinda. “This is not the appropriate way to treat a former head of state.”
Calls for Resolution and Unity
Civil society groups have advocated for an expedited resolution to the matter, with a segment of religious leaders asserting that the impasse was “undermining the dignity of our country.”
“We implore for humility, dialogue, and a resolution that respects the memory of the former president while preserving the nation’s unity,” stated Emmanuel Chikoya, head of the Council of Churches in Zambia.
Lungu’s Legacy and Final Years
Lungu, who governed Zambia from 2015 to 2021, passed away earlier this month in South Africa, where he was undergoing treatment for an unspecified ailment.
Following six years as head of state, Lungu conceded the 2021 election to Hichilema by a significant margin. He initially withdrew from politics but later re-engaged in the political sphere.
He harbored aspirations to contest the presidency once more, but toward the close of last year, the Constitutional Court prevented him from running, decreeing that he had already served the maximum two terms permitted by law.
Notwithstanding his disqualification from the presidential election, he retained substantial influence in Zambian politics and openly criticized his successor.