EX- ZAMBIAN PRESIDENT TO BE BURIED IN SOUTH AFRICA

The late former Zambian President Edgar Lungu will be laid to rest in South Africa rather than his native Zambia after an unresolved dispute between his family and the current government over his funeral arrangements.

Lungu, who passed away earlier this month at a South African hospital from an undisclosed illness, had been set to be repatriated for a state burial. However, his family and the administration of President Hakainde Hichilema failed to reach an agreement. Among the family’s key demands was that Hichilema, Lungu’s long-time political rival, not attend the funeral — a condition that was rejected.

In a statement, Makebi Zulu, the family’s spokesperson and lawyer, confirmed that the decision to bury Lungu in South Africa reflected the family’s desire for a private ceremony.

“We sincerely appreciate the Government of the Republic of South Africa for respecting our wishes and facilitating a dignified, private burial,” Zulu said.

Following the standoff, President Hichilema announced on Thursday that he was cutting short the 16 days of national mourning initially declared.

“Our nation cannot remain in an indefinite state of mourning,” Hichilema said in a televised address. “We have tried our utmost to engage the family, and a decisive point has been reached.”

The president also offered an apology to the South African government for the disruption caused.

Lungu, aged 68, led Zambia from 2015 until his defeat by Hichilema in 2021 and remained a prominent political player as the country approaches next year’s elections.

Relations between the two men had been tense for years. Lungu’s presidency saw Hichilema jailed in 2017 on treason charges after his convoy failed to give way to Lungu’s motorcade. Lungu’s family has also previously alleged that the current government hindered his travel for medical care in South Africa, a matter that indirectly contributed to his demise— a claim denied by state officials.