In an unprecedented turn of events, the former Zambian President Edgar Lungu will be interred in South Africa following a disagreement over funeral arrangements with the Zambian government, a situation that has stirred national and political turmoil.
Zambian Former President Edgar Lungu's Burial Sparks Controversy
Zambian Former President Edgar Lungu's Burial Sparks Controversy
Edgar Lungu's funeral plans lead to a split between his family and the Zambian government, culminating in his burial being scheduled for South Africa.
The family of Edgar Lungu, the sixth president of Zambia, who served from 2015 to 2021, has announced that he will be buried in Johannesburg in a private ceremony. This decision came after a significant disagreement with President Hakainde Hichilema's administration, which included a period of national mourning that was abruptly ended due to the family's refusal to allow Lungu's body to be returned to Zambia.
Originally planned to be honored with a state funeral in Lusaka, discussions between Lungu's family and the government broke down following disputes over the arrangements. Family spokesperson Makebi Zulu addressed these concerns and highlighted the family's preference for a discreet burial, stating, "The funeral and burial of our beloved Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu will take place here in South Africa... in accordance with the family's wishes."
This incident marks the first instance of a former Zambian leader being buried outside the country, raising eyebrows domestically. President Hichilema previously emphasized that as a former president, Lungu "belongs to the nation of Zambia" and should receive a burial on home soil. The abrupt end to the mourning period indicated a strong desire from the government to move on, focusing on restoring normalcy.
The disagreement has also strained relations within the political landscape, with Lungu's former party, the Patriotic Front (PF), supporting the family's stance. Acting President Given Lubinda criticized the government's handling of the situation, asserting, "This is not how we treat a former head of state."
Meanwhile, civil society and religious leaders have called for dialogue and a respectful resolution, emphasizing the need to honor Lungu's legacy while fostering national unity. Lungu, who passed away this month in South Africa, was a significant figure whose tenure affected many aspects of the country's political narrative. Despite losing the 2021 election, Lungu retained considerable influence and was a vocal critic of his successor.
As the situation develops, Zambian citizens and authorities alike are left grappling with the implications of this unprecedented funeral and the underlying disputes that continue to shape the nation’s political environment.
Originally planned to be honored with a state funeral in Lusaka, discussions between Lungu's family and the government broke down following disputes over the arrangements. Family spokesperson Makebi Zulu addressed these concerns and highlighted the family's preference for a discreet burial, stating, "The funeral and burial of our beloved Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu will take place here in South Africa... in accordance with the family's wishes."
This incident marks the first instance of a former Zambian leader being buried outside the country, raising eyebrows domestically. President Hichilema previously emphasized that as a former president, Lungu "belongs to the nation of Zambia" and should receive a burial on home soil. The abrupt end to the mourning period indicated a strong desire from the government to move on, focusing on restoring normalcy.
The disagreement has also strained relations within the political landscape, with Lungu's former party, the Patriotic Front (PF), supporting the family's stance. Acting President Given Lubinda criticized the government's handling of the situation, asserting, "This is not how we treat a former head of state."
Meanwhile, civil society and religious leaders have called for dialogue and a respectful resolution, emphasizing the need to honor Lungu's legacy while fostering national unity. Lungu, who passed away this month in South Africa, was a significant figure whose tenure affected many aspects of the country's political narrative. Despite losing the 2021 election, Lungu retained considerable influence and was a vocal critic of his successor.
As the situation develops, Zambian citizens and authorities alike are left grappling with the implications of this unprecedented funeral and the underlying disputes that continue to shape the nation’s political environment.
