Uncertainty Surrounds Final Resting Place of Zambia's Ex-President Amid Official Mourning Cancellation

President Hakainde Hichilema has ended the national mourning for former President Edgar Lungu after family disagreements caused a halt in repatriating Lungu's remains from South Africa. With burial plans in turmoil, the situation raises concerns over the respect afforded to past leaders in Zambia.

Zambia's political landscape is shrouded in uncertainty following President Hakainde Hichilema's sudden decision to terminate the national mourning period for former President Edgar Lungu. The cancellation has stemmed from a contentious dispute between Lungu’s family and the government regarding burial arrangements, following the last-minute decision by Lungu’s relatives to block the return of his body from South Africa.

In a televised address on Thursday evening, President Hichilema emphasized the need for the country to "resume normal life," stating that the government had made every effort to collaborate with Lungu’s family. The initial mourning period was extended after discussions aimed at resolving the logistics of Lungu's funeral arrangements, originally scheduled for Sunday. Despite preparations for the return of Lungu's remains and full military honors, the family expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that terms of the funeral agreement had not been honored by the government.

The abrupt end to national mourning represents a notable shift in tone from the authorities, who had prepared to honor Lungu, Zambia's sixth president, with a dignified farewell. Hichilema condemned the family's actions, asserting that Lungu, as a former head of state, "belongs to the nation of Zambia" and deserves to be honored with a burial on home soil. His government reaffirmed a firm stance that the country cannot sustain an "indefinite mourning period."

Lungu, who served as president from 2015 until losing the 2021 elections to current President Hichilema, passed away earlier this month while in South Africa receiving medical treatment. His death has reignited tensions, particularly as he remained a significant figure in Zambian politics despite stepping away from the political spotlight following his electoral defeat and a subsequent court ruling barring him from future candidacy.

Opposition leader Given Lubinda has criticized the government's handling of the situation, accusing officials of politicizing a solemn event. Civil society groups and religious leaders have urged for a peaceful resolution, highlighting that the ongoing standoff is damaging the country's dignity. As the situation develops, the Zambian government continues to seek dialogue with Lungu's family in hopes of finding a resolution that honors the former president while keeping national unity intact.