Family Blocks Return of Zambia’s Former President Edgar Lungu’s Body Amid Funeral Dispute

The family of Zambia’s former President Edgar Lungu has halted the return of his body from South Africa, citing a breach of agreements with the government over funeral arrangements. The late leader’s remains were scheduled to be flown back to Zambia on Wednesday, but the family has expressed doubts about the government’s commitment to the agreed plans.

Makebi Zulu, the family spokesperson, announced the decision on Wednesday, stating, “Sadly, the mortal remains of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu will not return today.” Zulu emphasized that the government had released a draft funeral program without consulting the family, leading to the postponement.

President Hakainde Hichilema was expected to receive the body at the airport in Lusaka, the capital, before it was to lie in state at Lungu’s residence. A state funeral was planned for June 22, followed by burial the next day. However, the family claims the government deviated from the agreed-upon program.

This marks the second time the family has refused to repatriate Lungu’s body, reflecting ongoing tensions between the family and the government over control of the funeral arrangements. The opposition Patriotic Front (PF), which Lungu led until his death, has backed the family’s stance, accusing the government of politicizing the mourning process.

Lungu, who served as Zambia’s president from 2015 to 2021, died earlier this month in South Africa while receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness. A 16-day national mourning period is currently in effect across the country. According to the family, Lungu had left instructions that Hichilema, his long-standing political rival, should not be involved in his funeral. However, a compromise was reportedly reached, allowing Hichilema to preside over the state funeral.

Lungu lost the 2021 presidential election to Hichilema by a significant margin and subsequently stepped back from politics before attempting a comeback. Last year, he was barred from running for president again by the Constitutional Court, which ruled he had already served the maximum two terms allowed by law. Despite this, he remained a prominent figure in Zambian politics and was vocal in his criticism of Hichilema’s administration.

The government has yet to comment on the family’s decision to delay the repatriation of Lungu’s body. The standoff highlights the deep political divisions in Zambia as the nation mourns the loss of its former leader.