Zambia's Former Leader to be Buried in South Africa Amid Funeral Dispute

The remains of Zambia's former President Edgar Lungu will be interred in South Africa following a contentious dispute between his family and the national government regarding funeral arrangements, family representatives confirmed Friday.

President Hakainde Hichilema terminated Zambia's official mourning period late Thursday after Lungu's relatives blocked plans to repatriate the body from South Africa where he died on June 8 while undergoing medical treatment. The burial, described by the family as a private ceremony to ensure "dignity and peace," will occur in Johannesburg instead of the previously scheduled state funeral in Lusaka this Sunday.

"The funeral and burial of our beloved Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu will take place here in South Africa according to family wishes," stated spokesperson Makebi Zulu, acknowledging South African authorities for respecting their decision during "this deeply emotional period."

The disagreement escalated when Lungu's family refused last-minute repatriation Wednesday, accusing the government of violating agreed funeral protocols. This marks the first instance of a former African head of state from another nation being buried in South Africa.

President Hichilema asserted that Lungu "belongs to Zambia" and deserved burial on home soil with full honors. Faced with the impasse, he declared: "The government has done everything possible... we must resume normal life," cutting short mourning flags and ceremonies originally extended through June 23.

Political tensions underpin the conflict, with Lungu's will explicitly barring Hichilema—his longtime political rival—from attending funeral services. The opposition Patriotic Front condemned the government's handling as "turning a solemn occasion into a political game," while Zambian religious leaders implored both sides to resolve the standoff to preserve national unity.

Lungu governed Zambia from 2015 until his 2021 electoral defeat by Hichilema. Despite being constitutionally barred from seeking reelection last year, he remained an influential critic of the current administration until his death at 68.