Zambia’s president not wanted at predecessor’s funeral, family says
3 min read
Zambia’s former president Edgar Lungu's funeral plans ignite national tension as family bars sitting president from attending.
Zambia Faces Funeral Dispute Over Late President Edgar Lungu
Tensions have escalated in Zambia following the death of former President Edgar Lungu, with his family stating that his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema, should be barred from attending the funeral. The situation has led to public confusion and heightened the longstanding rivalry between the two leaders.
Family Rejects State Funeral Role for Hichilema
According to Makebi Zulu, a family lawyer and spokesman, Lungu left explicit instructions that President Hichilema “should not be anywhere near” his body. The statement comes amid a heated disagreement over how the late leader should be honored. Lungu died in South Africa last week at the age of 68 after receiving specialized treatment for an undisclosed illness.
Political Rivalry Shapes Funeral Tensions
Hichilema and Lungu have a history of political rivalry. After five failed presidential bids, Hichilema finally defeated Lungu in the 2021 election. Despite Lungu’s retreat from politics after his loss, he later re-emerged as a powerful figure in the Patriotic Front (PF), Zambia’s main opposition party. This background has further complicated efforts to organize a joint, respectful funeral process.
Dispute Delays Body’s Return to Zambia
Plans by the Zambian government to fly Lungu’s body home on Wednesday were stalled due to disagreements with the family and the PF party over who should organize and lead the funeral. The government hoped to grant Lungu a state funeral, but the family pushed back, demanding involvement in every detail, including who presides over the burial.
Family Asserts Lungu’s Right to a Private Funeral
In a new video released from South Africa, Makebi Zulu announced that the family had arranged all logistics for a private funeral in line with Lungu’s final wishes. “The conscience of the deceased should not be betrayed,” he said. He also accused the government of acting as if the family had no voice in the matter.
Government Seeks Unity Amid National Grief
President Hichilema addressed the nation Thursday evening, calling for “peace, love, and unity” during what he described as a period of “collective grief.” While he did not directly address the family’s opposition to his presence, he appeared to advocate for a state-led send-off, urging Zambians to “put aside our differences.”
Foreign Minister Urges Collaborative Resolution
Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe, who traveled to South Africa for talks with Lungu’s widow Esther and daughter Tasila, stressed that while the family’s wishes matter, Lungu’s status as a former president makes the funeral a national concern. “This is a moment for all Zambians,” he said, pushing for a resolution that would allow for a fitting farewell.
PF and Government Clash Over Mourning Venues
The PF party and the government have issued conflicting instructions about funeral arrangements. While the government designated a state-owned lodge in Lusaka as the official mourning venue, the PF directed supporters to gather at its party headquarters. This dual messaging has left citizens confused and uncertain about how to pay their respects.
Legal Experts Call for Clear Funeral Protocol
Legal scholar John Sangwa weighed in, saying the dispute shows the urgent need for a legal framework outlining funeral procedures for presidents and former heads of state. “We must respect the family’s wishes,” he emphasized, but added that national significance must also be considered in such cases.
Lungu’s Legacy and Political Ambitions
After his 2021 defeat, Lungu initially stepped away from politics but later returned, fueling speculation about another presidential bid. However, Zambia’s Constitutional Court ruled late last year that he could not contest again, citing constitutional limits that bar more than two terms.
About The Author
