The row involves political rivalries and cultural sensitivities as the late president’s family fights for control over his burial, reflecting deep national divisions.
"Zambia's Ex-President Lungu's Funeral Dispute Escalates"
"Zambia's Ex-President Lungu's Funeral Dispute Escalates"
Tensions rise in Zambia as the government insists on a state funeral for Edgar Lungu, sparking controversy with his family.
The remains of Zambia’s former president, Edgar Lungu, have become the focal point of a heated dispute between the Zambian government and Lungu's family following his death two months ago in South Africa. Lungu, who served as president from 2015 until his defeat in the 2021 elections, passed away due to an undisclosed illness, and his family expressed a desire for burial practices aligned with his last wishes.
A Pretoria court recently ruled in favor of the Zambian government, allowing for Lungu's body to be repatriated for a state funeral despite opposition from his family, triggering mixed reactions among Zambians. Some supporters of the ruling party celebrated the decision on social media with phrases like, “It’s coming home,” a nod to soccer culture, showcasing the divisive political climate surrounding the situation.
The dispute has deep roots, originating from the animosity between Lungu and his successor Hakainde Hichilema, who defeated him in the 2021 elections. The late president’s widow, Esther Lungu, and other family members have publicly expressed disdain for Hichilema's involvement in the funeral arrangements, citing claims that one of Lungu's dying wishes was for Hichilema to avoid any connection to his body.
Anguished responses emerged from Lungu’s family in court, with his sister Bertha Lungu vocally opposing the ruling while in tears. She insisted they feel profound grief and shock at the government's stance. Although the Lungu family initially considered a state funeral, tensions flared when discussions regarding the former president's burial features became contentious.
The former president’s relatives have stated they will appeal the ruling and are willing to prolong the process to ensure Lungu has a burial that aligns with their values, with sources indicating they are prepared to wait even longer. The Zambian government, on the other hand, is adamant about providing a state funeral and its attorney general has asserted that Lungu may be buried without the family’s involvement if necessary.
Historian Sishuwa Sishuwa has criticized the government's approach, asserting that the ongoing public feud only exacerbates political divisions and cultural insensitivities surrounding funeral practices in Zambia. The relationship between the former president and Hichilema has had a lasting impact on Zambian society, influencing how matters of death and burial are perceived among the citizenry.
As the legal battles continue, Zambians remain polarized over the issue of Edgar Lungu's remains, marking yet another chapter in a politically charged saga that underlines the deep rifts in the nation’s political landscape. The future of Lungu's burial remains uncertain, and the debate over his final resting place is far from over.
