The family of Edgar Lungu, the ex-Zambian president who passed away in South Africa, has concluded discussions with the government permitting a state funeral amid initial disagreements regarding arrangements.
Funeral Arrangements Resolved for Late Zambian President Edgar Lungu
Funeral Arrangements Resolved for Late Zambian President Edgar Lungu
After a week of negotiations, the family of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu reach an agreement with the government for his state funeral.
Zambia’s former president, Edgar Lungu, who served from 2015 to 2021, passed away recently in South Africa, leading to contentious discussions around his funeral arrangements. The decision was reached after prolonged negotiations, ensuring the state's participation despite prior requests from Lungu’s family to exclude President Hakainde Hichilema from the memorial.
The circumstances surrounding Lungu's death have captured national attention, especially because his family initially insisted that Hichilema should avoid any involvement in the funeral. However, an agreement has now been forged, allowing Hichilema to officiate at the state funeral slated for Sunday, June 22.
The timeline for the funeral has been established: Lungu's remains will be transported to Lusaka via a private flight on Wednesday. Following arrival, military honors will pay tribute before the body is taken to his residence. Public access to the deceased leader will be available for three days at a local conference center, allowing citizens to pay their respects before the state funeral.
Family spokesperson Makebi Zulu expressed gratitude towards the government for their cooperation, while also apologizing for any confusion caused by the delays. The government representative, Patrick Kangwa, called for national unity during this challenging period.
Edgar Lungu's political career ended after a loss to Hichilema in the 2021 elections, where he attempted to retain his influence but faced legal barriers to a potential presidential bid. His tenure, ending with complexity in Zambian politics, left him a polarizing figure even post-office, underscored by accusations of police harassment and restricted mobility from officials, which the government has denied.
As Zambia moves towards honoring Lungu, the developments underline the intricate intersections of politics and mourning in a nation still navigating the legacies of its leaders.
