The Zambian government has announced that it has taken possession of the body of former president Edgar Lungu - who died in South Africa 10 months ago - despite opposition from his family. This situation highlights the ongoing dispute over his remains, rooted in a protracted feud between Lungu and his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema.
The government contends that, as a former head of state, Lungu should be laid to rest with honors at the presidential burial ground in Lusaka. In contrast, Lungu's family seeks a private burial, following the collapse of negotiations regarding funeral arrangements.
Last August, a South African court ruled that the Zambian government could proceed with repatriating Lungu's body and organizing a state funeral, a decision that has since faced an appeal from the family. However, the transfer of the body occurred after the family reportedly failed to advance their legal case.
Makebi Zulu, a spokesperson for the family, indicated in a recent interview that they dispute the claim that the appeals process had lapsed, asserting that proper legal avenues were still being followed. Subsequently, Lungu's family has lodged an urgent application in the South African high court to return the body to the funeral home where it was originally kept.
Lungu died due to an undisclosed illness last June at the age of 68 while receiving treatment in Pretoria. His presidency lasted from 2015 until 2021, concluding with a significant election defeat to Hichilema. Tensions between the two leaders have lingered, with Lungu's family stating that the former president sought to prevent Hichilema from attending his funeral.
The Zambian government remains firm in its intention to ensure Lungu receives a state funeral, reflecting the wish to honor his legacy alongside previous leaders.
The government contends that, as a former head of state, Lungu should be laid to rest with honors at the presidential burial ground in Lusaka. In contrast, Lungu's family seeks a private burial, following the collapse of negotiations regarding funeral arrangements.
Last August, a South African court ruled that the Zambian government could proceed with repatriating Lungu's body and organizing a state funeral, a decision that has since faced an appeal from the family. However, the transfer of the body occurred after the family reportedly failed to advance their legal case.
Makebi Zulu, a spokesperson for the family, indicated in a recent interview that they dispute the claim that the appeals process had lapsed, asserting that proper legal avenues were still being followed. Subsequently, Lungu's family has lodged an urgent application in the South African high court to return the body to the funeral home where it was originally kept.
Lungu died due to an undisclosed illness last June at the age of 68 while receiving treatment in Pretoria. His presidency lasted from 2015 until 2021, concluding with a significant election defeat to Hichilema. Tensions between the two leaders have lingered, with Lungu's family stating that the former president sought to prevent Hichilema from attending his funeral.
The Zambian government remains firm in its intention to ensure Lungu receives a state funeral, reflecting the wish to honor his legacy alongside previous leaders.
