In brief
The repatriation and burial of ex-Zambian President Edgar Lungu, who passed away two months ago, have erupted into a heated debate, marked by a ruling favoring state involvement against the family's wishes. Lungu's widow and family contest the government's plan for a state funeral, insisting on honoring his dying desire to exclude current President Hakainde Hichilema from the proceedings. This dispute reflects broader political divisions stemming from their contentious history.
The recent death of Zambia's former President Edgar Lungu has ignited a fierce dispute over his burial, with political tensions and family disagreements taking center stage. Lungu, who served as president from 2015 until losing to Hakainde Hichilema in 2021, died two months ago in South Africa during treatment for an undisclosed illness. In a recent court ruling in Pretoria, the Zambian government won the right to repatriate Lungu's body and conduct a state funeral, a decision met with mixed reactions. Some supporters celebrated the ruling on social media with the phrase "It's coming home," a phrase commonly associated with English football, symbolizing a victory. However, the ruling has drawn ire from Lungu's family, who oppose government intervention in the burial process. Lungu's older sister, Bertha, expressed her distress in court, condemning the involvement of Zambia's Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha, stating, "Kabesha, Lungu is not your father's son… This is really painful." Currently, Lungu's body remains in South Africa as the family appeals the court's decision, preparing for a hearing in the coming days. Initially, the family agreed to a state funeral, but disagreements arose concerning Hichilema's role, who they claim Lungu wished to exclude from the arrangements. The tensions are rooted in a long-standing rivalry, exacerbated by Hichilema's past detention under Lungu’s rule and allegations of political persecution against Lungu's family post-election. As negotiations continue, the Zambian government asserts that it is committed to ensuring Lungu receives a dignified send-off, even considering proceeding with the burial without the family's involvement if necessary. However, cultural experts criticize this approach as being insensitive, arguing that a burial should reflect the family's wishes and not be driven by political agendas. The enduring nature of this dispute illuminates the deep fractures in Zambian politics, illustrating how even in death, divisions persist. As the country watches this saga unfold, the debate over Lungu’s final resting place continues to provoke strong emotions among citizens grappling with its implications.
