Lusaka – Zambia’s national mourning for former President Edgar Lungu has ended abruptly following a growing dispute between the government and the late leader’s family over his burial arrangements.
President Hakainde Hichilema called off the extended mourning period on Thursday night. The move followed the last-minute cancellation of Lungu’s body being flown back from South Africa, where he died earlier this month while undergoing medical treatment.
“The government has done everything possible to engage with the family of our departed sixth president,” Hichilema said in a televised address. “We have now reached a point where a clear decision has to be made. Zambia cannot afford a state of indefinite mourning.”
Lungu’s body was scheduled to arrive in Lusaka on Wednesday aboard a private charter flight. The government had organized full military honors upon arrival. The plan included allowing the body to lie in state at Lungu’s residence, followed by a state funeral on Sunday and burial on Monday.
However, the repatriation was stopped by Lungu’s family, who claimed the government had failed to honor a prior agreement regarding the funeral program. The family issued a statement saying they hoped the late president’s remains would still be returned and buried in Zambia “some day.”
President Hichilema expressed regret over the family’s decision and apologized to South African authorities who had prepared for the handover. “It is unfortunate that their efforts were in vain,” he said. He added that Lungu “belongs to the nation of Zambia” and should be buried on home soil with national honors.
The national mourning period began on June 8 and was supposed to end on June 14, but the government extended it until June 23 to allow more time for consensus on funeral arrangements.
The Patriotic Front (PF), Lungu’s former party, sided with the family. Acting PF president Given Lubinda accused the government of politicizing the funeral. “The government has turned a solemn occasion into a political game,” he said. “This is not how we treat a former head of state.”
Faith-based leaders have also weighed in. Emmanuel Chikoya, representing the Council of Churches in Zambia, urged both parties to find a peaceful solution. “This standoff is hurting the dignity of our country,” he said. “We appeal for humility, dialogue, and a resolution that honors the memory of the former president while keeping the nation united.”
Lungu led Zambia from 2015 to 2021. He lost the 2021 election to Hichilema and briefly retired from politics. He later attempted a comeback, but the Constitutional Court ruled him ineligible to run again, citing the country’s two-term limit.
Despite the ruling, Lungu remained a central political figure and continued to criticize Hichilema’s leadership. His unexpected death has now sparked a national debate not only about his legacy, but also about how Zambia honors its former leaders.
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and has urged for calm as the country seeks closure on the matter.
