In brief
Edgar Lungu's burial has ignited a fierce dispute between his family and President Hakainde Hichilema’s government, emphasizing a bitter political rivalry that continues beyond life.
Political tensions in Zambia have taken a dramatic turn, even after the recent death of former president Edgar Lungu. The 68-year-old leader, who passed away after treatment for an undisclosed illness, has yet to be laid to rest due to a feud between his family and the current government led by President Hakainde Hichilema. The rivalry between Hichilema and Lungu has been intense and personal, with each side accusing the other of political malfeasance during their respective tenures. Now, this animosity has extended into the afterlife. While Hichilema has insisted on a state funeral for Lungu, the former president's family argues he desired a private ceremony without Hichilema's involvement. Lungu’s family wishes to bury him in South Africa, where he died, but have hit a legal roadblock as a South African court has temporarily halted those plans due to a lawsuit filed by the Zambian government. A family spokesperson expressed deep concern, stating the family's only goal is to honor Lungu's wishes with a dignified burial, devoid of any political theatrics.
