The Zambian government has stated that it has taken possession of the body of former president Edgar Lungu, who passed away in South Africa ten months ago, despite opposition from his family. This incident has escalated the ongoing feud concerning Lungu's funeral arrangements, a conflict rooted in political tensions between Lungu and his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema. The Zambian government believes Lungu, as a former head of state, deserves to be honored and buried in a presidential burial ground in Lusaka. Conversely, the family has expressed preference for a private burial after negotiations with the government collapsed. Previously, a South African court had ruled that the Zambian government could repatriate Lungu's body and conduct a state funeral, a decision that the family appealed. Following their failure to advance their case in court, the transfer of the body took place, leading to further disputes as the family's spokesman claimed that the correct legal procedures were disregarded. They have now filed an urgent application for the body's return to the original funeral home in South Africa. Lungu, who led Zambia from 2015 to 2021, passed away at the age of 68 and had expressed a wish to prevent Hichilema from attending his funeral.
Dispute Over Former Zambian President's Burial Intensifies
Dispute Over Former Zambian President's Burial Intensifies
The Zambian government has taken control of ex-president Edgar Lungu's body, sparking tension with his family amid a legal and political feud.
The Zambian government has assumed possession of former president Edgar Lungu's body, following a contentious dispute with his family. Lungu, who passed away in June 2022, was to be honored with a state funeral despite the family's wishes for a private burial. This move follows a court ruling that favored the government's decision to repatriate the remains and provide full state honors. Tensions persist as the family disputes the legality of the government’s actions and seeks to appeal in court.
