Zambia’s Former President Edgar Lungu’s Family Bars Current President from Funeral
In a dramatic turn of events, the family of Zambia’s former President Edgar Lungu has announced that they will not allow current President Hakainde Hichilema to attend Lungu’s funeral. This decision comes after a long-standing rivalry between the two leaders, which culminated in Hichilema’s victory over Lungu in the 2021 election. The family’s statement, read from Johannesburg, South Africa, where Lungu passed away on June 5, revealed that it was the late president’s wish to exclude Hichilema from his funeral proceedings.
According to the family, Lungu’s final wishes included having his mortal remains conveyed privately by the family, without government involvement, and explicitly stated that President Hichilema should not be near his body. The family expressed frustration with the Zambian government’s attempts to override their decisions on funeral arrangements, violating Lungu’s final wishes. "The family is disturbed by the desire of the government of the Republic of Zambia to convey the mortal remains of the 6th Republican President in ways that suggest that they have no say," the family stated.
Tensions between the government and the family have escalated, with two government delegations engaging with the family in Johannesburg, only to later shift their positions, further straining relations. The Zambian government had planned to fly Lungu’s body back home on Wednesday, but this was put on hold due to a dispute with Lungu’s family and his political party, the Patriotic Front (PF), over mourning and funeral arrangements.
The rivalry between Lungu and Hichilema dates back to several election cycles, with Hichilema finally emerging victorious in 2021 after five previous attempts. The family has pledged to stay committed to Lungu’s wishes, ensuring that his funeral is conducted according to his desires. This development has significant implications for Zambia’s political landscape, highlighting the deep-seated tensions between the current and former presidents. As the country navigates this sensitive period, it remains to be seen how the government and the family will resolve their differences and pay their respects to the late President Lungu.
