A heated dispute over the final resting place of former President Edgar Lungu has ignited political and cultural tensions in Zambia capturing national attention amid ongoing economic hardships.
Lungu, 68 passed away two months ago in South Africa where he was being treated for an undisclosed illness has become the focal point of a deepening saga involving family, government authorities and political rivals. A Pretoria court recently ruled in favor of the Zambian government allowing Lungu’s body to be repatriated and given a state funeral despite objections from his family.
The decision sparked jubilant celebrations among supporters of the ruling party with some posting on Facebook “It’s coming home,” a phrase traditionally associated with English football fans, now used to celebrate what they see as justice served for the late leader. Critics, however, have condemned the response as undignified and divisive.
The controversy traces back to the feud between Lungu and his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema who defeated Lungu in the 2021 elections. Tensions escalated further over concerns that Hichilema and his officials may not honor the late president’s wishes. Lungu’s family had initially agreed to a state funeral in June but later opposed the government’s plans citing their desire that Hichilema not attend the funeral citing personal and political reasons.
The dispute has taken a bitter turn with Lungu’s sister Bertha Lungu visibly distraught in court lashing out at Zambia’s Attorney General, Mulilo Kabesha claiming that her brother “is not Hakainde’s son” expressing her reluctance to travel to Zambia.
The family is appealing the South African court’s decision with proceedings postponed to allow more negotiations. They insist that they are prepared to wait as long as necessary to ensure a respectful burial that honors Lungu’s wishes even if that means delaying the process or proceeding without the government’s involvement.
Meanwhile, the government remains resolute that Lungu deserves a state funeral to be attended by Hichilema, asserting that there is no legal basis to deny the president’s participation. The Attorney General has suggested that Lungu may be buried without his family’s consent if necessary.
Historically, Zambia has accorded former presidents state funerals at Embassy Park, a designated burial site. However, no formal law mandates this leaving the matter open to political interpretation. Critics argue that the government’s actions are driven more by political considerations than respect for tradition or the family’s wishes.
Renowned Zambian historian and lecturer Sishuwa Sishuwa condemned the government’s stance emphasizing that such actions are culturally insensitive and could worsen political divisions. He suggested that if Hichilema publicly indicated he would stay away from the funeral, the family might have accepted the process more peacefully.
Some political figures, like Nevers Mumba of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy have defended Hichilema’s actions, portraying them as driven by duty rather than obsession and praising his perseverance.
As the standoff continues, many Zambians remain divided some eager to move on from the controversy, others deeply engaged in the debate over whether Lungu’s body should “come home” and how the nation should honor its leaders.
The saga surrounding Edgar Lungu’s funeral underscores the enduring political and cultural sensitivities in Zambia, with the final chapter yet to be written.
