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.

A South African court has temporarily halted plans to bury former Zambian President Edgar Lungu at a private ceremony just as the funeral was about to commence. The announcement was made to mourners in a church in South Africa after a funeral mass had already concluded marking a significant development in the ongoing dispute over Lungu’s burial arrangements.

The controversy stems from a disagreement between Lungu’s family and the Zambian government. The family had opted for a private funeral in South Africa instead of a full state funeral in Zambia. In response, the Zambian government filed an urgent application with the Pretoria High Court seeking to prevent the burial planned by the family. The court ruled that the funeral would not proceed following an “agreement between the parties,” though it indicated that any funeral would likely be postponed until at least August.

This legal tussle adds to the long-standing tensions between Lungu’s family and the current Zambian administration led by President Hakainde Hichilema. The family had expressed a desire to handle Lungu’s funeral arrangements including the repatriation of his remains to Zambia while authorities sought to take control of the process. The dispute intensified after the family claimed that Lungu had expressed that Hichilema should not attend his funeral.

Hichilema, on the other hand has maintained that Lungu as a former president, “belongs to the nation of Zambia” and should be buried in the country. The Zambian government argues that personal wishes should not override the public interest citing past cases like that of founding President Kenneth Kaunda. In 2021, Kaunda’s family stated he preferred to be buried next to his wife but the government proceeded to inter him at Embassy Memorial Park in Lusaka.

The Pretoria court has set deadlines for submissions from both sides: Zambian Attorney General Mulilo D. Kabesha has until July 4 to file an “amended notice of motion” supporting Lungu’s repatriation while Lungu’s family has until July 11 to submit their opposing papers. The court indicated that the matter will be heard as a “special motion” on August 4, 2025 with the costs of the urgent application to be determined then.

The ongoing dispute highlights the strained relationship between Lungu and his successor, Hichilema, which has persisted both during and after Lungu’s presidency. Notably, during his time in office, Hichilema was detained for over 100 days on treason charges after his motorcade allegedly refused to give way to Lungu’s convoy.

The nation’s plans to honor former President Edgar Lungu with a state funeral have been thrown into disarray amid deep-seated political tensions and personal animosities between Zambia’s current President Hakainde Hichilema and the late former leader.

Lungu’s death on June 5 at age 68 sparked a wave of condolence messages from neighboring countries and international leaders. However, the official mourning process has been overshadowed by a bitter feud that has left the country divided and questions swirling over the handling of his funeral arrangements.

Initially scheduled for Sunday at a major conference center in Lusaka, the state funeral will no longer take place as planned. No visiting dignitaries will attend and the venue will remain empty as disagreements between the family and government over funeral control have escalated.

The controversy was evident from the moment Lungu’s daughter, Tasila announced his passing via Facebook. Dressed in a black jacket and visibly emotional, she said her father died in a South African hospital where he was receiving treatment with “dignity and privacy.” Her brief message invoked Zambia’s national motto, “One Zambia, One Nation,” seemingly as a plea for unity during a time of grief—a subtle hint that underlying tensions persisted.

Meanwhile, questions arose as to why President Hichilema had not publicly acknowledged Lungu’s death immediately. While other international leaders and social media users sent condolences, Zambia’s state broadcaster, ZNBC, remained silent. It was only hours later that Hichilema issued a message on Facebook, calling for peace, dignity and unity, a move seen by many as insufficient given the circumstances.

Supporters of Lungu criticized Hichilema’s delayed response, especially considering the history of hostility between the two politicians. Hichilema who defeated Lungu in the 2021 elections after a contentious campaign, has a long history of political rivalry and personal grievances rooted in past imprisonments and allegations of harassment during his opposition days.

Lungu’s tenure was marked by allegations of corruption and perceived anti-democratic practices, leading to his defeat in 2021 amid widespread discontent. After leaving office, Lungu announced his return to active politics in October 2023 prompting the government to revoke his retirement benefits and impose restrictions, including police harassment and travel bans—claims the government denies.

Relations between the two leaders further deteriorated after Lungu’s death. The family sought to control funeral arrangements but the government’s attempts to take charge including releasing a funeral program emphasizing President Hichilema’s involvement led to a breakdown in negotiations.

Lungu’s family expressed anger over what they described as government interference and the situation worsened when the family announced that the funeral would be held in South Africa citing the ongoing disagreements and the feeling that Hichilema’s government had not shown genuine respect.

The tragic fallout has denied many Zambians the opportunity to mourn their former leader collectively and has left a lingering sense of division in the nation. As the funeral plans remain in limbo, the country faces the prospect of a somber farewell that reflects its deep political wounds.

The death of Edgar Lungu has thus become more than a loss of a former leader. It has exposed the profound rifts within Zambia’s political landscape, with many questioning whether the country will ever find a path toward reconciliation.

Former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Joseph Kabila has declared his intention to return to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after six years of silence and self-imposed exile. This move is poised to significantly alter the country’s already precarious political landscape.

Kabila made the announcement via a statement on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “I’m going home. After six years of silence and a year of exile, I have resolved to return to the Democratic Republic of Congo without delay. I will enter from the eastern part of our territory. The country’s situation demands it. It is time to participate, with determination, in the search for real solutions.”

His return comes at a critical moment as the DRC faces heightened political tensions and insecurity especially in the eastern regions where armed groups continue to pose serious challenges to stability. Kabila, who ruled from 2001 to 2019 before handing power to current President Félix Tshisekedi has remained an influential yet enigmatic figure in Congolese politics.

Relations between Kabila and Tshisekedi have become increasingly fraught with Kabila accusing the current administration of corruption, human rights violations and electoral manipulation. Tshisekedi, in turn has suggested that Kabila acts as the “invisible hand” behind ongoing rebel activities including alleged support for the M23 movement, notorious for its brutal attacks in North Kivu and Ituri provinces.

Kabila’s plan to enter the DRC through its eastern territories carries significant implications. It is viewed as not only symbolic but provocative given the region’s volatility and Kabila’s supposed connections with local armed groups. Analysts are concerned that his return could exacerbate tensions between opposing political factions and reignite suspicions regarding his motives.

“This is not just a homecoming. It’s a political statement,” remarked a political analyst in Kinshasa. “Kabila is positioning himself as a national savior at a time when confidence in Tshisekedi’s leadership is faltering.”

The announcement has sent shockwaves through Congolese politics raising questions about the balance of power as the nation approaches its next electoral cycle. Whether Kabila’s return signals the dawn of a new political chapter or the intensification of an already volatile situation remains uncertain.

While the Congolese government has yet to respond formally to Kabila’s announcement, insider sources indicate that security forces are on high alert in anticipation of potential unrest.

Meanwhile, Kabila’s supporters have begun mobilizing across various regions, advocating for his “restoration” to leadership. As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on how this unexpected return will impact the DRC’s future.