Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu's funeral arrangements have been finalized after a family-government dispute. The funeral includes public mourning days and state honors, while the family acknowledges previous tensions surrounding the agreement.
Zambian Government and Lungu Family Reach Agreement on Former President's Funeral Arrangements
Zambian Government and Lungu Family Reach Agreement on Former President's Funeral Arrangements
After a tense negotiation period, the family of Zambia's late ex-president Edgar Lungu has settled funeral arrangements with the government, allowing for a state funeral next Sunday.
The funeral arrangements for Zambia's late ex-president Edgar Lungu have been successfully negotiated after a period of uncertainty. Lungu, who served as President from 2015 until 2021, passed away at 68 in South Africa after battling an undisclosed illness. His family had previously indicated that his wishes included excluding current President Hakainde Hichilema from his funeral proceedings.
However, following extensive discussions, it has now been agreed that Hichilema will indeed preside over Lungu's state funeral scheduled for next Sunday. The details of this arrangement have brought relief to many, clearing a path for the nation to honor their former leader.
The timeline for the funeral proceedings is as follows: Lungu's body is set to be flown back to Lusaka on a private charter on Wednesday, where it will receive full military honors upon arrival. It will then rest at his residence for a brief period before moving to a conference center in Lusaka, available for public visitation for three days starting Thursday. On Sunday, the state funeral ceremony will be conducted, concluding official mourning by the following day. The final resting place for Lungu remains undecided—whether he will be laid to rest at presidential grounds or at his home.
At a joint press conference held in South Africa, family spokesperson Makebi Zulu extended apologies for the tension during negotiations and reassured the public of their commitment to honoring Lungu's wishes. Government representative Patrick Kangwa called for unity among Zambians and expressed gratitude for their patience throughout this difficult process.
Lungu's political career was marked by significant events, including losing the 2021 election to Hichilema and later facing legal hurdles that barred him from seeking another presidential term. Despite stepping back from politics, Lungu remained a significant influence, continuing to voice his opposition to the current administration.
The nation now prepares to pay tribute to a leader whose impact will be felt for years to come as they navigate these final arrangements.
